Theory test — Bush class

The Bush entry test verifies you understand the basics of operating into short, unpaved fields under VFR. Density altitude, weight-and-balance sensitivity, short-field technique, mountain flying. 10 questions, 70% to pass.

What it covers

The class assumes you're going to be flying types like the C172, DHC-2 Beaver, or C208 into fields that might be 800m gravel strips at high elevation, in marginal weather, with weight constraints that bite. The test is calibrated to the operational risk those flights actually carry.

Topics

• Short-field takeoff and landing. Speeds, technique, abort criteria.
• Density altitude. How altitude + temperature shift performance; reading a performance chart.
• Weight and balance. CG range, max takeoff weight in non-standard conditions.
• Mountain flying. Crossing ridges, downdrafts, wind on the lee side, escape routes.
• VFR weather minima. Class E vs Class G, marginal conditions, when not to go.
• Soft-field / unpaved operations. Surface assessment, tire / prop care, taxi technique.

Study sources

• FAA PHAK — chapters 5 (aerodynamics), 10 (weight and balance), 11 (aircraft performance), 12 (weather theory).
• FAA AFH — chapter 6 (ground reference manoeuvres), chapter 7 (airport operations), chapter 10 (takeoffs and departure climbs), chapter 11 (approaches and landings).
• SkyBrary — Density Altitude.
• SkyBrary — Mountain Flying.