What is the minimum amount of oil that should be measured with the dipstick to be legal to fly?

What is the minimum amount of oil that should be measured with the dipstick to be legal to fly?

• A. 3 quarts
• B. 4 quarts
• C. 5 quarts
• D. 6 quarts

Answer: (B)

Oil level directly affects lubrication and oil pressure in the engine. The POH sets a minimum quantity on the dipstick that must be present for a flight, because below that level the lubrication system may not keep bearings and gears properly lubricated during takeoff, climbs, and other high-power operations. For the Cessna 152, the minimum acceptable oil on the dipstick corresponds to about four quarts of oil. If the level is lower, oil pressure can drop and the engine could be at risk of oil starvation; this is not safe for flight. Having more oil is fine up to the engine’s maximum capacity (six quarts), but the question asks for the minimum to be legal to fly, which is four quarts.

Oil level directly affects lubrication and oil pressure in the engine. The POH sets a minimum quantity on the dipstick that must be present for a flight, because below that level the lubrication system may not keep bearings and gears properly lubricated during takeoff, climbs, and other high-power operations.

For the Cessna 152, the minimum acceptable oil on the dipstick corresponds to about four quarts of oil. If the level is lower, oil pressure can drop and the engine could be at risk of oil starvation; this is not safe for flight. Having more oil is fine up to the engine’s maximum capacity (six quarts), but the question asks for the minimum to be legal to fly, which is four quarts.