Mak Questions Flashcards
What is the true altitude VS. absolute altitude?
True altitude - the aircrafts height above mean sea level (MSL)
absolute altitude - the aircrafts height above the terrain (ground level) directly beneath it
What are the basic weather min for VFR flight according to 91.155?
Can we takeoff Golf airspace under 3 sm visibility?
What is cloud clearance for golf?
refer to 91.155
yes, you can fly with under 3 sm of visibility
clearance < 1,200’
day = 1sm CoC / night 3152
clearance > 1,200’ above surface > 10,000’ MSL - 5111
What does mixture actually do?
The mixture control regulates the ratio of fuel to air entering the engine.
-sea level, where air is dense, a rich mixture is used
-higher altitudes, the air becomes less dense, (less O2) lean mixture prevents excess fuel from being delivered to engine
a mixture too rich at higher altitudes can cause:
-spark plug fouling (due to unburned fuel)
- loss of power and increased fuel consumption
Why do we lean the mixture?
compensates for decreased air density:
as altitude increases, the air density decreases reducing oxygen available for combustion. By leaning the mix, you reduce the fuel flow to match the reduced oxygen.
improves efficiency: lower fuel consumption and better range and endurance
prevents engine problems: too rich mix can lead to carbon build up on spark plugs and engine roughness
What is static leaning and its purpose?
Static leaning is the process of adjusting the mix while the aircraft is stationary, typically before T/O from a high altitude airport
purpose of static leaning:
optimize engine performance for high-altitude operations - thinner air in higher altitude APs can cause the engine to run too rich on the ground
leaning the mixture during run-up ensures the engine produces max power for take-off
keeps engine smooth during prolonged ground operations
What is atmospheric stability?
Atmospheric stability refers to the tendency of the atmosphere to resist vertical motion of air.
it plays a significant role in determining weather patterns, cloud formation, and turbulence
stability is influenced by temps and moisture content of the air at different altitudes, and environmental lapse rate
stable air-typically leads to smoother, more predictable flight conditions with fewer clouds and less turbulence
unstable air- can create turbulence, increasing risk of convective turbulence, thunderstorm/severe weather
Stable atmosphere
Occurs when cooler air is trapped beneath warmer air (temp inversion), preventing vertical air movement
if air is displaced vertically, it will tend to return to its original position, resisting upward motion.
conditions
-air cools more slowly with altitude than the rising air
-results in clear skies, light winds, little cloud formation
-little to no vertical cloud development, leading to calm weather
Unstable atmosphere
occurs when warm air is beneath cooler air prompting vertical air movement
in an unstable atmosphere, air will continue to rise if it is displaced, since it is warmer and less dense than air surrounding it.
conditions
air rises, cools at slower rate, and remains warmer than surrounding air
-leads to formation of tall, cumulus clouds, turbulence
-weather TS, heavy cloud development, turbulence
Neutral Atmosphere
Occurs when air neither resists nor enhances vertical motion, meaning that if air is displaced, it will remain in its new position without returning to its original state
conditions:
-the temp lapse rate is similar to the rate at which rising air cools
-weather: a mix of conditions; clouds can form but usually do not develop vertically into TS
