Must-Know Definitions

Question 1

V_MC

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Critical Engine

Answer 2

The engine that, when it fails, most adversely affects the performance and handling qualities of the airplane.

Question 3

“Middle Name” (Recovery from V_MC)

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Maneuvering Speed

Answer 4

The maximum airspeed at which a full, abrupt control input in a single axis 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 airspeeds 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 judgment on certain visual cues and depends on a constant final descent airspeed and configuration (FAA-H-8083-3A, p.8-7).

Question 6

Aiming Point

Answer 6

The point on the ground at which, if the airplane maintained a constant glide path and was not flared for landing, it would contact the ground.