CA.III.A Airport Operations

Question 1

You are 30 miles out from a Class C airport, when you notice that the radios have been dead quiet for some time. It appears you are NORDO, but how would you troubleshoot to make sure?

Answer 1

• Check the radio frequency - is it correct? Try the previous controller.
• Check radio/intercom volume.
• Check headset volume, and connections.
• Try a different jack or headset.
• Cue the mic, see if “TX” is displayed.
• Check the circuit breakers
• Recycle the avionics switch.

Question 2

Your electrical system has failed. Is there still a way that you could communicate and coordinate your lost-coms
arrival with the Class D tower?

Answer 2

Yes, use your cell phone.
Call FSS for number 1-800-WX-BRIEF.

Question 3

Tower Light Gun: What does a steady green light mean?

Answer 3

Cleared for Take off or cleared to land.

Question 4

Tower Light Gun in the air: What does a flashing green light mean?

Answer 4

Return for landing

Question 5

Tower Light Gun in the air: What does steady red light mean?

Answer 5

Give way to other aircraft, continue circling.

Question 6

Tower Light Gun in the air: What does alternating red and green mean?

Answer 6

Use extreme caution.

Question 7

Tower Light Gun in the aid: What does a flashing red light mean.

Answer 7

Airport unsafe. Do not land.

Question 8

What exactly constitutes an “accident” to the FAA?

Answer 8

Death or serious injury to a
person onboard, or substantial damage to the aircraft.

Question 9

Define “Serious Injury” in the eyes of the FAA/NTSB?

Answer 9

(1) Requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date of the injury was received.
(2) fracture of any bone except simple fractures (fingers, toes, or nose)
(3) causes severe hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage
(4) involves any internal organ. (5) involves second- or third-degree burns

Question 10

Define “Substantial Damage” in the eyes of the FAA/NTSB?

Answer 10

Must hurt the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and would normally require major repair or replacement of the component.

Examples of damage NOT considered substantial:
- Engine failure or damage to a single engine.
- Bent fairings or cowling
- Dented skin
- Small punctured holes in the skin or fabric
- Ground damage to rotor or propeller blades
- Damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips

Question 11

How soon are you required to submit a written report to the NTSB after an ACCIDENT?

Answer 11

Within 10 days, send in a report per 830.15.

Question 12

What would require immediate notification of the NTSB?

Answer 12

• Flight control malfunction or failure
• Required crew-member unable to perform normal duties
• Inflight fire
• Inflight propeller separation
• Loss of more than half of EIFS
• Uncontained turbine failure
• ACAS/TCAS resolution
• Aircraft collision in flight
• Damage to property, in excess of $25,000
• An overdue aircraft believed to be involved in an accident

Question 13

How soon are you required to submit a written report to the NTSB after an INCIDENT?

Answer 13

Written report upon request.