Interview Prep

Question 1

What is a VDP (Visual Descent Point)?

Answer 1

a defined point on the final approach course of a non-precision straight-in approach procedure from which normal descent from the MDA to the runway touchdown point may be commenced.

Question 1

How would you calculate your own VDP?

Answer 1

Take the MDA feet above TDZE and divide by 300–gives you miles to the threshold

Question 2

What is the MSA on an approach chart?

Answer 2

Published for emergencies, altitudes that allow for 1000ft obstacle separation within 25NM

Question 3

What are the max airspeeds in B Airspace?

Answer 3

Unrestricted above 10,000 MSL; 250 below; 200 beneath the shelf or in a VFR corridor

Question 4

What are the FAR 91.117 max airspeeds?

Answer 4

Below 10,000MSL=250 KIAS
Below 2,500AGL + within 4NM of C or D airspace = 200 KIAS
Underlying B or VFR corridor=200 KIAS

Question 5

What’s the maximum speed in a procedure turn? AIM 5-4-9

Answer 5

200 KIAS

Question 6

What are vortex generators and where would you find them?

Answer 6

They create vortices to increase the boundary layer energy to delay separation; typically at the point of max camber on a wing

Question 7

What does your departure brief consist of?

Answer 7

Identify pilot flying
Runway, length, winds
Type of takeoff and runway required
Rotation and climb speeds
pattern altitude or turnout
Clearance and climb gradients
Emergencies brief
Questions?

Question 8

How long is a 1st class medical good for?

Answer 8

1 year below the age of 40. 6 months thereafter

Question 9

Under part 135, what percentage of the runway does the planned landing need to be completed in?

Answer 9

60%

Question 10

When will your altimeter read higher than you really are?

Answer 10

When it’s colder than standard.

When moving from high to low pressure. (High to low, look out below)

When station pressure is lower than 28” and the altimeter cannot be set lower.

Question 11

When can you descent below DH or MDA?

Answer 11

1. In a position to land (and for part 135, touchdown within the touchdown zone)
2. The flight visibility not less than that prescribed
3. At least one of the following:
   a. ALS
   b. threshold
   c. Threshold markings
   d. Threshold lights
   e. RIEL
   f. VGI
   g. TDZ lights
   h. TDZ markings
   i. RWY markings
   j. RWY lights

Question 12

When do you need a T/O alternate?

Answer 12

When WX is below landing minimums at your departure

Question 13

Convert feet/NM to a climb gradient

Answer 13

Rise/Run
Feet/Feet (6076)

200ft/NM = 200/6076 = 3.3%

Question 14

Calculate FPM required from a given groundspeed and feet/NM (departure climb out)

Answer 14

(GS/60) x Climb Gradient

(180/60) x 200 = 600FPM

Question 15

Calculate the slope of a runway

Answer 15

TDZE delta / distance

Question 16

Calculate how early you need to descend given an altitude delta

Answer 16

Altitude to lose / 300

FL300 to 2,000 = -28,000

28,000 / 300 = 93 NM

Question 17

Calculate the FPM required for descent planning (rule of thumb)

Answer 17

GS x 5

420 x 5 = 2100

This works perfectly with the altitude / 300 rule.

Question 18

When do you need to file an alternate FAR 91 and 135?

Answer 18

FAR 91: 1,2,3 rule. 1 hour before and after the ETA, WX below 2,000AGL and 3SM.

FAR 135: if weather is worse than: 1,500 above lowest circling minima, or if none, 1,500 above lowest minima or 2,000 above elevation, whichever his higher; and 3SM, or 2SM more than the lowest minima, whichever is higher

Question 19

What are the maximum holding airspeeds for all altitudes?

Answer 19

0-6000: 200 KIAS
6001-14000: 230 KIAS
> 14001: 265 KIAS

Question 20

How long is a METAR Valid?

Answer 20

1 hour

Question 21

How long is a 1st class medical good for?

Answer 21

6 Calendar months above 40. 1 year below

Question 22

Which instruments are affected with a static port blockage?

Answer 22

Altimeter, VSI, Airspeed

Question 23

Can a part 135 PAX bring and consume their own alcohol?

Answer 23

Part 135 states that the operator must serve it (if they don’t appear intoxicated)

Question 24

When can you descend without an instrument approach?

Answer 24

I wouldn’t do it unless I could descend below the MEA and maintain VFR

Question 25

What do you do if the visibility drops below mins on an ILS approach?

Answer 25

Outside the FAF = go missed, maintain track until the MAP.

Inside the FAF = continue

Question 26

How many miles offshore can you fly without extended over water ops? Part 91 and 135

Answer 26

91.509: 50NM without a flotation device for each person.

Part 135 = ops spec

Question 27

What is V2 speed?

Answer 27

Takeoff safety speed: an airspeed obtained after lift-off at which the required one-
engine-inoperative climb performance can be achieved

Question 28

You’re lined up on the runway and can only see three stripes. What is the visibility?

Answer 28

600ft. Each stripe is 120ft with 80ft between

Question 29

How do the FARs define night time?

Answer 29

Civil twilight end to civil twilight start as published in the air almanac.

Question 30

Given the choice, would you takeoff from a high altitude airport, or a low airport with high DA?

Answer 30

High altitude - procedures are developed with this in mind

Question 31

Given any SID, what’s the climb gradient?

Answer 31

It’s listed on the chart