Theory test — Small Airline class

The Small Airline entry test covers scheduled IFR operations in regional turboprops and narrow-body jets. ATC procedures, SID/STAR flying, holding, basic dispatch. 10 questions, 70% to pass.

What it covers

The starter is the A20N; the milestone tree opens up regional turboprops (Q400, ATR-72) and the broader narrow-body fleet. Operations are hub-spoke, scheduled, ATC-heavy. The test focuses on what controllers expect you to know.

Topics

• SID and STAR flying. Reading the chart, climb / descent gradient compliance, RNAV transitions.
• Holding patterns. Entries (direct, parallel, teardrop), timing, EFC.
• ATC phraseology. Standard read-backs; what to say when you can't comply.
• Crew briefings. Takeoff, approach, and missed-approach briefings — what they have to include.
• Performance. V-speeds, climb gradients, balanced field length, contaminated runway penalties.
• Approach categories. Cat I / II / III, what each requires of the aircraft and the pilot.

Study sources

• FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook — chapters on departures, arrivals, holding.
• FAA Aeronautical Information Manual.
• SkyBrary — Standard Instrument Departure.
• SkyBrary — Standard Instrument Arrival.
• SkyBrary — ILS.