General Instrument Questions You Should Know Flashcards
A series of T’s on this charts indicates what?
time zone boundaries
What is the difference between the white and grey shaded areas?
ATC will provide IFR aircraft separation in the white areas (controlled airspace). Grey areas is class G airspace
What is a STAR?
Standard terminal arrival route (STAR) provides a common method for departing the enroute structure and navigating to your destination. Star’s usually terminate with an instrument or visual approach procedure.
What is Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)?
A systematic approach to the mental process used by aircraft pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances.
What do the green lines symbolize?
They are jet routes above 18,000 feet MSL which is normally for High Altitude Enroute Charts, but are included in the Low Charts for orientation and transition between the two charts.
A route that brings traffic from different directions into one STAR is called a what?
Transition.
What does D.E.C.I.D.E stand for in the decision-making process?
Detect the fact that a change has occurred
Estimate the need to counter or react to the change.
Choose a desirable outcome for the success of the flight
Identify actions which could successfully control the change
Do the necessary action to adapt to the change
Evaluate the effect of the action
R-4806E indicated by the magenta diagonal lines means what?
restricted airspace
The identifier, affective altitudes, times of activity, and the controlling agency will be listed. (UNL/100 means 100 feet above ground to an unlimited ceiling).
What is a TERP?
Terminal Instrument Procedures
What are the five Hazardous Attitudes and the steps for the Antidotes?
- Anti-authority (“Don’t tell me!”)
- Impulsivity (“Do something quickly!”)
- Invulnerability (“It won’t happen to me!”)
- Macho (“I can do it!”).
- Resignation (“What’s the use?”)
Recognition of hazardous thoughts is the first step toward neutralizing them. After recognizing a thought as hazardous, the pilot should label it as hazardous, then state the corresponding antidote. The antidotes are:
- Anti-Authority - Follow the rules. They are usually right.
- Impulsivity - Not so fast. Think first.
- Invulnerability - It could happen to me.
- Macho or Ego - Taking chances is foolish
- Resignation - I’m not helpless. DECIDE!
Where can you find information about a VOT?
You can find a VOT frequency for a particular airport in the
Airport Facility Directory or on the
A/G Voice Communication Panel of the FAA IFR Area chart or
IFR Enroute Low-Altitude Chart.
When checking your VOR using a VOT, the CDI should be centered and the OBS should indicate that the aircraft is on the 360 degree radial +/- 4
When do you need a operable 4096 transponder?
- Within class A airspace
- Class B airspace
- Within 30 NM of class B primary airports
- In and above class C airspace
- Above 10,000 ft
- Mode C for IFR flight at all times unless ATC directs otherwise
What is a D.P and a S.T.A.R and what are their differences?
An instrument departure procedure (DP) is a preplanned IFR procedure published in graphic or textual formats to provide pilots with obstruction clearance from the terminal area to the enroute structure. The two types of departure procedures are an Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) and a Standard Instrument Departure (SID)
Standard terminal arrival route (STAR) provides common method for departing the enroute structure and navigating to your destination. It is established to simplify clearance delivery procedures and usually terminates with an instrument or visual approach procedure.
What is RNAV, RNP, and the parameters for RNP approaches?
Area navigation (RNAV) is a method of instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation that allows an aircraft to choose any course within a network of navigation beacons, rather than navigating directly to and from the beacons. This can conserve flight distance, reduce congestion, and allow flights into airports without beacons. Area navigation used to be called “random navigation”, and hence the acronym RNAV
Required navigation performance (RNP) is a type of performance-based navigation (PBN) that allows an aircraft to fly a specific path between two 3D-defined points in space. RNAV and RNP systems are fundamentally similar. The key difference between them is the requirement for on-board performance monitoring and alerting. A navigation specification that includes a requirement for on-board navigation performance monitoring and alerting is referred to as an RNP specification. One not having such a requirement is referred to as an RNAV specification.
RNP also refers to the level of performance required for a specific procedure or a specific block of airspace. An RNP of 10 means that a navigation system must be able to calculate its position to within a circle with a radius of 10 nautical miles. An RNP of 0.3 means the aircraft navigation system must be able to calculate its position to within a circle with a radius of 3 tenths of a nautical mile
What are the holding patterns speeds?
6,000 ft and below - 200 kts
Below 14,000 ft - 230 kts
Above 14,000 ft - 265 kts
What does the letter ‘A’ mean?
The approach course is not aligned within 30 degrees of the runway. A circle to land movement will be required to land the airplane.
What is the maximum airspeed when conducting a procedure turn?
200 kts
What is a ILS?
A instrument landing system (ILS) is a precision approach navigational aid which provides highly accurate course, glide slope, and distance guidance to a given runway
What is a localizer?
A localizer transmitter provides information regarding your alignment with the runway centerline.
How sensitive is the CDI needle on the VOR when using it for the localizer?
Each dot is .5 degrees.
2.5 total on either side
5 degrees total.
What is a LDA?
A localizer type directional aid (LDA) is a type of localizer-based instrument approach to an airport. It is used in places where, due to terrain and other factors, the localizer antenna array is not aligned with the runway it serves. In these cases, the localizer antenna array may be offset (i.e. pointed or aimed) in such a way that the approach course it projects no longer lies along the extended runway centerline (which is the norm for non-offset and non-LDA localizer systems). If the angle of offset is three degrees or less, the facility is classified as an offset localizer. If the offset angle is greater than three degrees, the facility is classified as a localizer-type directional aid (LDA). As a “directional aid,” and only a Category I (CAT I) approach, rather than a full-fledged instrument landing system (ILS), the LDA is more commonly used to help the pilot safely reach a point near the runway environs, where he or she hopefully can see the runway, at which point he or she will proceed and land visually, as opposed to (for example) full Category III (CAT III) ILS systems that allow a pilot to fly, without visual references, right down to the runway surface or very close to it depending on the exact equipment in the aircraft and on the ground.
An LDA uses exactly the same equipment to create the course as a standard localizer used in ILS. An LDA approach also is designed with a normal course width, which is typically 3 to 6 degrees
.
What is a SDF?
Simplified Directional Facility (SDF) is a localizer-based instrument non-precision approach to an airport, which provides final approach course similar to instrument landing system (ILS) and localizer type directional aid (LDA) approaches, although not as precise.
The SDF signal is fixed at either 6 or 12 degrees, as necessary to provide maximum flyability and optimum course quality. Unlike an ILS, an SDF does not provide vertical guidance in the form of a glideslope.The SDF course may or may not be aligned with the runway because its antenna may be offset from the runway centerline. Usable off-course indications are limited to 35 degrees either side of the course centerline
.
What is approach speed category and how is it calculated?
Each aircraft is placed into an approach category based in its computed approach speed. Aircraft approach category means a grouping if aircraft based on a speed of VREF (reference landing speed), if specified, or if Vref is not specified, 1.3 x VSO. The 1.3 VSOapproach speed equals 130% of the aircraft’s power-off stall speed in the landing configuration at the maximum certified landing weight.
IF the glide slope becomes inoperative during an ILS procedure, what minimums are used?
Localizer minimums.
When on the glide slope during a precision approach, the missed approach point is what?
Decision height
What are the standard alternate minimums for precision and non precision approaches?
Precision approaches -
- 600 ft ceiling
- 2 SM visibility
Non Precision approaches -
- 800 ft ceiling
- 2 SM visibility
What is a MDA?
The minimum descent altitude (MDA) is the lowest altitude (in feet MSL) to which descent is authorized on final approach, or during circle-to-land maneuvering in execution of a non-precision approach. Unlike a DH, a missed approach need not be initiated immediately upon reaching the altitude; that decision can be made at any time before reaching the missed approach point (MAP). A pilot flying a non-precision approach may descend to the MDA and maintain it until reaching the MAP, then initiate a missed approach if the required visual reference was not obtained. An aircraft must not descend below the MDA until visual reference is obtained, which differs slightly from a DH in that while the missed approach procedure must be initiated at or prior to the DH, because of its vertical momentum, during a precision approach an aircraft may end up descending slightly below the DH during the course of the missed approach.
If a runway has both precision and non-precision approaches defined, the MDA of the non-precision approach is almost always greater than the DH of the precision approach, due to the lack of vertical guidance of the non-precision approach: the actual difference will also depend on the accuracy of the navaid upon which the approach is based, with ADF approaches and SRAs tending to have the highest MDAs.
When may you execute a straight -in-landing if the IAP has only circling minimums?
If you have the runway in sight
Sufficient time to make a normal approach for landing
And you have been cleared to land.
What is the difference between a visual approach and a contact approach?
A visual approach
- can be initiated by ATC or you can request the approach.
- Minimum 1,000 ft ceiling AGL with 3 SM vis
- must have airport or preceeding aircraft in sight
- remain clear of clouds
A contact approach
- ATC cannot initiate a contact approach
- 1 SM ground vis
WHat is the difference between distress and urgency?
Pilots in distress are threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and require immediate assistance. “MAYDAY, MAYDAY”
An urgency situation requires prompt assistance to avoid a potentially catastrophic event “PAN, PAN”
If you lose IFR radio communications, what route do you follow?
- Assigned
- Vector
- Expected
- Filed
If you lose IFR radio communications, what altitude do you follow?
M.E.A
MEA
Expected
Assigned (last)
always choose the HIGHEST of the three
When may a surveillance approach be used?
At airports for wwhich civil radar instrument approach minimums have been published
During no-gyro approaches, what type of turns are used?
Prior to being handed off to the final approach -
- All turns standard rate
After being handed off to the final approach -
- All turns half standard rate.
What is Hypoxia and its different types?
When the tissue is NOT getting enough oxygen.
- Hypoxic hypoxia - when accending too quickly in altitude (Can’t get O2)
- Hypemic Hypoxia - the blood can’t carry oxygen (Can’t carry O2) Ex: Anemia
- Stagnant Hypoxia - Poor circulation of oxygen (Can’t circulate O2)
- Histoxic Hypoxia - cells don’t accept oxygen (Can’t use O2) Ex: Alchohol, drugs.
What does the cross mean?
The point where you begin the decent at the glide slope for the final approach.
What does the dashed line represent?
A decent from ‘GUUDE” to the missed approach point for a for a localizer only approach.
What do these points represent?
Step down fixes for the nonprecision approach.
What does the ‘M’ stand for?
The missed approach point for the nonprecision approach.
What does this section mean?
The missed approach point for a precision approach. This is also known as the decision altitude (DA)
What does the bottom row of numbers represent?
The distance from the landing threshold.
What do these top row of numbers represent?
The NM distance between fixes.
What does the ‘V’ stand for?
The visual decend point. The point where you may continue your decent beyond the decision altitude (DA) id you have the runway in sight.
What is this section called?
Conversion table section.
What would this bottom line be used for?
For nonprecision approaches, it is the time it would normally take, based on groundspeed, to reach the missed approach point (MAP) from the final approach fix.
What does MALSR stand for?
Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System
What does this mean?
The configuration of lighting is unknown
Whata is this section called?
Landing minimums
What does this mean?
Aircraft category based on aircraft approach airspeed. Category E is only for military aircrafts. The calculation is 1.3 X VSO at maximum landing weight.
What does ‘FULL’ mean?
The landing minimums when all components are operational
What does ‘RVR 18 or 1/2’ mean?
A Runway Visual Range of 1,800 feet is needed to land. If RVR is not reported, a visibility of 1/2 SM is needed.
What does this section mean?
The requirements to land when when more than 1 component is inoperative.
What is this section for?
Requirements for nonprecision approaches.
If this is presented on a approach chart, what would it mean?
Sidestep landing minimums which typically is higher than other minimums. This allows you to fly an approach for one runway, then land on a parallel runway.
What does it mean when the straight in landing minimums is blank?
The final approach is not aligned within 30 degrees of the runway or if an excessinve rate of decent over 400 ft per NM is required between the FAP and the MAP.
What does NACO mean?
National Aeronautical Charting Office. (Government approach charts)
Indicated by green diagonal lines?
Warning, Alert or M.O.A airspace
Indicated by a series of C’s. The lower left corner shows the upper limit of the airspace to be 4,500 feet MSL.
What is Class C airspace?
Indicated by a grey dashed lines in the low altitude enroute charts?
area charts
Indicated in the parenthesis and by the blue dashed line?
Class D and Class E airspace
Asterisk symbol means hours of operations found on back panel entitled *Part-time Terminal Airspace hours (Class C,D,E).
Small green circles with cogs?
civil VFR airports
Smooth green circles?
military VFR airports
Small blue circles with cogs?
civil IFR airports
Smooth blue circles?
military IFR airports
Anchors and the letter ‘H’ in the circles?
seaports and heliports
Indicated by capital letters and blue in color.
Which airports have standard instrument approach procedures?
.
What is the ICAO identifier?
What is the airport elevation?
Translated to 6,000
What is the longest runway length?
Indicated by lower case lettering and green in color.
Which airports are without published instrument approaches?
Indicated by the lower case ‘s’.
Which airports have soft surfaces?
Indicated by compass with line pointing to magnetic north.
What are Jeppesen VOR symbols?
Indicated by a serrated circle.
What are Jeppesen symbols for TACAN and DME facilities?
Indicated by a serrated circle within a compass.
What are Jeppesen VORTAC and VOR/DME symbols?
Indicated by the three rowed dotted green circles.
What are Jeppesen’s NDB symbols?
Indicated by the half shaded pointed arrow.
What is the ILS Localizer symbol?
Indicated by being written in a box.
Which Jeppesen Navaids are part of an airway?
Indicated by the letter D.
What shows if the Monroe VORTAC has DME capability?
Indicated by (L) meaning low altitude.
What is the Monroe VORTAC operational range?
Indicated by an unboxed navaid.
Which Jeppesen navaids are NOT part of an airway?
What is the total mileage of V178?
Where are the total mileage between intersections and VORs?
On a typical 8NM wide airway, what happen when the change over point (COP) is not located in the middle of an airway that’s longer than 100NM?
The airway extends horizontally 4.5 degrees from the naviad until it reaches the COP. This will happen anytime one side is longer than 51 NM.
Inicates a point on the airway where the course changes direction and where no intersection is designated. This area should NOT be used as a reporting point for ATC or when filing a flight plan.
What is a mileage break point?
These are checkpoints along an airway that provide a means for you and ATC to check the progress of your flight. They are often located at points where the airway turns or where you need a positive means of establishing you position. These areas are given five-letter names, and their actual location may be based on two VOR radials, DME, or other navaids. Arrows are placed next to the area pointing from the navaids that formed it.
What are intersections?
What is indicated by the long thin arrow?
The radial that defined the fix is not designated as a flyable route.
In a nonradar enviroment, you are required to make a position report when you pass over this point. If co-located with a navaid, the black triangle is placed inside of a compass.
What are compulsory reporting points?
Identified by open triangles where position reports are not required unless requested by ATC.
WHat are Noncompulsory reporting points.
• Guarantees obstacle clearance
o 1,000 foot obstacle clearance over non mountainous terrain.
o 2,000 foot clearance over mountainous terrain.
• Lowest altitude to expect adequate navigational signal reception
• Two-way communications NOT Guaranteed.
What is the minimum enroute altitude (MEA).
What does the symbol mean?
Possiable gap in navigational signal even if the MEA is maintained.
What does this symbol mean?
It indicates a change in the MEA. This symbol can also be used to indicate a change in MAA or to show a change in the MOCA when an MEA is not published for the route.
What does the symbol mean?
Minimum crossing altitude (MCA). This symbol is used only on FAA charts. It means that you must begin climbing prior to reaching the fix in order to arrive over the fix at the MCA.
What does the symbol mean?
That a MCA will occur at the Navaid. Information regarding the MCA is located elsewhere.
What does T mean?
A minimum obstruction clearance altitude (MOCA) is shown for some route segments. On Jeppesen charts, it is identified by the letter T (terrain) following the altitude. On FAA charts, an asterisk precedes the altitude. The major difference between an MEA and a MOCA is that the MOCA ensures a reliable navigation signal only within 22 nautical miles of the facility; conversely, the MEA ordinarily provides reliable navigation signals throughout the entire segment. ATC will only issue the MOCA as an assigned altitude when you are close enough to the navaid.
What does MAA stand for and it’s purpose?
Occasionally, it is necessary to establish a maximum authorized altitude (MAA) for a route segment. At higher altitudes, you might be able to receive two or more VOR stations simultaneously on the same frequency, making the signals unreliable for navigation. MAA is the highest altitude you can fly based on the line-of-sight transmitting distance of VOR or VORTAC stations using the same frequency. It guarantees that you will only receive one signal at a time on a given frequency.
What is a MRA?
Minimum reception altitude (MRA) is the lowest altitude that ensures adequate reception of the navigation signals formaing the intersection or other fix. Operating below an MRA does not mean you will be unable to maintain the airway centerline, only that you may not be able to identify a particular fix or intersection. FAA charts alerts you to an MRA by enclosing the letter R in a flag.
What is the time limit of the inbound leg in a holding pattern?
1 minute below 14,000. 1 1/2 minute above 14,000 feet. The entire pattern (below 14,000) should be 4 minutes in length.
What do you do if you have a strong headwind which makes your inbound leg longer that 1 minute?
What do you do if you have a strong headwind which makes your inbound leg longer that 1 minute? Decrease the time length of the outbound leg. Conversely, if the inbound leg is shorter than 1 minute, the outbound leg needs to be longer that 1 minute. All corrections are done on the outbound leg so that the inbound leg is on course and for 1 minute.
What do you do if you are adjusting for a crosswind while on the inbound leg?
The adjustment for the outbound leg needs to be 3xs the amount of the inbound leg. All corrections are done on the outbound leg so that the inbound leg is on course and for 1 minute.
What are the max airspeeds for holding patterns?
How many different sectors are there in a holding course?
Three - 180 degrees, 110 degrees, and 70 degrees.
A standard holding pattern entry from the 180 degree sector is called what?
Direct entry
A standard holding pattern entry from within the 110 degree sector is called what?
Parallel Entry.
A standard entry from the 70 degree holding pattern sector is called what?
Teardrop Entry
