Commercial Pilot Oral Exam

What type of weather briefings are available from an FSS briefer?

-Standard briefing -Abbreviated briefing -Outlook briefing -Inflight briefing

What are the general characteristics of the weather a pilot would encounter when operating near a warm front?

-Stratiform clouds -Drizzle -Low ceilings -Poor visibility -Variable winds -Rise in temperature

What are the general characteristics of the weather a pilot would encounter when operating near a cold front?

-Towering cumulus or cumulonimbus -Heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder, and/or hail -Tornadoes possible -Poor visibility -Winds variable and gusting -Temperature/Dew point and barometric pressure drop rapidly

Four elements in defining a "common carrier."

1. A holding out or a willingness to 2. transport persons or property 3. from place to place 4. for compensation

For an aircraft with an approved MEL, explain the decision sequence a pilot would use after discovering the position lights are inoperative.

1. Make entry in maintenance record or discrepancy record 2. Item is repaired or deferred 3. Confirm that daytime flight with inop position lights is acceptable 4. Leave position lights off 5. Placard switch as INOPERATIVE

What regulations apply to medical certification?

14 CFR Part 67

Where can you find a list of the medical conditions that would disqualify you from obtaining or holding a medical certificate?

14 CFR Part 67 There are 15 conditions that are considered disqualifying.

What are the standard temperature and pressure values for sea level?

15 degrees C and 29.92 inches of mercury

Category

A broad classification of aircraft, e.g. -Airplane -Rotorcraft -Glider

Class

A classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics, e.g. -Single-engine land -Single-engine sea -Multi-engine land -Multi-engine sea

What is an annual inspection and which aircraft are required to have annual inspections?

A complete inspection of an aircraft and engine, required by the regulations and is required to be accomplished on all certified aircraft. Only an A&P technician holding an Inspection Authorization can conduct an annual inspection

Describe an Occluded Front

A frontal occlusion occurs when a fast-moving cold front catches up with a slow-moving warm front. The two types are the cold front occlusion and warm front occlusion

If your route of flight takes you toward a high-pressure system, in general what kind of weather can you expect?

A high-pressure system is an area of descending air, which tends to favor dissipation of cloudiness and good weather

What are isobars?

A line on a weather chart that connects areas of equal or constant barometric pressure.

If your route of flight takes you toward a low-pressure system, in general what kind of weather can you expect?

A low-pressure system is characterized by rising air, which is conducive to cloudiness, precipitation, and bad weather

What does the term "commercial operator" refer to?

A person who, for compensation or hire, engages in he carriage by aircraft in air commerce or persons or property, other than as an air carrier or foreign air carrier. (Test: determine whether the carriage by air is merely incidental to the person's other business or is, in itself, a major enterprise for profit.)

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

Type

A specific make and basic model of aircraft including modifications that do not change its handling or flight characteristics, e.g. -DC-9 -B-737

What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft, including inspections for IFR?

AAV1ATE Annual Airworthiness Directives VOR- every 30 days 100 hour inspection (if used for hire) Altimeter- every 24 months Transponder- every 24 calendar months ELT- every 12 calendar months

What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight?

ARROW Airworthiness Certificate Registration Certificate Radio Station License (operating outside US) Operating Limitations Weight and balance data Compass Deviation Card Serial Number

14 CFR Part 137

Agricultural Aircraft Operations

Airworthiness- Utility Category

Aircraft structure must be capable of withstanding a load factor of 4.4 Gs. This would usually permit limited aerobatics, including spins

Explain the limitations that apply to aircraft operations being conducted using an MEL.

Allows for the deferral of inoperative items or equipment. Considered to be a supplemental type certificate (STC) issued to an aircraft by serial number and registration number. MEL is mandatory for the aircraft to which it is issued. All maintenance deferrals must be done in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MEL

Airworthiness- Normal Category

An aircraft structure capable of withstanding a load factor of 3.8 Gs without structural failure. Applicable aircraft intended for non aerobatic operation

What defines a pressurized aircraft?

An aircraft that has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude, whichever is lower, above 25,000 feet MSL

What is the definition of a complex airplane?

An airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller

What is a ridge?

An elongated area of relatively high atmospheric pressure. Air moving out of a high or ridge depletes the quantity of air; therefore, these are areas of descending air. Descending air favors dissipation of cloudiness; hence the association of high pressure and good weather.

What is a trough?

An elongated area of relatively low atmospheric pressure. At the surface, when air converges into a low, it cannot go outward against the pressure gradient, and it cannot go downward into the ground; it must go upward. Therefore, a low or a trough is an area of rising air. Rising air is conducive to cloudiness and precipitation; hence the general association of low pressure and bad weather.

What is the primary means of obtaining a weather briefing?

An individual briefing obtained from a briefer at the FSS. These are briefings tailored to your specific flight, are available 24 hours a day through the use of the toll-free number 1-800-WX BRIEF

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR day flight?

Anticollision light system Tachometer Oil pressure gauge Manifold pressure gauge Altimeter Temperature gauge Oil temperature gauge Fuel gauge Flotation gear Landing gear position indicator Airspeed indicator Magnetic Direction indicator ELT Safety belt

What are some examples of carriage that may involve compensation, but are conducted under Part 91?

Applies to large and turbine-powered multi-engine airplanes and fractional ownership program aircraft. a.) Flights conducted by the operator of an airplane for the operator's own personal transportation b.) Carriage of company officials, employees, and guests on an airplane operated under a time sharing, interchange, or joint ownership agreement c.) Carriage of property(except mail) incidental to business d.) Carriage of a group when there is no charge, assessment, or fee e.) Fractional ownership

What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or repairs that may substantially affect its operation in flight?

Appropriately rated pilot with at least a private pilot certificate a.) flies the aircraft; b.) makes an operational check of the maintenance performed or alteration made; and c.) logs the flight in the aircraft records

Define the term "private carriage."

Carriage for hire that does not involve "holding out." Carriage for on or several selected customers, generally on a long-term basis.

14 CFR Part 125

Certification and Operations: Airplanes having a seating capacity of 20 or more passengers or a maximum payload capacity of 6,000 lbs or more

14 CFR Part 119

Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators

14 CFR Part 136

Commercial Air Tours and National Parks Air Tour Management

List the effects of unstable air on clouds, turbulence, precipitation, and visibility

Cumuliform clouds Rough Turbulence Showery Precipitation Good Visibility

Difference between being "current" and being "proficient"

Current = legal Proficient = safe (high degree of competence and skill)

What are the two types of ADs?

Emergency- requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight Less Urgent- requiring compliance within a specified period of time

To act as PIC of a high-performance aircraft, what flight experience requirements must be met?

Engine more than 200 horsepower. a.) Received and logged ground and flight training b.) Been found proficient in the operating systems c.) Received a one-time endorsement

What is the duration of a second-class medical certificate for operations requiring a commercial pilot certificate?

Expires at the end of the last day of the 12th month after the date of the examination

How can flying an unfamiliar aircraft or an aircraft with unfamiliar avionics or flight display systems increase the total risk of a flight?

Familiarity optimizes safety and efficiency. Unfamiliarity adds to workload and may decrease situational awareness

14 CFR Part 117

Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements: Flight Crewmembers

What is a Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL)?

Identifies the systems and equipment upon which type certification for each kind of operation was predicated and which must be installed and operable for the particular kind of operation indicated. Located in the Limitations section of the AFM

How are Special Flight Permits obtained?

From the local FSDO or Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR)

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR night flight?

Fuses Landing light (for hire) Anticollision light system Position lights Source of electrical energy

Are the airplane flight manuals (AFM) required to be on board all aircraft?

Generally, all aircraft manufactured after March 1, 1979, must have an AFM

Where can you find information on the placards and marking information required to be in the airplane?

In the FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet or aircraft specification. Also found in the "Limitations" section of the AFM

What is an airworthiness certificate?

Issued by FAA to aircraft that have been proven to meet the minimum requirements of 14 CFR Part 21 and are in condition for safe operation. Two classifications: standard airworthiness and special airworthiness

State the general characteristics in regard to the flow of air around low-pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere

Inward, upward, and counterclockwise

What are "Special Flight Permits and when are they necessary?

Issued for an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight. a.)Flying to a base for repairs b.) Delivering or exporting and aircraft c.) Production flight testing d.) Evacuating an aircraft from area of impending danger e.) Customer demo flight

What is a type certificate data sheet?

Issued when a new aircraft, engine, propeller, etc., is found to meet safety standards. Lists the specifications, conditions, and limitations under which airworthiness requirements were met for the specified product.

How will establishing a personal minimums checklist reduce risk?

It will make it easier to make smart go/no-go decisions or divert decision

What privileges apply to a commercial pilot?

May act as PIC of an aircraft: a.) Carrying pax or property for compensation or hire b.) For compensation or hire

Is a commercial pilot required to log all flight time?

Must record flight time consisting of the training and aeronautical experienced used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or flight review

Does an airworthiness certificate have an expiration date?

No. Valid as long as 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

Describe a Cold Front

Occurs when a mass of cold, dense, and stable air advances and replaces a body of warmer air

Define "holding out."

Offering to the public for hire. May be done in many ways: a. Signs and advertising b. Actions of agents, agencies, or salesmen c. Gaining a reputation to "serve all" d. Willing to carry only certain kinds of traffic is nevertheless a common carrier

14 CFR Part 135

Operating Requirements: Commuter and On-Demand Operations

14 CFR Part 121

Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations

State the general characteristics in regard to the flow of air around high-pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere

Outward, downward, and clockwise

To act as PIC of a tailwheel airplane, what flight experience requirements must be met?

Receive and log flight training including the following procedures: -Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings -Wheel landings -Go-around procedures Receive endorsement

Standard Briefing

Request anytime you are planning a flight and you have not received a previous briefing or have not received preliminary information through mass-dissemination media; e.g. TIBS, TWEB, etc.

Abbreviated Briefing

Request when you need information to supplement mass-disseminated data, update a previous briefing, or when you need only one or two items.

List the effects of stable air on clouds, turbulence, precipitation, and visibility

Stratiform Clouds Smooth Turbulence Steady Precipitation Fair to Poor Visibility

When may a commercial pilot log flight time as a SIC?

That flight time during which that person: a.) Is qualified according to the SIC requirements of 14 CFR 61.51, 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 required) for the aircraft being flown, ad more than one pilot is required

What is a supplemental type certification?

The FAA's approval of a major change in the type design of a previously approved type-certificated product. The certificate authorizes an alteration to an airframe, engine, or component that has been granted an approved type certificate.

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

Describe a Warm Front

The boundary area formed when a warm air mass contacts and flows over a colder air mass

Define the term "common carriage."

The carriage of pax or cargo as a result of advertising the availability of the carriage to the public. "Holds itself out" to the public.

What are "airworthiness directives"?

The medium the FAA uses to notify aircraft owners of unsafe conditions that may exist because of design defects, maintenance, or other causes, and to specify the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated. Regulatory in nature, and compliance is mandatory.

Are flight crewmembers allowed the use of any medications while performing their required duties?

The safest rule is not to fly as a crewmember while taking any medication, unless approved to do so by the FAA

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 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 usually means wind speeds will be lower

What factor primarily determines the type and vertical extent of clouds?

The stability of the atmosphere

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.

What does "dew point" mean?

The temperature to which a sample of air must be cooled to attain the state of saturation

When can you begin logging flight time as "night" flight time?

The time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight

Most of Earth's weather occurs in what region of the atmosphere?

The troposphere, which begins at the Earth's surface and extends up to approximately 36,000 feet.

When temperature and dew point are close together (within 5F), what type of weather is likely?

Visible moisture in the form of clouds, dew, or fog. These are also ideal conditions for carburetor icing

Does the weather data provided by commercial and/or third-party vendors satisfy the preflight action required by 14 CFR 91.103?

Weather services provided by entities other than the FAA, NWS, or other contractors might not meet FAA/NWS quality control standards. When in doubt, consult with an FAA Flight Service Specialist.

What limitations apply to aircraft operations conducted using the deferral provision of 14 CFR 91.213?

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 defer the item or equipment (consult AFM/POH in the last situation)

How can you determine the stability of the atmosphere?

When temperature decreases uniformly and rapidly as you climb (3C per 1,000 feet), you have an indication of unstable air. If the temperature remains unchanged or decreases only slightly with altitude, the air tends to be stable. When air near the surface is warm and moist, suspect instability.

Describe a Stationary Front

When the forces of two air masses are relatively equal, the boundary or front that separates them remains stationary and influences the local weather for days. The weather is typically a mixture of both warm and cold fronts

If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed?

Yes, under a Special Flight Permit issued by the FAA, however, all applicable ADs that are due must be complied with before the flight.

Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment on board?

Yes, under specific conditions with certain inoperative instruments and equipment that are not essential for safe flight. a.) Operation of an aircraft with a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) b.) Operation of an aircraft without an MEL under 14 CFR 91.213

If an aircraft is operated for hire, is it required to have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection?

Yes.

Does an aircraft's registration certificate have an expiration date?

Yes. Expires 3 years after the last day of the month in which it was issued. Temporary registrations valid for no more than 90 days after the date the applicant signs the application.

What aircraft are required to have 100-hour inspections?

a.) All aircraft under 12,500 pounds used to carry passengers for hire b.)Aircraft used for flight instruction for hire

What are some examples of sources of weather information?

a. Telephone Information Briefing Service (TIBS) (FSS) b. Weather and aeronautical information from numerous private industry sources c. DUATS d. TWEB

For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what two conditions must be met?

a.) Aircraft must conform to its type design b.) Aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation

If a pilot certificate is lost or destroyed, a pilot could continue to exercise the privileges of that certificate provided he/she follows what specific procedure?

a.) An application for a replacement made by letter to the DOT, FAA; and b.) May obtain a document conveying temporary authority to exercise the certificate privileges (may be carries for up to 60 days pending receipt of duplicate certificate.)

What are the requirements to remain current as a commercial pilot?

a.) Flight review within the preceding 24 months b.) To carry pax, a pilot must have made, within the preceding 90 days: -Three takeoffs and landings -To a full stop if a/c is a tailwheel airplane or conducted 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise

What minimum information is required for each logbook entry?

a.) General- date; total flight time; location where a/c departed and arrived b.) Type of pilot experience or training- solo; PIC; SIC; flight and ground training received; etc. c.) Conditions of flight- day or night; actual instrument; simulated instrument; flight sim; etc.

When would a commercial pilot be required to hold a type rating?

a.) Large aircraft (gross weight over 12,500 pounds, except lighter than air) b.) Turbojet-powered airplanes

Explain how a pilot determines if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation.

a.) Must determine that the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations have been performed in accordance with 14 CFR Parts 21, 43, and 91 and is registered in the US. b.) Conduct a thorough preflight inspection of the aircraft for wear and deterioration, structural damage, fluid leaks, tire wear, inoperative instruments and equipment, etc.

What qualifies as a commercial pilot operation?

a.) Part 61 states that you may be paid for acting as PIC of an aircraft engaged in carrying persons or property for compensation or hire b.) Allows you to work for a commercial operator, does not allow you to work as a commercial operator c.) Ops allowed without Operating Certificate: student instruction, certain nonstop sightseeing flights, ferry or training flights, aerial work ops (crop dusting, banner towing, aerial photography, powerline/pipeline patrol, etc.)

What are the requirements to act as PIC of a complex airplane?

a.) Received and logged ground and flight training b.) Received a one-time endorsement

To act as PIC of a pressurized aircraft, what flight experience requirements must be met?

a.) Received and logged ground and flight training (must include normal cruise flight above 25,000 feet MSL, emergency procedures for rapid decompression, and emergency descent procedures.) b.) Obtained an endorsement c.) Satisfactorily accomplished ground training, which includes high-altitude aerodynamics, meteorology, respiration, hypoxia, etc.

What limitation is imposed on a newly certificated commercial airplane pilot if that person does not hold an instrument rating?

a.) The carriage of passengers for hire in airplanes on cross-country flights in excess of 50 nautical miles b.) The carriage of passengers for hire in airplanes at night

How do you determine if the aircraft with no MEL and inoperative equipment is still airworthy for flight?

a.) are the inoperative instruments or equipment part of the VFR-day type certification? b.) are they listed as "Required" on the aircraft's equipment list of "Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL)" c.) are they required by CFRs? d.) are they required by an airworthiness directive (AD)?