Private Pilot Private Exam

Before acting as pilot in command of a high performance airplane, what must a private pilot do?

1. Receive ground and flight instruction

2. Take an online high performance course

3. Log a specific number of flight hours

4. Obtain additional medical clearance

The correct answer is: Receive ground and flight instruction

To act as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane, a private pilot must receive ground and flight instruction specific to the aircraft. High-performance airplanes are those that have engines with more than 200 horsepower or have retractable landing gear, flaps, or other complex systems. Therefore, the private pilot needs to be adequately trained in these systems to ensure safety and operational proficiency. Receiving ground instruction covers the theoretical aspects, such as performance characteristics, operational limitations, and systems management of high-performance aircraft. In-flight instruction enables the pilot to gain practical experience and become familiar with the aircraft's handling characteristics and emergency procedures. This combination of ground and flight training is essential for ensuring that the pilot can safely operate a high-performance airplane. Other options, while they may have their own relevance, do not meet the specific regulatory requirement for training on high-performance aircraft. Logging flight hours or obtaining medical clearance may be necessary for different circumstances but does not specifically address the requisite training outlined by regulations for high-performance aircraft operation.