Common Trouble Areas Flashcards
Pitot-Static Failure:
What will happen if your Pitot Tube AND Drain hole are blocked?
The Airspeed Indicator will act as an altimeter:
Airspeed will INCREASE during a climb & DECREASE during a descent.
* This is the inverse of what would normmally happen durring a climb and a descent
Why?
* Because air is now trapped inside the Pitot Tube & the only source of Static Pressure is from the Static Ports reading pressure from outside
Pitot-Static Failure:
What will happen if just your Pitot Tube is blocked but the drain hole is open?
The Airspeed Indicator will drop to zero
Why?
* Because Dynamic Pressure (Ram air) is no longer able to enter the Pitot Tube.
Pitot-Static Failure:
What will happen to your instruments if all your Static Ports are blocked?
Airspeed:
- At altitudes above the failure, it will read lower than normal
- At altitudes BELOW the failure it will read higher than normal
- This is a reverse altimeter
Altimeter:
- Freezes at the failure altitude
VSI:
- Gradually reduces to ZERO and freezes
What will happen to your instruments when using the Alternate Static source?
Airspeed:
- Will read higher than normal
Altimeter:
- Will read slightly higher than normal
VSI:
- Will momentarily indicate a climb
*Pressure inside the cabin is lower than pressure outside
What can be said about the pressure readings from the Static Ports vs the Alternate Static Source and why?
- The pressure from the Alternate Static Source will be lower than the pressure from the Static Ports
- This is because of the Venturi Effect of fast moving air flowing around the fuselage, thus the air pressure inside the cabin is lower than the air pressure outside
What are the different types of Hypoxia?
Hypoxic - Altitude/pressure
Hypemic - Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning or blood loss
Histotoxic - Alcohol/drugs
Stagnant - G-force, limbs fall asleep
What is Hypoxia broadly speaking?
An oxygen deficiency in the blood cells (brain)
What are the symptoms of Hypoxia (10)?
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Lightheaded/Dizzy/foggy brain
- Tingly sensation
- Sweating
- Poor coordination
- Impaired Judgement
- Tunnel vision
- Euphoria
- Blue fingers & Lips (Cyanosis)
What is Hypoxic Hypoxia?
At higher altitudes there’s less pressure, therefore less oxygen is able to be pressed into the membranes of the lungs for use by the body and brain.
What is Hypemic Hypoxia?
Inability of the blood to carry Oxygen molecules (normally caused by anemia or blood loss)
Carbon Monoxide poisoning causes this:
- CO molecules attach themselves to the blood cells and block them from absorbing oxygen molecules
What is Histotoxic Hypoxia?
Cells inside the body cannot effectively use oxygen
Caused by Alcohol or Drugs
What is Stagnant Hypoxia
Oxygen deficiency due to lack of circulation
Caused by G-Forces, Cold temperatures, or limbs falling asleep
How might the effects of altitude be different at night and why?
- Night vision can begin to deteriorate at altitudes as low as 5,000 ft
- This is because the Rods in our eyes, the cells responsible for night vision, are more sensitive to oxygen deficiency than the Cones
What is Hyperventilation why does it occur?
- A rapid increase in rate of breathing, that can eventually result in unconsciousness
- An excessive amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is being exhaled from the body
**Symptoms are similar to Hypoxia
How much time of useful consciousness can you expect to have up to 20,000ft in a Hypoxia scenario?
PHAK
At least 30 mins, maybe more.
Depending on altitude. (PHAK Chart, 17-4)
What are the symptoms of prolonged Hyperventilation?
PHAK
- Visual Impairment
- Eventual unconsciousness
- Lightheaded/Dizzy
- Tingly sensation
- Hot & Cold sensation
- Muscle Spasms
What are the remedies for Hyperventilation?
- Conscious effort to slow breathing rate
- Breath into a bag
- Talk out loud
What are the equipment and entry requirements for Class A airspace?
PHAK 15-9
Entry:
1. IFR rated
2. IFR flight plan
3. ATC clearance
Equipment:
1. Two-way radio
2. Transponder with at least Mode C
3. ADS-B Out
4. Aircraft must be IFR equipped
What are the equipment and entry requirements for Class B airspace?
PHAK 15-9
Entry:
1. ATC clearance
2. Hold at least a PPL (to operate at primary airport), unless specific requirements are met
Equipment:
1. Two-way radio
2. Transponder with at least Mode C
3. ADS-B Out
What are the equipment and entry requirements for Class C airspace?
Entry:
1. Establish Two-way radio comms
Equipment:
1. Two-way radio
2. Transponder Mode C
3. ADS-B Out
*Satellite Airports
- Towered: Maintain comms with tower
- Untowered: Establish comms with Class C as soon as practicable
What are the equipment and entry requirements for Class D airspace?
Entry:
1. Establish Two-way radio comms
Equipment:
1. Two-way radio
What are the most prominent types of NOTAMs?
Boldmethod & CFI Notebook
- D NOTAM - Domestic or Distant NOTAMS: Navigational Facilities, Public Use airports
- FDC NOTAM - Flight Data Center NOTAMS: Instrument Approaches & Airways
- SAA NOTAM - Special Activity Airspace NOTAMS: When Special use airspace is active outside of normal times
- Military NOTAM - Pertinent to US military Nav Aids & Airports
- GPS NOTAM - GPS & WAAS related
What are the aircraft speed limits?
250kts or less
* Below 10,000ft MSL
200kts or less
* Within 4 NM of a Class C or D airport
* Underlying Class B or in its VFR Corridore
FAR 91.117
If the minimum safe airspeed is greater than any of these, the aircraft may be operated at that higher airspeed.
What is the aircraft speed limit below 10,000ft MSL
Not in Class B, C, or D
250kts
What are the aircraft speed limits within 4 NM of a Class C or D airport?
200kts
What is the aircraft speed limit in Class B airspace?
250 kts below 10,000ft
If you are above 10,000ft MSL you can fly up to Mach 1.
What are the Class G airspace Cloud Clearance requirements?
DAY
Above 1,200ft AGL
* 1 SM Viz, 1,000ft above, 2,000ft horizontal, 500ft below
* 1, 1,2,5
At or below 1,200ft AGL
* 1 SM viz, Clear of Clouds
NIGHT
* 3 SM, 1000ft above, 2,000ft horizontal, 500ft below
*Basic Cloud Clearance
What is a D NOTAM?
Domestic or Distant NOTAM
Relays information on all Nav Aids and Airports such as..
- RWY/Taxiway closures
- VGSI lighting
- Taxiway lights
- Field conditions
- VORs & NDBs
What is an FDC NOTAM?
Flight Data Center NOTAM
Relays information on Instrument Approach Procedures & Aeronautical charts such as..
- Airway structure changes
- IAP changes (mins ETC)
- DP & STAR changes
- TFRs
- Laser light activity
What is an SAA NOTAM?
Special Activity Airspace NOTAM
Relays information related to Airspace being activated outside of normally published times, like SUA.
What is a Military NOTAM?
A NOTAM published which concerns military Nav Aids or Military airports
What is a GPS NOTAM? What does ‘GPS Unreliable’ mean?
A NOTAM concerning GPS/WAAS outages, testing & anomalies.
- GPS Unreliable means that the expected level of service may not be available and pilots should GPS adequacy and should have ground based navigation equipment available
EMERGENCY:
List the items (11) to be completed during an Engine Failure in Flight
- Best glide, 88 Kts
- Flaps up
- Suitable landing site
- Voter switch check
- Fuel Pump ON
- Fuel Valve NORMAL
- Alternate air (if required)
- Fuel Quantity CHECKED
- Fuel Transfer Pump (if required)
- Electronic Master ON
- Engine Master ON
**Proceed with Emergency Landing with Engine Off checklist
EMERGENCY:
List the items (4) to be completed during an Engine Fire in Flight
- Cabin Heat OFF
- Suitable Landing Site
- Fuel Valve OFF
- Power Lever MAX
**Proceed with non-memory items listed in QRC
EMERGENCY:
List the items (4) to be completed during a Smoke in the Cabin scenario
- Emergency Battery ON
- Avionics Master OFF
- Electronic Master OFF
- Cabin Heat OFF
** Proceed with non-memory items listed in QRC
What are the 4 main ways the VOR check may be completed?
- VOT facility
- Certified Ground checkpoint
- Certified Air checkpoint
- Dual VOR check
How is the VOR check done with a VOT?
- Find the VOT frequency information in the C/S or with FSS
- In the air or on the ground the OBS should be CENTERED and read 0 FM, or 180 TO.
How is the VOR check done at a certified Air checkpoint?
- Check the C/S for a suitable VOR checkpoint, air or ground.
- Follow the instructions (location and radials to be received)
- Error is +- 4 on the ground, & +- 6 in the air.
How can a VOR check be done on a dual VOR system using a certified Air or Ground checkpoint?
- Check the CS for a suitable VOR checkpoint, air or ground
- Follow instructions (location & radials to be recieved)
What acronym do we use to remember what information we must log after completing a VOR Check?
SLED
S - Signature
L - Location
E - Error amount
D - Date
What must be done at the end of every VOR Check?
It must be logged (SLED)
S - Signature
L - Location
E - Error amount
D - Date
What is a Microburst?
Microburst - A type of Wind Sheer resulting in an intense local downdraft that spreads outward at the surface in all directions, causing both vertical and horizontal wind sheer
What can be said about the intensity of a Microburst?
CFI Notebook
Intensity
- Can produce downdrafts as strong as 6,000 FPM
- Surface winds can be as strong as 45kts resulting in a 90kt sheer from headwind to tailwind which occur within a few hundred ft of the ground
- Most intense winds last from 2 to 4 mins (can last up to 15 mins total)
- Usually less than 2.5 miles in diameter
What can be said about the duration a Microburst?
CFI Notebook & Aviation Weather Handbook
Duration
- Can last up to 15 mins
- Winds usually keep intensifying for the first 5 mins
- Maximum intensity winds will last from 2-5 mins
What can be said about the dimensions of a Microburst?
CFI Notebook
Dimensions
- Up to 2.5 miles in diameter at the surface
- Less then 1 mile wide at the stem
What would be the visual indications of a microburst (5)?
CFI Notebook
- Convective activity (they occur in about 5% of storms)
- Heavy rain downdraft
- Virga
- If no rain is present, blowing dust is a sign
- Significant change between wind speeds at 2,000ft AGL and the surface
What is the most severe type of Wind Shear?
Aviation Weather Handbook
- A Microburst
What are the different kinds of Wind Shear that could be encountered?
Performance Increasing
- Strong Headwind, or decreasing Tailwind
Performance Decreasing
- Strong Tailwind, or decreasing Headwind
What could be expected when flying through a Performance Increasing Wind Shear?
Aviation Weather Handbook
- An increase in Indicated Airspeed
- Decrease in Groundspeed
- Pitching up motion, due to the increased amount of Lift being produced
What could be expected when flying through a Performance Decreasing Wind Shear?
Aviation Weather Handbook
- Loss of Indicated Airspeed
- Increase in Groundspeed
- Pitching down motion, due to decreased Lift produced
Which loading scenario is preferred, a more Forward CG, or an Aft CG?
An Aft CG is preferable because:
- Much more fuel efficient
- Lower stall speed
What are the characteristics of a Forward CG?
Pros:
- More Longitudinal stability
- Good stall recovery
Cons:
- Higher Stall speed (higher AOA to fly straight and level because tail-down force adds weight)
- Less fuel efficient (more drag due to higher AOA and large tail-down force)
- Longer T/O roll
- Higher Vr speed
- Difficult to flare the landing
What are the characteristics of an Aft CG?
Pros:
- Much more fuel efficient (less drag)
- Lower Stall Speed (lower AOA)
- Shorter T/O roll
- Lower Vr speed
Cons:
- Less Longitudinal stability
- Bad stall recovery
What might a planes flight path through a microburst look like?
Boldmethod
- As the plane reaches the outside of the microburst it will experience a strong headwind, which causes an increase in lift and a climb
- As the plane reaches the middle or downdraft portion of the microburst, the aircraft will begin to sink
- As the plane reaches the other side of the microburst, it will experience a strong tailwind and a further tendency to sink
Why is a higher AOA required when an aircraft is loaded with a more Forward CG?
- This is because more tail downforce is needed to counteract the nose down tendency of a forwardly loaded CG, the extra tail downforce essentially adds ‘weight’ to the aircraft which requires more Lift to be produced (higher AOA) to maintain straight and level flight.
PHAK
What is a SIGMET issued for?
AIM 7-1-6
Severe weather NOT associated with a thunderstorm such as…
Remember: SADCATS
S - Severe Icing & Turbulence & extreme Turb
A - Ash (volcanic)
D - Dust or Sandstorms reducing vis below VFR, (3 SM)
CAT - Clear Air Turbulence
S - Sandstorms lowering viz below 3sm
How long is a SIGMET valid for?
AIM 7-1-6
4 hrs
What is a Convective SIGMET issued for?
AIM 7-1-6
Severe Thunderstorms (embedded, squall line, producing heavy precip) due to..
- Winds 50 kts or more
- Hail 3/4 inch or more
- Tornados
**Any Convective SIGMET implies SEVERE icing, turbulence and LLWS
How long is a Convective SIGMET valid for ?
AIM 7-1-6
Up to 2 hrs.
How long are AIRMETS valid for?
AIM 7-1-6
Issued on a scheduled basis every 6 HRS
What is an AIRMET T issued for?
AIM 7-1-6
- Moderate Turbulence
- LLWS (non-convective)
- Winds greater than 30 kts at the surface
What is an AIRMET Z issued for?
AIM 7-1-6
- Moderate Icing
- Freezing levels
What is VFR?
AIM 7-1-7
Viz = More than 5 SM
Ceil = More than 3,000 ft
What is MVFR
AIM 7-1-7
Viz = 3-5 SM
Ceil = 1,000 to 3,000 ft
*Full range is inclusive
What is IFR?
AIM 7-1-7
Viz = 1 to less than 3 SM
Ceil = 500 to less than 1,000 ft
What is LIFR?
AIM 7-1-7
Viz = Less than 1 SM
Ceil = Less than 500ft
PIREP Reporting conditions: Trace Ice
AIM 7-1-19
- Ice is barely noticeable
- Less than 1/4 inch accumulation per hour
PIREP Reporting conditions: Light Ice
AIM 7-1-19
- Occasional cycling of deicing systems required
- 1/4 to 1 inch accumulation per hour
PIREP Reporting conditions: Moderate Ice
AIM 7-1-19
- Frequent cycling of deicing systems required
- 1 to 3 inches accumulation per hour
PIREP Reporting Conditions: Severe Ice
AIM 7-1-19
- Deicing systems cannot keep up with rate of accumulation
- More than 3 inch accumulation per hour
PIREP Reporting Conditions: Light Turbulence
AIM 7-1-21
- Momentary slight changes in Altitude or Attitude
- Slight pressing against seat belts or small object movement
**Any turbulence NOT associated with altitude or attitude changes is called CHOP: Light, Moderate, Severe, Extreme.
PIREP Reporting Conditions: Moderate Turbulence
AIM 7-1-21
- Significant changes in Altitude, Attitude, OR variations in AIRSPEED. Yet aircraft remains in positive control at all times
- Significant pressing against seat belts, or loose objects becoming dislodged.
**Any turbulence NOT associated with altitude or attitude changes is called CHOP: Light, Moderate, Severe, Extreme.
PIREP Reporting Conditions: Severe Turbulence
AIM 7-1-21
- Large abrupt changes in Altitude, Attitude, OR AIRSPEED, MOMENTARY loss of control
- Violent pressure against seatbelts, or objects are tossed about
**Any turbulence NOT associated with altitude or attitude changes is called CHOP: Light, Moderate, Severe, Extreme.
PIREP Reporting conditions: Extreme Turbulence
AIM 7-1-21
- Aircraft is impossible to control
- Aircraft damage may occur
What are the 3 most commonly used Transponder types?
Mode A
- Only provide interrogation
- Only input and output is a 4 digit code
Mode C
- Allows for altitude encoding for ATCs use
Mode S
- Altitude, Airspeed, heading encoding for ATC
- Information from other aircraft
- TIS-B & FIS-B
Slource: Pilot Institute
Describe the difference between the lengths of a Precision and Non-precision Approach Lighting System, and why this is useful to know
Precision
- 2,500 to 3,000ft long
Non-Precision
- 1,400 to 1,500ft long
**This is useful because it can be used to estimate visibility conditions
Under what conditions should a missed approach be executed?
- At MDA/DA without RWY environment in sight
- Unable to make a normal landing (passing VDP)
- Unstable Approach
- Losing sight of the RWY environment
- When ATC tells you
What are the 3 most common errors in instrument flying?
Remember: FOE
F - Fixation
O - Omission
E - Emphasis
When may hazardous wind shear be expected
- Low level temperature inversions
- Frontal zones (storms)
- Clear Air Turbulence
What are the eligebility requirements and applicant requirements to be a Commercial Pilot?
- 18 yrs old
- English, read, speak, write, understand
- At least IRA or enrolled in IRA (141 school, otherswise only PPL)
- Ground training - with endoresement
- Pass knowledge test - with endorsement
- Practical test endorsement
- 35hrs ground training (141)
- 120hrs flight training (141) of which..
- 55 hrs must be dual instruction
- 10hrs instrument
- 10hrs in Complex or TAA aircraft
- 100 nm 2hr day XC
- 100 nm, 2hr night XC
- 3hrs in prep for practical test - Pass practical
What are newtons laws
What are the stages of a spin
What are the 3 FAA definitions of Night and what are they for?
- Sunset to Sunrise
- FAR 91.209
- When you need to have Position Lights on - 1hr after Sunset to 1hr before Sunrise
- FAR 61.57
- Night Landings for passenger currency - The time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac, convertedTim Goudie. Assistant Chief Flight Instructor to local time.
- FAR 1.1
- For logging night time
How often are the following charts updated?
1. VFR Sectional Chart
2. IFR Low Enroute Chart
3. Chart Supplement (A/FD)
(IFR Low Charts are not important for PPL, but its good to know)
Every 56 days
How often are the following charts updated?
1. VFR Sectional Chart
2. Chart Supplement (A/FD)
3. IFR Low Altitude Enroute Chart
Every 56 days
