Private Pilot Oral Exam
Why is wind shear an operational concern to pilots?
Wind shear is an operational concern because unexpected changes in wind speed and direction can be potentially very hazardous to aircraft operations at low altitudes on approach to and departing from airports.
Where can you find information on the placards and marking information required to be in the airplane?
- FAA type certificate data sheet or aircraft specification - limitations section of the AFM
Explain the limitations that apply to aircraft operations being conducted using an MEL.
- The use of an MEL for a small, non-turbine-powered airplane operated under Part 91 allows for the deferral of inoperative items or equipment. - An approved MEL is a supplemental type certificate. - Once authorized, the MEL becomes mandatory. - All maintenance deferrals must be done in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MEL.
What aircraft are required to have 100-hour inspections?
- all aircraft under 12,500 pounds (except turbojet/turbopropeller-powered multi-engine airplanes and turbine powered rotorcraft), used to carry passengers for hire - aircraft used for flight instruction for hire, when provided by the person giving the flight instruction
If an aircraft has been on a schedule of inspection every 100 hours, under what condition may it continue to operate beyond the 100 hours without new inspection?
- can only be exceeded by 10 hours while en route to a place where the inspection can be done - the excess time used to get there needs to be included with computing the next 100 hour
State two basic ways that fog may form.
- cooling air to the dew point - adding moisture to the air near the ground
What are the two types of ADs?
- emergency nature requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight - less urgent nature requiring compliance within a specified period of time
Describe some of the responsibilities an aircraft owner has pertaining to aircraft documents, maintenance, and inspections of their aircraft?
- have a current airworthiness & registration - maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition including compliance with all applicable ADs - ensure maintenance is properly recorded - keep abreast of current regulations concerning the operations of that aircraft - notify the FAA Civil Aviation Registry immediately of any change of permanent mailing address, or of the sale or export of the aircraft, or of the loss of citizenship - have a current FCC radio station license if equipped with radios, including ELT if operated outside of the US
What is a type certificate data sheet?
- issued when a new aircraft, engine, propeller, etc. is found to meet safety standards set forth by the FAA - lists the specifications, conditions, and limitations under which airworthiness requirements were met for the specified product, such as engine make and model, fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, max weight, and minimum crew
What are "Special Flight Permits," and when are they necessary?
- may be issued for an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight. typically issued for: - flying to a base where repairs, alterations or maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage - delivering or exporting an aircraft - production flight testing new-production aircraft - evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger - conducting customer demonstration flights in new-production aircraft that have statistically completed production flight tests
Name several types of fog.
- radiation fog - advection fog - upslope fog - frontal fog or precipitation-induced fog - steam fog
What factors must be present for a thunderstorm to form?
- sufficient water vapor - an unstable lapse rate - an initial upward boost (lifting) to start the storm process in motion
For an aircraft when an approved MEL, explain the decision sequence a pilot would use after discovering the position lights are inoperative?
-the pilot would make an entry in the maintenance record or discrepancy record provided for that purpose - the item is then either repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL - once confirming the daytime flight with inop position lights is acceptable, leave the switch off, open the circuit breaker and placard the position light switch as inop
At what rate does atmospheric pressure decrease with an increase in altitude?
1" Hg per 1,000 feet
Who can perform maintenance on an aircraft?
1) FAA-certificated A&P mechanic 2) A&P mechanic with Inspector Authorization 3) Appropriately-rated FAA-certificated repair station 4) Aircraft manufacturer
What are the standard temperature and pressure values for sea level?
15 degrees C & 29.92" Hg
If a pilot changes his.her permanent mailing address and fails to notify the FAA Airmen Certification branch of the new address, how long may the pilot continue to exercise the privileges of his/her pilot certificate?
30 days after the date of the move
What is the definition of a complex airplane, and what must you do to act as pilot-of-command of such an airplane?
A "complex airplane" is defined as an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller; including airplanes equipped with a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC). To act as pilot-in-command of such an airplane, you must have: a. received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instruction in a complex airplane or in a flight simulator and have been found proficient in the operation and systems of that airplane b. received and logged a one-time endorsement in your logbook
What instruments and equipment are required for VFR day flight?
A TOMATO FLAMES Anti-collision light system Tachometer Oil pressure gauge Manifold pressure gauge Altimeter Temperature gauge Oil temperature gauge Fuel gauge Landing gear position indicator Airspeed indicator Magnetic compass Emergency locator transmitter Safety belts and shoulder harnesses
What is the definition of a high-performance airplane, and what must you do to act as pilot-in-command of such an airplane?
A high-performance is an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower. To act as PIC of a high-performance you must have: a. received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instruction in a high-performance airplane or in a flight simulator and have been found proficient in the operation and systems of that airplane b. received and logged a one-time endorsement in your logbook
What are "isobars"?
A line on a weather chart which connects areas of equal or constant barometric pressure
If your route of flight takes you towards a low-pressure system, in general, what kind of weather can you expect? What if you were flying towards a high-pressure system?
A low-pressure system is characterized by rising air, which is conducive to cloudiness, precipitation and bad weather. A high-pressure system is an area of descending air which tends to favor dissipation of cloudiness and good weather.
What flight time can a pilot log as second-in-command time?
A person may log second-in-command (SIC) time only for that flight time during which that person: a. is qualified in accordance with the SIC requirements of 14 CFR 61.55, and occupies a crewmember station in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot by the aircraft's type certificate; or b. holds the appropriate category, class, and instrument rating (if an instrument rating is required for the flight) for the aircraft being flown, and more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is being conducted
What are Minimum Equipment Lists?
A precise listing of instruments, equipment and procedures that allows an aircraft to be operated under specific conditions with inoperative equipment.
What is an experimental airworthiness certificate?
A special airworthiness certificate is issued to operate an aircraft that does not have a type certificate or does not conform to its type certificate yet is in a condition for safe operation.
What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft? Include inspections for IFR.
AAVIATE Annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months Airworthiness directives and life-limited parts complied with as required VOR equipment check every 30 days (IFR) 100-hour inspection, if used for hire or flight instruction in aircraft CFI provides Altimeter, altitude reporting equipment, and static pressure systems tested and inspected every 24 calendar months Transponder tests and inspections, every 24 calendar months Emergency locator transmitter, operation and battery condition inspected every 12 calendar months
What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight?
ARROW Airworthiness Certificate Registration Certificate Radio Station License (outside US) Operating Limitations Weight & Balance Compass Deviation Card External Data Plate/Serial Number
What is advection fog, and where is it most likely to form?
Advection fog results from the transport of warm humid air over a cold surface. A pilot can expect advection fog to form primarily along coastal areas during the winter. Unlike radiation fog, it may occur with winds, cloudy skies, over a wide geographic area, and at any time of the day or night.
What logbook entry information is required of the person performing preventive maintenance?
All pilots who maintain or perform preventative maintenance must make an entry in the maintenance record of the aircraft. The entry must include a description of the work, the date of completion or the work performed, and an entry of the pilot's name, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate held.
What are "airworthiness directives"?
An AD is the medium used by the FAA to notify aircraft owners and other potentially interested persons of unsafe conditions that may exist because of design defects, maintenance, other causes, and to specify the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated.
If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed?
An aircraft overdue for an annual inspection may be operated under a Special Flight Permit issued by the FAA for the purpose of flying the aircraft to a location where the annual inspection can be performed. However, all applicable ADs that are due must be complied with before the flight.
What is an "annual" inspection and which aircraft are required to have annual inspections?
An annual inspection is a complete inspection of an aircraft and engine, required by the regulations and is required to be accomplished every 12 calendar months on all certificated aircraft. Only an A&P technician holding an Inspection Authorization can conduct an annual inspection.
What is a supplemental type certificate?
An approval issued by the FAA for a modification to a type-certificated airframe, engine, or component.
What is a "temperature inversion"?
An inversion is an increase in temperature with height - a reversal of the normal decrease with height. An inversion aloft permits warm rain to fall through cold air below. Temperature in the cold air can be critical to icing. A ground-based inversion favors poor visibility by trapping fog, smoke, and other restrictions into low levels of the atmosphere. The air is stable, with little or no turbulence.
What is the difference between an annual inspection and a 100-hour inspection?
Annual - A&P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization can perform an annual inspection 100-hour - A&P mechanic; doesn't have to have IA
What action is recommended if you inadvertently encounter icing conditions?
The first course of action should be to leave the area of visible moisture. This might mean descending to an altitude below the cloud bases, climbing to an altitude above the cloud tops, or turning to a different course.
During the preflight inspection in an aircraft that doesn't have an MEL, you notice that an instrument or equipment item is inoperative. Describe how you will determine if the aircraft is still airworthy for flight.
Ask following questions: 1. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment part of the VFR-day type certification? 2. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment listed as "Required" on the aircraft's equipment list or "Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL)" for the type of flight operation being conducted? 3. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required by 14 CFR 91.205, 91.207, or any other rule of 14 CFR Part 91 for the specific kind of flight operation being conducted? 4. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required to be operational by an AD?
Name the three types of structural icing that may occur in flight.
Clear Ice - forms after initial impact when the remaining liquid portion of the drop flows out over the aircraft surface, gradually freezing as a smooth sheet of solid ice Rime Ice - forms when drops are small, such as those in stratified clouds or light drizzle. the liquid portion remaining after initial impact freezes rapidly before the drop has time to spread out over aircraft surface Mixed Ice - forms when drops vary in size or when liquid drops are intermingled with snow or ice particles. the ice particles become imbedded in clear ice, building a very rough accumulation
Describe the different types of fronts.
COLD FRONT- occurs when a mass of cold, dense, and stable air advances and replaces a body of warmer air OCCLUDED FRONT- Fast moving cold front catches up with a slow-moving warm front. Two types: cold front occlusion and warm front occlusion WARM FRONT- Boundary area formed when a warm air mass contacts and flows over a colder air mass STATIONERY FRONT- When the forces of two air masses are relatively equal, the boundary or front that separates them remains stationery and influences the local weather for days
With respect to certification, privileges, and limitations of airmen, define the terms: "category" "class" and "type".
Category - a broad classification of aircraft; airplane, rotorcraft, glider Class - a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics; single-engine land, multi-engine land Type - a specific make and basic model of aircraft including modifications that do not change its handling or flight characteristics; DC-9, B-737, C-150
What is an aircraft registration certificate?
Certificate of registration of an aircraft with the FAA Aircraft Registry. Must be carried in the aircraft at all times
Where must the airworthiness certificate be located?
The certificate must be displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew.
What are the general characteristics of the weather a pilot would encounter when operating near a cold front? A warm front?
Cold Front - as the front passes, expected weather can include towering cumulus or cumulonimbus, heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder and/or hail; tornadoes possible; during passage, poor visibility, winds variable and gusting; temperature/dew point and barometric pressure drop rapidly Warm Front - as the front passes, expected weather can include stratiform clouds, drizzle, low ceilings and poor visibility; variable winds; rise in temperature NOTE: The weather associated with a front depends on the amount of moisture available, the degree of stability of the air that is forced upward, the slope of the front, the speed of frontal movement, and the upper wind flow.
What are the three stages of a thunderstorm?
Cumulus stage - updrafts cause raindrops to increase in size Mature stage - rain at earth's surface; it falls through or immediately beside the updrafts; lightning; perhaps roll clouds Dissipating stage - downdrafts and rain begin to dissipate
Explain the difference between being "current" and being "proficient."
Current - accomplished the minimum FAA regulatory requirements within a specific time period.... "legal" Proficient - pilot is capable of conducting a flight with a high degree of competence.... "smart and safe"
What does "dew point" mean?
Dew point is the temperature to which a sample of air must be cooled to attain the state of saturation.
While you are performing a preflight inspection on your aircraft, an inspector from the FAA introduces herself and says she wants to conduct a ramp inspection. What documents are you required to show the inspector?
Each person who holds an airman certificate, medical certificate, authorization, or license required by 14 CFR part 61 must present it and their photo identification for inspection upon a request from the administrator, an authorized NTSB representative, any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, or an authorized representative of the TSA.
What is a "ridge"?
Elongated area of relatively high atmospheric pressure. An area of descending air, which favors dissipation of cloudiness. High pressure = good weather
What is a "trough"?
Elongated area of relatively low atmospheric pressure. An area of rising air, which causes cloudiness and precipitation. Low pressure typically = bad weather.
Other than high-performance and complex aircraft, what other types of aircraft (ASEL) require specific training and logbook endorsements from an appropriately rated flight instructor?
High-Altitude Airplane Tailwheel Airplane
How are "Special Flight Permits" obtained?
If a special flight permit is needed, assistance and the necessary forms may be obtained from the local FSDO or Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).
What is an airworthiness certificate?
Issued by the FAA to an aircraft that has been proven to meet the minimum design and manufacturing requirements and is in condition for safe operation.
During your preflight planning, what type of meteorological information should you be aware of with respect to icing?
Location of fronts - a front's location, type, speed, and direction of movement Cloud layers - the location of cloud bases and tops, which is valuable when determining if you will be able to climb above icing layers or descent beneath those layers into warmer air; reference PIREPs and area forecasts Freezing levels - important when determining how to avoid icing and how to exit icing conditions if accidentally encountered Air temperature and pressure - icing tends to be found in low-pressure areas and at temperatures at or around freezing
Define "preventative maintenance."
Minor preservation operations. Certified pilots (excluding student pilots, sport pilots, and recreational pilots) may perform preventative maintenance on any aircraft they own provided that aircraft isn't used for carrier services.
What privileges and limitations apply to a private pilot?
No operating while carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire. May act as PIC in connection with business if only incidental and no passengers. May act as PIC for charitable events. May not pay less than pro-rata share of expenses. May be reimbursed for search and location operations. May demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer. May act as PIC of an aircraft towing a glider. May act as PIC for the purpose of conducting a production flight test in a light-sport aircraft intended for certification.
What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight?
No person may operate or carry passengers in any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration that may have appreciably changed its flight characteristics or substantially affected its operation in flight until an appropriately-rated pilot with at least a private pilot certificate - flies the aircraft - makes an operational check of the maintenance performed of alteration made - logs the flight in the aircraft records
The annual inspection for your aircraft is now due and you ask several friends that fly with you regularly to contribute money to help you pay for the inspection. Do the regulations allow for these contributions?
No. A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata (proportional) share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees. Note: The regulation applies to "the operating expenses of a flight," and does not allow for the sharing of fixed or long term operating costs of the airplane with passengers.
Does an airworthiness certificate have an expiration date?
No. A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid for as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design, is in a condition for safe operation, and the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations are performed in accordance with 14 CFR Parts 21, 43, and 91.
You have not kept up with logging each of your recent flights. Are you in violation of any regulation?
No. You're only required to document and record the training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or flight review, and the aeronautical experience required for meeting the recent flight experience requirements.
The airplane you normally rent has been grounded due to an intermittent electrical problem. You ask to be scheduled in another airplane. During preflight of the new airplane, you discover that is has avionics you're unfamiliar with. Should you go ahead and depart on your VFR flight?
Pilot familiarity with all equipment is critical in optimizing both safety and efficiency. If a pilot is unfamiliar with any aircraft system, this will add to workload and can contribute to a loss of situational awareness. This level of proficiency is critical and should be looked upon as a requirement, not unlike carrying an adequate supply of fuel. As a result, pilots should not look upon unfamiliarity with the aircraft and its system as a risk control measure, but instead as a hazard with high risk potential. Discipline is the key to success.
How will establishing a personal minimums checklist reduce risk?
Pre-established numbers can make it easier to come to a smart go/no-go or diversion decision.
Explain the statement "may not pay less than pro-rata share of the operating expenses of a flight."
Pro-rata means "proportional." The pilot may not pay less than his or her proportional share of the flight's operating expenses with the passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.
What instruments and equipment are required for VFR night flight?
Same as day VFR plus FLAPS Fuses Landing light Anti-collision light system Position lights Source of electrical energy
When significant precipitation is occurring at the surface, how thick can you expect the clouds to be?
Significant precipitation usually requires clouds to be at least 4,000 feet thick. The heavier the precipitation, the thicker the clouds are likely to be.
List the effects of stable and unstable air on clouds, turbulence, precipitation and visibility.
Stable - stratiform clouds; smooth turbulence; steady precipitation; fair to poor visibility Unstable - cumuliform clouds; rough turbulence; showery precipitation; good visibility
What is the difference between standard and special airworthiness certificates?
Standard = white paper; normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, or transport categories Special = pink paper; primary, restricted, or limited category aircraft and light sport aircraft
Name the main types of icing an aircraft may encounter in-flight.
Structural, induction system, and instrument icing.
What types of weather information will you examine to determine if wind shear conditions might affect your flight?
Terminal Forecasts - any mention of low level wind shear (LLWS) or the possibility of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain showers, hail, and wind gusts suggest the potential for LLWS and microbursts METARs - inspect for any indication of thunderstorms, rain showers, or blowing dust. additional signs such as warming trends, gusty winds, cumulonimbus clouds, etc., should be noted Severe Weather Watch Reports, SIGMETS, and Convective SIGMETS - severe convective weather is a prime source for wind shear and microbursts LLWAS (Low Level Windshear Alert System) Reports - installed at 110 airports in the U.S.; designed to detect wind shifts between outlying stations and a reference centerfield station PIREPs - reports of sudden airspeed changes on departure or approach and landing corridors provide a real-time indication of the presence of wind shear
What causes the winds aloft to flow parallel to the isobars?
The Coriolis force
What is the primary means of obtaining a weather briefing?
The flight service station (FSS) is the primary source for obtaining preflight briefings and inflight weather information. The FAA provides the Flight Service program through FSS's (both government and contract, 1-800-WX-BRIEF), and via the Internet, through Direct User Access Terminal System (DUATS), and Lockheed Martin Flight Services (DUATS II).
What is the definition of the term freezing level and how can you determine where that level is?
The freezing level is the lowest altitude in the atmosphere over a given location at which the air temperature reaches 0 degrees C. It is possible to have multiple freezing layers when a temperature inversion occurs above the defines freezing level. A pilot can use current icing products (CIP) and forecast icing products (FIP), as well as the freezing level graphics chart to determine the approximate freezing level. Other potential sources of icing information are: are forecasts, PIREPs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, surface analysis charts, low-level significant weather charts, and winds and temperatures aloft (for air temperature at altitude).
What causes radiation fog to form?
The ground cools the adjacent air to the dew point on calm, clear nights.
What records or documents should be checked to determine that the owner or operator of an aircraft has complied with all required inspections and airworthiness directives?
The maintenance records (aircraft and engine logbooks). Each owner or operator of an aircraft shall ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been approved for return to service.
Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition?
The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition.
After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired, who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition?
The pilot-in-command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. The pilot-in-command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy, mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.
Spring has finally arrived and the weather looks great so you decide to rent an airplane and go fly. The problem is, your allergies are giving you a problem and you have just taken your medication. Can you still go fly? Explain.
The safest rule is not to fly while taking any medications, unless approved to do so by the FAA. Some of the most commonly used OTC drugs, antihistamines and decongestants, have the potential to cause noticeable adverse side effects, including drowsiness and cognitive deficits. 14 CFR prohibits pilots from performance crewmember duties while using any medication that affects the body in any way contrary to safety. If there is any doubt regarding the effects of any medication, consult an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before flying.
If the isobars are relatively close together on a surface weather chart or a constant pressure chart, what information will this provide?
The spacing of isobars on these charts defines how steep or shallow a pressure gradient is. When isobars are spaced very close together, a steep pressure gradient exists which indicates higher wind speeds. A shallow pressure gradient (isobars not close together) usually means wind speeds will be less.
Explain the difference between a stable atmosphere and an unstable atmosphere. Why is the stability of the atmosphere important?
The stability of the atmosphere depends on its ability to resist vertical motion. A stable atmosphere makes vertical movement difficult, and small vertical disturbances dampen out and disappear. In an unstable atmosphere, small vertical air movements tend to become larger, resulting in turbulent airflow and convective activity. Instability can lead to significant turbulence, extensive vertical clouds, and severe weather.
Where can you find a list of the medical conditions that may disqualify you from obtaining a medical certificate?
The standards for medical certification are contained in 14 CFR Part 67 and the requirements for obtaining medical certificates can be found in 14 CFR Part 61.
Explain how a pilot determines if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation.
Type Design - pilot must determine the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations have been performed in accordance and that the aircraft is registered in the U.S. Safe Operation - pilot conducts a thorough preflight inspection of the aircraft for wear and deterioration, structural damage, fluid leaks, tire wear, inoperative instruments and equipment
What is upslope fog?
Upslope fog forms as a result of moist, stable air being cooled adiabatically as it moves up sloping terrain. Once the upslope wind ceases, the fog dissipates. Upslope fog is often quite dense and extends to high altitudes.
What conditions are necessary for structural icing to occur?
Visible moisture and below freezing temperatures at the point moisture strikes the aircraft.
When temperature and dew point are close together (within 5 degrees), what type of weather is likely?
Visible moisture in the form of clouds, dew, or fog. Also, these are ideal conditions for carburetor icing.
What limitations apply to aircraft operations conducted using the deferral provision of 14 CFR 91.213(d)?
When inoperative equipment is found during preflight or prior to departure, the decision should be to cancel the flight, obtain maintenance prior to flight, or to defer the item or equipment. Maintenance deferrals are not used for inflight discrepancies. The manufacturer's AFM/POH procedures are to be used in those situations.
You're flying in a single-engine, high-performance, complex airplane. You hold a Private Pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating, but don't have a high-performance or complex airplane endorsement. Your friend, who has those endorsements, is acting as PIC for the flight. Can you log PIC time for the time you act as sole manipulator of the controls? Explain.
Yes, 14 CFR 61.51 governs the logging of PIC time and states that a sport, recreational, private, or commercial, or airline transport pilot may log PIC time for the time during which that pilot is "sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated or has privileges." Note: This means you can log PIC time, but you cannot act as PIC.
Is frost considered to be hazardous to flight? Why?
Yes, because while frost does not change the basic aerodynamic shape of the wing, the roughness of its surface spoils the smooth flow of air, thus causing a slowing of airflow. This slowing of the air causes early airflow separation, resulting in a loss of lift. Even a small amount of frost on airfoils may prevent an aircraft from becoming airborne at normal takeoff speed. It is also possible that, once airborne, an aircraft could have insufficient margin of airspeed above stall so that moderate gusts or turning flight could produce incipient or complete stalling.
If an aircraft is operated for hire, is it required to have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection?
Yes, if an aircraft is operated for hire it must have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection when due. If not operated for hire, only an annual inspection is required.
Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment onboard?
Yes, under specific conditions. 14 CFR Part 91 describes acceptable methods for the operation of an aircraft with certain inoperative instruments and equipment that are not essential for safe flight - they are: - operation of an aircraft with a minimum equipment list - operation of an aircraft without a MEL
To exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate, what medical certificate is required, and how long is it valid?
You must hold at least a third-class medical certificate. The medical certificate expires at the end of the last day of: a. the 60th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the certificate, if on the date of your most recent medical examination you were under the age of 40 b. the 24th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the certificate, if on the date of your most recent medical examination you were over the age of 40
To act as a required pilot flight crewmember of a civil aircraft, what must a pilot have in his/her physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft?
a. A pilot certificate (or special purpose pilot authorization) b. A photo identification c. A medical certificate
For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what two conditions must be met?
a. The aircraft must conform to its type design. b. The aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation, referring to the condition of the aircraft in relation to wear and deterioration.
What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot (airplane) certificate?
a. be at least 17 years old b. be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language c. hold at least a current Third Class medical certificate d. received the required ground and flight training endorsements e. meet the applicable aeronautical experience requirements f. passed the required knowledge and practical tests
What are the requirements to remain current as a private pilot?
a. within the preceding 24 months, accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an authorized instructor and received a logbook endorsement certifying that the person has satisfactorily completed the review. b. to carry passengers, a pilot must have made, within the preceding 90 days - three takeoffs and landings
State the general characteristics in regard to the flow of air around high and low pressure systems in the northern hemisphere.
low pressure - inward, upward, and counterclockwise high pressure - outward, downward, and clockwise
What are several examples of placards and markings required in the airplane?
placards : day-night-VFR-IFR; flight maneuvers permitted; caution control lock remove before starting; maneuvering speed; compass calibration card markings : airspeed indicator markings; cockpit control markings; fuel; oil; coolant filler openings
Why do surface winds generally flow across the isobars at an angle?
surface friction
Define the term "wind shear," and state the areas in which it is likely to occur.
the rate of change of wind velocity (direction and/or speed) per unit distance; conventionally expressed as vertical or horizontal wind shear. it may occur at any level in the atmosphere but three areas are of special concern: - wind shear with a low-level temperature inversion - wind shear in a frontal zone or thunderstorm - clear air turbulence (CAT) at high levels associated with a jet steam or strong circulation
What factor primarily determines the type and vertical extent of clouds?
the stability of the atmosphere
When are emergency ADs issued?
when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action
Does an aircraft's registration certificate have an expiration date?
yes - expires three years after the last day of the month in which it was issued a temp certification is valid for 90 days after the date the applicant signs the application