Skip to content
Aviator IQ
Start Free

Documenting in-flight and postflight discrepancies

One of the topics candidates miss most on the Private Pilot Airplane written test. It sits under Postflight Procedures (Task A) in the FAA standards, code PA.XII.A.K2.

Updated September 2026 · Reporting window: 2nd Quarter CY2024 (Jul 2023 to Jun 2024)

80.67%
of Private Pilot candidates miss this code
3rd
most-missed of 9 codes the FAA lists
Severe
threat level

What this topic actually is

Anything that breaks, acts up, or looks wrong in flight is a discrepancy, and it belongs to the aircraft's records, not to you. The next person to fly that airplane needs to know, and so does maintenance.

The exam links this to airworthiness. You may not simply decide an item is fine and fly on; inoperative equipment is handled under specific rules (14 CFR 91.213), and only maintenance defers or clears items. Your job is to record the discrepancy accurately so the airplane's status is honest.

Where to study this
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3); 14 CFR part 91 maintenance and equipment rules; the POH/AFM.
Read Airplane Flying Handbook on Aviator IQ →

Why most candidates miss it

New pilots think a squawk is a personal note, so they log it in their own logbook or shrug it off if they are done flying. Airworthiness travels with the airplane, and the record has to reflect that. The trap that catches people: getting the rule slightly wrong. Try it yourself.

Sample trap question

You notice an inoperative landing light after a night flight. What is the correct postflight action?

How to master it

Adopt one habit: any discrepancy goes into the aircraft record, immediately and factually. Deferring or placarding is a maintenance action under 91.213, not a pilot judgment call.

Then lock it in with repetition. The Private Pilot written test practice on Aviator IQ is built from the same FAA handbooks and figures, and every answer cites its source.

The one thing to remember

Discrepancies belong to the aircraft's records, not your logbook, and only maintenance defers them.

More questions people miss on the Private Pilot

This code is one of several the Private Pilot catches people on. Here are example questions across the topics candidates miss most. Try each for an instant breakdown.

1. Reading a METAR

The remarks section of a METAR reads RAB28. What does this mean?

2. VFR cruising altitudes

Above 3,000 ft AGL on a magnetic course of 135°, which VFR cruising altitude is correct?

3. Weight and balance

An aircraft is loaded with 50 gallons of avgas. What fuel weight should you use in the loading computation?

4. Density altitude

At a constant pressure altitude, as the air temperature increases, density altitude:

5. VFR weather minimums

Flying at night in Class G airspace above 1,200 ft AGL but below 10,000 ft MSL, the minimum visibility and cloud clearance are:

6. Time and groundspeed

How long will it take to travel 35 nautical miles at a groundspeed of 105 knots?

7. Takeoff and climb performance

A takeoff chart is based on sea level and standard temperature. At a high-elevation airport on a hot day, your actual ground roll will be:

8. VOR navigation

The VOR indicator shows a centered course deviation needle with a TO flag and the OBS set to 360°. Where are you?

9. Load factor and stall speed

In a level, coordinated 60°-bank turn the load factor is 2 G. Compared to wings-level, the stall speed increases by about:

10. Flight instruments

The pitot tube's ram-air inlet becomes blocked by ice, but its drain hole stays open. The airspeed indicator will:

Sources & data notes
  • Pass rates, volumes, and average scores are the FAA's published figures. Difficulty rankings and threat levels are Aviator IQ's analysis of that public data, not official FAA ratings.
  • Aviator IQ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Spotted an error? Let us know and we will fix it.