Preflight Flashcards
How many hours of cross-country flight time as PIC are required for an instrument rating?
50 hours, with 10 hours in an airplane.
How many hours of actual or simulated instrument time are required for an instrument rating?
___ hours, with ___ hours from an authorized instructor.
40 hours, with 15 hours from an authorized instructor.
What specific instrument flight training is required within 2 calendar months before the practical test for an instrument rating?
3 hours of instrument flight training in an airplane appropriate to the instrument-airplane rating.
What are the cross-country flight requirements for an instrument rating?
A cross-country flight of 250 NM with an authorized instructor under IFR, with a flight plan filed, involving an instrument approach at each airport and 3 different kinds of approaches.
When is an instrument rating required for a pilot?
“I Can Always See Clear Night Conditions”
I.
C.
At night (when carrying passengers for hire over ___ NM)
S___________ ___________ (between sunset and sunrise)
Conditions below _____________ WX minimums
N.
IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)
Class A airspace
At night (when carrying passengers for hire over 50 NM)
Special VFR (between sunset and sunrise)
Conditions below VFR WX minimums
Night (when carrying passengers for hire)
What are the recency-of-experience requirements to be PIC under IFR?
A flight review, 3 takeoffs and landings in the last 90 days, and within the last 6 months: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses.
Can a pilot use a flight training device for IFR currency without an instructor present?
Yes, as long as the device represents the category of aircraft for the instrument rating privileges.
Is an instructor required when using a flight simulator for acquiring instrument aeronautical experience?
Yes, an authorized instructor must be present to observe and verify the time and content.
How can a pilot regain instrument currency if it has lapsed for over 6 months? (Past the grace period)
By completing an instrument proficiency check with an examiner, authorized instructor, or FAA-approved person.
What is the difference between being “current” and being “proficient” as a pilot?
“Current” means meeting minimum FAA requirements, while “proficient” means being capable and competent in conducting a flight.
What qualifications must a safety pilot have?
At least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings and an appropriate medical certificate. If under IFR, the safety pilot must hold an instrument rating and be instrument current.
Can a BasicMed authorized pilot act as a safety pilot?
Only if the pilot is acting as PIC.
Can an instrument-rated pilot fly IFR under BasicMed?
Yes, as long as the aircraft is approved for IFR operations and the pilot holds an instrument rating and is instrument current.
When can a pilot log instrument time?
When operating the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument conditions.
What should be included in each logbook entry when logging instrument time?
The location and type of each instrument approach and the name of the safety pilot, if required.
What conditions must exist to log “actual” instrument flight time?
Operating solely by reference to instruments under IMC conditions.
What is the definition of “flight time”?
Pilot time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own _____________ for flight and ends when the aircraft comes to _______________ after landing.
Pilot time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own power for flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing.
What requirements must be met before a pilot can log an instrument approach for currency or training?
The pilot must operate solely by reference to instruments and be established on each required segment to the MDA or DA/DH.
What are the four methods to conduct and log instrument approaches (IAPs)?
___________ instrument conditions,
_____________ instrument conditions with a _____________ pilot,
_____________ instrument conditions in an FAA-approved device,
Or a _____________ of these methods.
Actual instrument conditions,
Simulated instrument conditions with a safety pilot,
Simulated instrument conditions in an FAA-approved device,
or a combination of these methods.
Is it required to fly the entire approach procedure to log it for currency?
No, if radar vectored to the final approach course or cleared by ATC, the pilot can log the IAP.
Does the FAA require the ceiling to be at MDA or DA/DH to log an IAP in IMC?
No, the pilot can log the IAP if transitioning from IMC to VMC or executing a missed approach at MAP or DA/DH.
What does the PAVE checklist help pilots assess during preflight?
Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures.
How does a “personal minimums” checklist help a pilot?
It helps control risk by setting limits unique to the pilot’s experience and proficiency.
What must a pilot-in-command be familiar with before an IFR flight?
NOTAMs, weather, traffic delays, runway lengths, alternatives, fuel requirements, performance data (NWKRAFT).
What are the fuel requirements for IFR flight?
Enough fuel to the first airport of intended landing, then to an alternate, plus 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.
What checks should be made before an IFR flight using GPS?
**“I Don’t Need Really Good Navigation Guidance”
**
Each word corresponds to a key check:
**I **-
D -
**N **-
R -
G -
**N **-)
I - Installation (Verify GPS installation)
D - Database (Database currency)
N - NOTAMs (Review NOTAMs)
R - RAIM (RAIM availability)
G - Ground-based NAVAIDs (Ground-based NAVAIDs status)
N - Navigation Guidance (Ensure GPS manuals are onboard)
What is RAIM and its function?
Receiver autonomous integrity monitoring ensures adequate GPS signals and alerts the pilot if they do not meet safe navigation criteria.
When is a RAIM check required for non-WAAS equipped aircraft?
Before IFR flight to ensure GPS RAIM availability for the intended route.
When is a RAIM check required for WAAS-equipped aircraft?
When flying outside the U.S. or where WAAS coverage is not available.
What should be done if there is a predicted RAIM outage of more than 5 minutes?
Delay, cancel, or reroute the flight to meet RAIM requirements.
Name one method to satisfy the predictive RAIM requirement.
Contact a Flight Service Station for RAIM information.
Name another method to satisfy the predictive RAIM requirement.
Use the FAA Service Availability Prediction Tool (SAPT).
Name a third method to satisfy the predictive RAIM requirement.
Use a third-party interface incorporating FAA RAIM prediction data.
Name a fourth method to satisfy the predictive RAIM requirement.
Use the receiver’s installed RAIM prediction capability.
Who is responsible for determining if an aircraft is airworthy?
The pilot-in-command.
What instruments and equipment are required for IFR operations?
Generator/alternator, radios, sensitive altimeter, ball, clock, attitude indicator, rate of turn, directional gyro, DME/RNAV (FL240+).
What inspections are required for an aircraft used in IFR operations?
Annual, AD compliance, VOR check (30 days), 100-hour (if for hire/instruction), altimeter/static (24 months), transponder (24 months), ELT (12 months).
How do you determine if an aircraft without an MEL is airworthy with inoperative equipment?
Check if the equipment is required by VFR-day type certification, KOEL, 14 CFR 91.205, or ADs.
Can portable electronic devices be operated on an aircraft?
Not on air carrier/commercial aircraft or under IFR, except certain devices like voice recorders and pacemakers.
Are electronic flight bags (EFBs) approved for use instead of paper charts?
Yes, if the information is current, up-to-date, and a backup is available.
What documents are required on board an aircraft before flight?
Airworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, Radio Station License (if international), Operating Limitations, Weight and Balance, Compass Deviation Card, External Data Plate/Serial Number.
What additional documentation is required for an aircraft with IFR-approved GPS?
Airplane Flight Manual Supplement and Cockpit Reference Guide.
How often must GPS databases be updated?
Navigation database every 28 days, obstacle database every 56 days, terrain/airport maps as needed.
Can a GPS with an expired database be used for IFR navigation? What specifically can’t it be used for?
For enroute IFR operations, if waypoints are verified against a current source. Not for IFR approaches.
Can pilots update GPS databases themselves?
Yes, if updates can be done from the flight deck without tools or disassembly.
Is an alternate means of navigation required for IFR GPS navigation?
Yes, for non-WAAS equipment; WAAS receivers do not require additional equipment.
How can a pilot determine the approved operations for a GPS receiver?
Refer to the FAA-approved AFM and AFM supplements.
Can handheld GPS receivers be used for IFR operations?
No, they are only for situational awareness during IFR.
What is the function of static discharge wicks on an aircraft?
They reduce ____________ interference from corona discharge caused by precipitation static.
They reduce radio interference from corona discharge caused by precipitation static.
When must a pilot file an IFR flight plan?
Prior to departure from within or entering controlled airspace if weather is below VFR minimums.
When is it mandatory to use the ICAO flight plan format?
For RNAV __________ and _____________, all IFR flights ______________ and recommended for domestic IFR flights.
For RNAV SIDs and STARs, all IFR flights** departing U.S. airspace,** and recommended for domestic IFR flights.
When will ATC delete a departure flight plan not activated?
A minimum of 2 hours after the proposed departure time or EDCT.
When can you cancel your IFR flight plan?
Anytime in VFR conditions outside Class A airspace.
Can you depart VFR and pick up your IFR clearance in the air?
Yes, but you must maintain VFR, terrain, and obstruction clearance until IFR clearance is received.
What altitude does the requested altitude on an IFR flight plan represent?
The planned cruising level for the first or entire portion of the route.
What does the planned cruise speed on an ICAO flight plan represent?
The true airspeed for the first or whole cruising portion of the flight.
What are the alternate airport requirements for IFR flight?
1-2-3 Rule: If 2,000 ft ceiling and 3 SM visibility from 1 hour before to 1 hour after ETA, no alternate needed; otherwise, alternate minimums apply.
How do you determine forecast weather at ETA if there’s no Terminal Area Forecast?
Use the Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) and the Zulu Time slider bar.
Do you need to file an alternate if your destination has no instrument approach procedure but the weather is good?
Yes, an alternate must be filed if there is no published instrument approach at the destination.
Does ATC know your filed alternate airport?
No, alternate information is not presented to controllers. You can divert to a different alternate than filed.
What is the definition of “ceiling”?
The ___________ above the ____________ surface of the lowest layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena reported as __________, ____________, or _____________.
The height above the Earth’s surface of the lowest layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena reported as broken, overcast, or obscuration.
What minimums are used on arrival at the alternate airport?
The minimums specified in the published instrument approach procedure for that airport.
What restriction applies to filing an alternate with non-WAAS GPS equipment?
The alternate must have an approach procedure that does not require the use of GPS.
What approaches can you plan to use at the alternate with WAAS equipment?
Any approach authorized for WAAS avionics, with certain restrictions.
What restrictions apply to using WAAS avionics at the alternate airport?
Flight planning must use __________ or ___________ minima, or non-precision minima for conventional approaches with “or ____” in the title.
Flight planning must use LNAV or circling minima, or non-precision minima for conventional approaches with “or GPS” in the title.
What are preferred routes and where can they be found?
Routes between busier airports to increase system efficiency, listed in the Chart Supplement U.S.
What information do Enroute Low-Altitude Charts provide?
Navigation under IFR below _______ feet MSL, revised every ____ days, with magnetic courses and nautical mile distances.
Navigation under IFR below 18,000 feet MSL, revised every 56 days, with magnetic courses and nautical mile distances.
What information do Enroute High-Altitude Charts provide?
Navigation at or above 18,000 feet MSL, including ___________ routes, ____________ NAVAIDs, selected airports, revised every ____ days.
Navigation at or above 18,000 feet MSL, including jet routes, VHF NAVAIDs, selected airports, revised every 56 days.
What are area charts used for?
Showing ___________ terminal areas at a ____________ scale, included with subscriptions to U.S. Low charts, revised every ____ days.
Showing congested terminal areas at a large scale, included with subscriptions to U.S. Low charts, revised every 56 days.
Where can updated information about changes to aeronautical charts be found?
Chart Supplement U.S., published every 56 days.
What useful information for route planning can be found in the Chart Supplement U.S.?
“SPAG-FAV”
Special ____________
P____________ Routes
A____________ Frequencies
GPS ___ Routes
________ Frequencies
A____________ Chart Bulletins
V_____ Checkpoints
“SPAG-FAV”
Special Notices
Preferred Routes
ARTCC Frequencies
GPS Q Routes
FSS Frequencies
Aeronautical Chart Bulletins
VOR Checkpoints
How does a pilot determine the status of an instrument approach light system at the destination airport?
Check the Chart Supplement U.S. and NOTAMs or consult an FSS briefer.
What are NOTAMs?
____________-____________ ____________ information not known sufficiently in advance for chart publication, affecting flight decisions.
Time-critical aeronautical information not known sufficiently in advance for chart publication, affecting flight decisions.
What is a (D) NOTAM?
Information requiring wide ____________ via telecommunication, about enroute __________, ___________, __________, services, and procedures.
Information requiring wide dissemination via telecommunication, about enroute navaids, airports, facilities, services, and procedures.
What is an FDC NOTAM?
____________ flight information changes to __________ charts, procedures, and airspace usage.
Regulatory flight information changes to IFR charts, procedures, and airspace usage.
What is a Pointer NOTAM?
____________ or ____________ out another NOTAM, aiding users in cross-referencing important information.
Highlights or points out another NOTAM, aiding users in cross-referencing important information.
What is a Military NOTAM?
Pertains to navigational aids and airports used by U.S. military services.
What is an SAA NOTAM?
Issued when Special Activity Airspace will be active outside published times or when required.
What keywords might be found in (D) NOTAMs?
RWY, TWY, APRON, AD, OBST, NAV, COM, SVC, AIRSPACE, ODP, SID, STAR, CHART, DATA, IAP, VFP, ROUTE, SPECIAL, SECURITY, (U), (O).
Where can NOTAM information be obtained?
FSS, NOTAM search website, flight briefing website, FIS-B via ADS-B In.
How can a pilot obtain the latest GPS NOTAMs?
Request from an FSS briefer or check the NOTAM search website.
What do the terms “UNRELIABLE” and “MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE” indicate for GPS and WAAS NOTAMs?
Expected ___________ ___________ ___________ might not be available, but pilots can continue operations if GPS service is available.
Expected level of service might not be available, but pilots can continue operations if GPS service is available.
When flight planning an RNAV route, where should the route begin and end?
Over appropriate arrival and departure ____________ ___________ or navigation aids for the altitude stratum.
Over appropriate arrival and departure transition fixes or navigation aids for the altitude stratum.
What instruments operate from the pitot/static system?
Altimeter, vertical-speed indicator, and airspeed indicator.
How does an altimeter work?
Measures the ___________ ___________ of ambient air using ____________ capsules, displaying it in terms of feet or meters above a selected pressure level.
Measures the absolute pressure of ambient air using aneroid capsules, displaying it in terms of feet or meters above a selected pressure level.
How does the turn coordinator operate?
Uses ____________ to indicate direction and _____________ of turn; the ______________ measures slip or skid.
Uses precession to indicate direction and rate of turn; the inclonometer measures slip or skid.
How does the attitude indicator work?
The ___________ is mounted on a _____________ plane, and the _____________ bar remains fixed relative to the ____________ horizon as the aircraft moves.
The gyro is mounted on a horizontal plane, and the horizon bar remains fixed relative to the true horizon as the aircraft moves.
What is the function of a magnetometer?
Measures the Earth’s __________ __________ to determine __________ heading and relays it to the __________.
Measures the Earth’s magnetic field to determine aircraft heading and relays it to the AHRS.
Describe the flow of air around high and low pressure systems in the northern hemisphere.
Low pressure: ____________, ____________, ____________.
High pressure: ____________, ____________, ______________.
**Low pressure: **inward, upward, counterclockwise.
**High pressure: **outward, downward, clockwise.
What weather is typically associated with a cold front? A warm front?
Cold front: ___________, heavy ___________, ___________ visibility, ___________ winds, ___________ drop.
Warm front: ___________ clouds, ___________, ___________ ceilings, ___________visibility, ___________ rise.
Cold front: cumulonimbus, heavy rain, poor visibility, gusting winds, temperature drop.
Warm front: stratiform clouds, drizzle, low ceilings, poor visibility, temperature rise.
What is a “trough”?
An elongated area of ___________ atmospheric pressure, associated with ___________ air, ___________, and ___________.
An elongated area of low atmospheric pressure, associated with rising air, cloudiness, and precipitation.
What is a “ridge”?
An elongated area of ___________ atmospheric pressure, associated with ___________ air and ___________ weather.
An elongated area of high atmospheric pressure, associated with descending air and good weather.
What is an aviation area forecast?
A ____________ ____________ forecast for enroute weather over a specified ____________, issued for the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and Alaska, covering ____-____ hours.
A plain language forecast for enroute weather over a specified region, issued for the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and Alaska, covering 18-24 hours.
Describe the Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA).
Web-based graphics providing _____________, _____________, and _____________ from ____ hours in the past to ____ hours in the future for the CONUS, up to FL480.
Web-based graphics providing observations, forecasts, and warnings from 14 hours in the past to 15 hours in the future for the CONUS, up to FL480.
What is a G-AIRMET?
A _______________ _______________ of weather hazards less severe than SIGMETs, issued at regular intervals, showing _______________, _______________, _______________, _______________ obscurations, and more.
A graphical advisory of weather hazards less severe than SIGMETs, issued at regular intervals, showing turbulence, icing, IFR, mountain obscurations, and more.
