Must Know Definitions

Question 1

Vmc

Answer 1

The calibrated airspeed at which directional control can be maintained with the critical engine inoperative.

Question 2

Critical engine

Answer 2

The critical engine is the engine that, when failed, has the most adverse effects on directional control of the aircraft.

Question 3

What is your middle name?

Answer 3

I know I have lost directional control when I have full rudder deflection into the operative engine and the aircraft begins to yaw toward the inoperative engine. To recover I will simultaneously reduce the power on the operative engine (as needed) and reduce the angle of attack to regain directional control and then will smoothly re-apply full power on the operative engine.

Question 4

Maneuvering speed

Answer 4

The maximum airspeed at which full, abrupt control inputs can be made without structural damage to the aircraft. At airspeeds below maneuvering speed, the aircraft will stall before exceeding the design limit load factor. At airspeed above maneuvering speed, the design limit load factor will be exceeded before the aircraft stalls.

Question 5

Stabilized approach

Answer 5

An approach in which the pilot establishes and maintains a constant angle glide path towards a predetermined point on the landing runway. It is based on the pilot’s judgement on certain visual cues, and depends on a constant final descent airspeed and configuration.

Question 6

Aiming point

Answer 6

Is a point on the ground at which, if the airplane maintains a constant glide path and is not flared for landing, it would contact the ground.