SIFT Study Guide #2
Choose the option that best defines the world capitalized below: A helicopter pilot's use of control in a hover is critical to success. Correct use of the cyclic, the collective, and the anti-torque pedal controls help maintain balance. The cyclic is used to cut down on DRIFT in the craft's horizontal plane. The collective helps maintain altitude, and the anti-torque control is used to direct the craft's nose direction. a. Drift means unwanted movement within the helicopter's horizontal plane. b. Drift refers to stable air around the helicopter c. Drift refers to the pilot's ability to control the cyclic d. Drift means hover e. Drift can be defined as unwanted movement within the helicopter's vertical plane.
a. Drift means unwanted movement within the helicopter's horizontal plane. The main idea of the paragraph is best stated in choice B. Choices A and D are true, but they don't reflect the entire main idea. Choices C and E are incorrect as stated. Notice that both options use the word always. Be wary of test options that use absolutes; rarely are such options correct.
Which of the options can be inferred by the passage below? Don't attempt to fly through thunderstorms. Try to safely and wisely circumnavigate them. Know your personal skills and limitations regarding weather flight before you gather forecast information. Keep in mind that a variety of conditions in-flight can change quickly. Don't fly into areas of rain where the air temperature is at or close to freezing. Always allow more margin of error for weather at night, and do not attempt to navigate through cloud "holes" a. Flying in inclement weather involves using sound judgement. b. Thunderstorms are not navigable c. Changing conditions will lead to flight trouble d. Freezing rain can be managed if the pilot knows what he is doing e. Flying at night is tricky
a. Flying in inclement weather involves using sound judgement. From the provided paragraph, a reader may infer that a pilot should use sound judgment when flying. Choice B is not stated. Choice c is stated as fact but isn't true. Choices D and E are false as stated.
Read the following passage and identify the statement that best describes the author's position. Piloting is a consummate skill to obtain, and for many, it's a skill that remains unattainable. A potential pilot must be so well-versed in flight instruction that studying the requirements can seem overwhelming. In addition, thousands of flight hours must be logged in practice before a pilot can begin a career. The physical and mental demands made on many potential students can be prohibitive. It's a dedicated person who perseveres and becomes successful in the flight industry. a. Piloting is a difficult goal requiring serious consideration. b. Becoming a pilot is cost-prohibitive c. Piloting careers are few and far between d. The physical and mental demands on piloting students should be main considerations when deciding on a career in flight e. Piloting involves a lot of luck and practice
a. Piloting is a difficult goal requiring serious consideration. While the reader may disagree with the author's position, all of the statements in the passage indicate the author's position is that piloting is a difficult goal that requires serious consideration on the part of the potential flight student. Choice B, C, and E aren't states. Choice D can be ruled out because the physical and mental toll on piloting students isn't the main position of the paragraph.
Which of the following best sates the author's purpose? While many innovative aircraft have been developed throughout the history of flight, certain aircraft can be referred to as groundbreaking and revolutionary. Their existence has transformed flight and advanced the study of aviation. The wright brothers 1905 plane, The flyer, was the first to have three-axis control. It had innovative seating for it's pilot and attained faster speeds due to increased power. The monocoque, developed by deperdussin manufacturers, introduced a new shell structure capable of handling the forces of stress. in 1919, Hugo Junkers introduced all-metal structures with thicker wings. The Douglas DC-1 bears the title of the first American, scientifically-designed structure. a. The purpose is to inform by presenting examples of revolutionary aircraft inventions throughout flight history b. The purposes is to entertain the reader with stories about airplanes c. The purpose is to argue that deperdussin's model, which handled the forces of stress, was the most revolutionary development in flight d. The purpose is to convince the reader that American, scientifically-designated structures were the best. e. The purpose is to convince the reader that these examples are the only ones worth considering in the development of innovative flight.
a. The purpose is to inform by presenting examples of revolutionary aircraft inventions throughout flight history The purpose is to inform the reader of certain facts by presenting examples of revolutionary aircraft throughput flight history. Choice B is incorrect. While the passage may be fun to read, it's primary purpose is not entertainment. It doesn't tell a story. Choice C is incorrect. the main focus of the passage is not deperdussin's model. Choice D is incorrect. The passage doesn't indicate that American structures were better than any other. Choice E is also incorrect. The reader would have to assume that the author intended to argue that these examples of aircraft development are the only ones worth considering. The first paragraph of the passage indicated they aren't
Read the paragraph and select the option that best defines the word capitalized. Differential pitch control is a factor in helicopter flight. Differential pitch control affects the yaw axis and causes the helicopter to spin in the direction of it's rotational, tilted rotors. COAXIAL mounted helicopters, or crafts with dual rotors mounted above each other concentrically, require interaction between rotors. INTERMESHING rotors, or helicopter rotors at a set angle to each other and turn in opposite directions, require increasing collectives pitch on one blade set. a. From the passage, it's impossible to tell what coaxial and intermeshing rotators are. b. Coaxial rotors are dual and mounted above each other, while intermeshing rotors are angled apart from each other. c. Coaxial means interaction and intermeshing mean turning in an opposite direction. d. Coaxial and intermeshing mean the same thing. e. Coaxial and intermeshing rotors have nothing to do with differential pitch control.
b. Coaxial rotors are dual and mounted above each other, while intermeshing rotors are angled apart from each other. The reader isn't given enough information to determine if choice A is correct. Nowhere in the passage does the author indicate that 9,000 feet is too high, so choice B is incorrect. The pilot has the correct clearance, so choice C is incorrect as stated. Although icing led to additional weight on the fuselage, choice E doesn't best address the cause and effect relationship depicted in the passage.
Read the passage below and select the best meaning for the word capitalized: The United States attack helicopter came into its own during the 1990's. During Operation Desert Storm, the apache fired against early warning radar sites to, in part, support ground troops. in addition, Apaches were able to destroy surface-to-air (SAM) sites via their Hellfire missile technology. The missiles OBLITERATED many armored cars and tanks as well. a. Obliterated can be defined as a type of Apache missile b. Obliterated means thoroughly destroyed c. Obliterated is defined as a military strategy d. Obliterated means flying low over armored cars and tanks e. Obliterated can be defined as an Apache flight technique, specific to Operation Desert Storm
b. Obliterated means thoroughly destroyed In this case, all other choices are incorrect. By using context around the word obliterated, the reader can infer that the meaning is " thoroughly destroyed"
Read the passage below and select the option that best identifies the main idea: The synchropter arrangement was first designed for use in Germanys anti-submarine war craft. Often referred to as a slight angle from each other in a transverse manner so that they actually intermesh. The configuration allows a helicopter to function without a tail rotor in order to save power. a. The development of the synchropter began during World War II. b. Synchropter configuration is best understood as an intermeshing rotor configuration, oppositional in nature. c. Oppositional rotors always intermesh. d. Functioning without a tail rotor saves power for a helicopter. e. transverse rotors always intermesh.
b. Synchropter configuration is best understood as an intermeshing rotor configuration, oppositional in nature. All other four options are incorrect as stated. Notice that after each capitalized word, the author actually defines the words coaxial and intermeshing, as both are used to describe types of rotor configurations in helicopter design.
Read the passage and select the correct answer to the question below: Proper risk assessment for flight is critical for avoiding air disaster. As most events in the error chain can be addressed and controlled by the pilot, it's essential to consider all risks before and during flight. A pilot must perform all necessary informational checks prior to a scheduled flight. The flight path itself must be registered and approved. During the flight, a pilot must communicate regularly with others in the air and on the ground. Making sudden, unapproved changes during flight can lead to a negative chain of events. being unprepared, uncommunicative and unaware are all mistakes a pilot can make while on the job. Constant risk assessment is necessary to a successful and happily uneventful flight. Which of the following statements provides the most encompassing overview with which the author would most likely agree? a. Risk assessment includes mechanical check and balances. b. The pilot is the leading force in appropriate risk assessment c. Risk assessment is nest conducted on the ground prior to flight d. Unapproved changes during a flight will always lead to problems e. Communication is the key factor in a successful flight
b. The pilot is the leading force in appropriate risk assessment Choice A is correct but doesn't encompass all of the main ideas in the passage. Choice C is untrue. Choice D is partially true but again, note the use of the word "always" In this case, making unapproved changes during flight (while highly inadvisable) doesn't always lead to problems. Choices E isn't true as stated. While communication is important to successful flight, it's not the key factor. As the author stated that most events in the error chain can be addressed and controlled by the pilot, Choice B is the best answer.
Read the passage and select the answer that best states the logical conclusion: A chain of events often defines incidents that lead to an accident. In aviation, this chain of events is often referred to as the "error chain" This term purports that it isn't one single event is often that leads to an air disaster but a chain of separate events. In other words, an accident is caused by more than one problem and most likely has more than one root cause. These events can be caused by human error or mechanical issues. A recent study indicated that pilot error is more likely to contribute to air disasters that mechanical problems. a. Air disaster is unavoidable b. The error chain is specific to aviation c. A pilot's appropriate risk assessment before and during a flight will cut down on negative error chain events d. Mechanics aren't a consideration in the error chain d. Mechanics should be the primary consideration during flight
c. A pilot's appropriate risk assessment before and during a flight will cut down on negative error chain events Although the passage doesn't directly define drift, the reader can use previous knowledge in answering the question correctly. in addition, the reader can eliminate all other options as incorrect because none of them are true.
Read the following passage and select the best definition for the word capitalized: Everyone has said his piloting ACUMEN was not to be questioned. He had a knack for feeling the aircraft, as if it was an instinctual part of himself. He had a knowledge base he'd built up over years of study and thousands of flying hours; but moreover, he had the abillity to think and act quickly in the most unexpected circumstances. The word ACUMEN means a. Ability to fly b. Knowledge c. Shrewdness and keen insight d. Visual ability e. Impressive number of flight hours.
c. Shrewdness and keen insight All of the options indicate some aspect of the pilot's acumen, but each is contextual clue that, when put together, indicate the pilot has an overall shrewdness and keen insight when it comes to his flight talent. Choice A is incorrect as acumen isn't specific to flight. Choice B is insufficient, for knowledge choice E is directly mentioned in the paragraph , an impressive number of flight hours is just one accomplishment of the pilot and too specific to encompass the pilot's other skills
Choose the option below that does NOT support the topic of this paragraph: One of the four forces that affects aerodynamics is weight. The total weight of an aircraft must be factored into the mechanics of flight. Lift also affects flight and must be considered. Weight must include the craft itself, accompanying gear, the fuel load, and any personnel. Carefully assessing weight will help a pilot calculate how to oppose the downwards force of weight during flight. a. The sun weight of an aircraft is important to considered. b. Personnel should be calculated in overall weight. c. The mechanics of flight also includes lift. d. Weight is a downward force in aerodynamics. e. Fuel load cannot be eliminated in measuring weight.
c. The mechanics of flight also includes lift. Choices A, B, and E are stated in the passage . The sun weight of an aircraft is important to calculate, as are personnel and fuel load. Notice that choice E states fuel load cannot be eliminated in measuring weight. Careful comprehension is important when reading choice E. Choice D also supports the idea that weight affects aerodynamics. In choice C, while it's true that the mechanics of flight 7includes lift, that detail doesn't support the overall topic weight.
Read the paragraph and select the option that best states cause and effect: The pilot looked to the left, and there it was: a tiny glimmer of white on the left wing. He was on the leading edge of it. He knew the temperature had dropped. He'd checked it repeatedly. He had been cleared at 9,000 feet but needed to go down. He needed to get to warmer air and get there quickly. He checked the terrain clearance and decided it was now or never. He popped out of the clouds and began his descent, chinks of ice flying off of the fuselage. a. Not checking a weather report ahead of time led to ice on the aircraft b. Flying too high resulted in icing c. The pilot didn't have the right clearance and encountered icing as a result. d. A sudden, unexpected drop in temperature resulted in icing that the pilot had to account for. e. Icing led to additional weight on the fuselage.
d. A sudden, unexpected drop in temperature resulted in icing that the pilot had to account for. Notice that the main idea of the passage - maintain equilibrium in flight- is states in the first sentence and re-stated in the last. The worst equilibrium is re-defined for the reader as staying stable in flight. All other options are incorrect as stated.
What is the topic of the paragraph above? a. Aircraft propulsion is a difficult concept to understand. b. External forces must cancel each other out in order for an aircraft to fly. c. An aircraft that remains at a constant velocity will remain at a constant altitude as well. d. Aircraft propulsion involves two objectives involving the laws of motion. e. Thrust must exceed drag ion order for an aircraft to accelerate
d. Aircraft propulsion involves two objectives involving the laws of motion. Choice A can be eliminated, as this idea isn't stated in the selection. Choice B only represents a portion of the subject . Choice C is stated in the passage , but the paragraph isn't solely about constant velocity. Choice E is a supporting concept, not the main topic. Only choice D answers the question.
Carefully read the following passage, taking note of the letters that precede each sentence. Then select the option that best describes the tect's correct sequence: Aviation's history expands over 2,000 years. A) eventually, Leonardo da Vinci studied the flight of birds and began noting some basic principles of aerodynamics. B) It is said that kites were the first airborne, manmade "vehicles". They existed in china around the fifth century B.C. and were capable of carrying a person into the air. C) The first recorded attempt at flight was made by a Spanish citizen who covered his arms in feathers and jumped. D) The late 18th century saw a major development in ballooning, and the steerable airship, or dirigible, was developed. E) Sir George Cayley significantly impacted aerodynamics in the early 19th century by contributing key ideas to flight physics. F) In 1903, Orville Wright flew 130 feet in twelve seconds. a. The sequence is correct b. B, D, C, A, F, E c. A, C, F, D, E, B d. C, B, A, D, E, F e. D, F, E, B, C, A
d. C, B, A, D, E, F The text indicates a sequence throughout time. Sentence C relates the very first recorded attempt at flight. Sentence B indicates the first manmade vehicles in fifth century china. Sentence A address Leonardo da Vinci's famous work in flight during the renaissance. Then, sentences D, E, and F occur in the correct historical order.
Read the follwoing passage and select the best conclusion: Piloting is a consummate skill to obtain, but it isn't an impossible goal. A potential pilot must be versed in flight instruction, which consists of many classroom hours and even more flight hours. A potential pilot needs to have a logical mind, be armed with the right information for each flight, and be correctly trained in all piloting procedures, Anyone who lacks a crucial ingredient in training takes a serious risk when flight, With the right education and the right instruction, becoming a pilot is a rewarding venture. a. Anyone can become a pilot. b. Becoming a pilot is a riosky proposition c. Innate ability is key in flight instruction d. Learning to fly, if taught and practices correctly, is a fulfilling skill e. Piloting can be impossible to learn.
d. Learning to fly, if taught and practices correctly, is a fulfilling skill Choice A is incorrect; the passage doesn't state that anyone can become a pilot. The text implies that becoming a pilot carries some risk, but Choice B is not the correct answer, as the rest of the paragraph doesn't support that statement. Choices C and E are incorrect because they aren't states. Only Choice D encompasses all of the text as the logical conclusion.
Read the passage below and select the option that best states the author's purpose: The mechanics of flight are not difficult to understand, although the concepts often contain difficult terminology. Words such as yaw, pitch, and roll define aircraft axes, or dimensional center lines of gravity that intersect an airplane. understanding these terms is crucial to understanding the mechanics of flight. Controls such as actuators generate forces that act on an aircraft. Rotational dynamics operate in tandem with translational ones to affect an aircraft's position and trajectory. a. The purpose of the passage is to convince the reader that the mechanics of flight are easy to understand b. The purposed of the passage is to confuse the read by using difficult terminology to explain c. The purpose of the passage is to inform the reader about terminology in the mechanics of flight d. The purpose of the passage is to describes how axes and aircraft controls affect the mechanics of flight e. C and D
e. C and D Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as stated. Choice C is likely correct but it isn't always correct as stated, and it doesn't encompass a conclusion or outcome. Only Choice E summarizes the best potential outcome to encountering turbulence
Read the same, expanded passage below, the select the answer that best states the outcome: While it can be dangerous, turbulence during flight is common and manageable. Turbulence is a disruption in air flow. Think of it as a bump on the road while driving to work. It happens all the time and, when managed effectively, it's fairly benign. One type of turbulence is CAT (Clear Air Turbulence). It cannot be seen, and one way to avoid it is to fly at a higher, and likely smoother altitude. Severe turbulence, a disturbance that results in an altitude deviation of 100 feet, is uncomfortable, but not dangerous. A pilot. A well-trained pilot and crew can man age turbulence so that it isn't disruptive to passengers in flight. a. If not managed, turbulence will result in disaster. b. Weather maps predict CAT c. Flying at a higher altitude always solved the problem of turbulence d. A bump in the road is potentially more invasive that air turbulence. e. Encountering turbulence is not a significant issue for pilots and will not likely result in air disaster
e. Encountering turbulence is not a significant issue for pilots and will not likely result in air disaster Turbulence is caused by disruption in air flow. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as stated. Choices E is true, but it doesn't indicate a cause and effect relationship.
Read the below paragraph and select the option that likely defines the word capitalized within context: A helicopter pilot maneuvers many controls to maintain EQUILIBRIUM in flight. These controls include the cyclic stick, anti-torque pedals, and the collective lever. The cyclic control maintains the pitch angle of the crafts rotating blades. The anti-torque pedals control the nose of the helicopter. The collective lever controls the pitch angle of the rotating blades together or independently as needed. All three controls help the pilot stay stable in flight. a. Equilibrium means unsteady. b. Equilibrium means pitchy c. Equilibrium means the collective pitch angle of a helicopters blades d. Equilibrium means flight stability. e. Equilibrium means the controls used to fly a helicopter
e. Equilibrium means the controls used to fly a helicopter The answer is Choice E, which encompasses the idea that the author's purposes are both to inform and describe. Choice A doesn't address the entire purpose. Yes, the author states the mechanics of flight are not difficult to understand, but that's not all the author does in the passage. Choice B is incorrect as stated.
Read the following paragraph, then select the topic: Standard weather briefings can be obtained from a variety of sources, including the FAA. Pilots can obtain abbreviated weather information from briefers to supplement available electronic information. Information that a pilot has previously obtained should be provided to the briefer in case conditions have changed. An outlook weather briefing is obtained six or more hours in advance of the flight. Lastly, it's important to obtain in-flight briefings to monitor ongoing weather conditions during the flight course itself. a. In-flight briefings monitor ongoing weather conditions during flight. b. Briefers are people who provide meteorological information to pilots. c. Standard weather briefings are the most comprehensive types. d. All briefings should be updated. e. There are a variety of weather briefing types.
e. There are a variety of weather briefing types. Choices A, B, and D are true, but they don't encompass all of the ideas presented in the passage. Choice C isn't stated and is incorrect. Choice E encapsulates all of the ideas presented in the passage.
