Preflight and Basic Airworthiness

Question 1

Who is responsible for ensuring an aircraft’s airworthiness before flight?

Answer 1

The Pilot in Command (PIC) is responsible under FAR 91.7.

Question 2

What is the purpose of pre-flight inspections?

Answer 2

To ensure the aircraft is in a safe condition for operation, identify potential issues, and prevent mid-flight failures.

Question 3

What are the two main parts of an airworthiness check?

Answer 3

Reviewing maintenance records (FAR 43) and conducting a physical inspection (91.103).

Question 4

What is Time Before Overhaul (TBO)?

Answer 4

TBO is the recommended interval for overhauling aircraft components to restore them to ‘like-new’ condition, in the R22, every 2200 hours or 12 years, whichever happens first; FAR Part 43.

Question 5

When is a 100-hour inspection required?

Answer 5

Every 100 flight hours for aircraft operated for hire or all Robinsons per the POH, conducted by an A&P mechanic (FAR 91.409).

Question 6

Can a 100-hour inspection be overflown?

Answer 6

Yes, by up to 10 hours, only to reposition the aircraft for inspection; this overflight must be subtracted from the next cycle.

Question 7

When is an annual inspection required?

Answer 7

Every 12 calendar months, conducted by an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA) (FAR 91.409).

Question 8

What happens if the annual inspection is overdue?

Answer 8

The aircraft is grounded until inspected, or a Special Flight Permit is obtained to fly it to a maintenance facility.

Question 9

What is a life-limited part (LLP)?

Answer 9

A component with a non-negotiable lifespan that must be replaced when its limit is reached; exceeding the limit is prohibited.

Question 10

How often must an ELT be inspected?

Answer 10

Every 12 months, with batteries replaced after 50% useful life or 1 hour of cumulative use (FAR 91.207).

Question 11

How often must VOR checks be conducted for IFR flights?

Answer 11

Every 30 days (FAR 91.171).

Question 12

What are the types of VOR checks and what is their admissible error?

Answer 12

VOT Signal: Tune the VOR to the VOT, center the track bar at 0° (FROM) and 180° (TO); max error is ±4°. VOR Checkpoint: Use designated airport checkpoint; max error is ±4°. Dual VOR Check: Tune both VORs to the same station, center needles on ‘TO’; max difference is 4°. Airborne VOR Check: Use an established radial over a known ground point; max error is ±6°. –Recording VOR checks: must include the date, place, bearing error, and signature.

Question 13

How often must the transponder (Mode C) and the pitot/status system be inspected?

Answer 13

Every 24 calendar months (FAR 91.413).

Question 14

How often are GPS databases updated?

Answer 14

Every 28 days.

Question 15

When must a pre-flight inspection be conducted?

Answer 15

Before every flight, regardless of previous inspections.

Question 16

What should you do if someone in the left seat is not a rated helicopter pilot?

Answer 16

Remove the controls and ensure weight and balance calculations are updated.

Question 17

What does AROW stand for in required documentation?

Answer 17

Airworthiness Certificate, Registration, Operating Limitations (including the POH), and Weight & Balance data.

Question 18

What additional documents must a pilot carry?

Answer 18

Pilot and medical certificates, government-issued photo ID.

Question 19

What is required for day VFR under FAR 91.205 and in the R22 POH?

Answer 19

ATOMATOFLAMES: Airspeed indicator, Tachometer, Oil pressure gauge, Manifold pressure gauge, Altimeter, Temperature gauge, Oil temperature gauge, Fuel gauge, Landing gear indicator, Anticollision lights, Magnetic compass, ELT, Safety belts. GOAL: Governor, OAT gauge, alternator, low rpm warning system.

Question 20

What is required for VFR flight at night according to 91.205 and the R22 POH?

Answer 20

FLAPS: Fuses, Landing lights, Anticollision lights, Position lights, Source of power. NAILCG- nav lights, anticollision lights, instrument lights, landing lights, celestial or ground illumination.

Question 21

What additional equipment is required for IFR flight?

Answer 21

GRABCARD: Generator/Alternator, Radios (Nav/Com), Altimeter, Ball (inclinometer), Clock (hr/min/sec), Attitude Indicator, Rate of turn, Directional gyro.

Question 22

What is the purpose of a Minimum Equipment List (MEL)?

Answer 22

To allow operation with certain inoperative equipment under specific conditions approved by the FAA.

Question 23

What should you do if an MEL is not available?

Answer 23

Perform the 4 checks (is equipment required via FAR 91.205, POH, ADs, hazard) and 3 actions (deactivate/remove or placard inoperative and record in maintenance log).

Question 24

What document must be carried onboard if using an MEL?

Answer 24

The FAA-approved MEL with a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of the MMEL?

Answer 25

The MMEL lists all equipment and systems that may be inoperative while still maintaining safe operation, acting as a master document for developing individual MELs.

Question 26

How is the MEL derived from the MMEL?

Answer 26

Operators customize the MMEL to create an MEL specific to their aircraft and operational needs, adding restrictions if necessary, and obtaining FAA approval through a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

Question 27

Can an MEL be less restrictive than the MMEL?

Answer 27

No, the MEL must comply with the MMEL and cannot allow more leniency. It may, however, include additional operator-specific restrictions.

Question 28

Who approves the MEL, and what document signifies this approval?

Answer 28

The FAA approves the MEL, and the approval is documented through a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

Question 29

Why do pilots refer to the MEL instead of the MMEL during pre-flight?

Answer 29

The MEL is specific to the operator’s aircraft and operational conditions, providing detailed instructions for managing inoperative equipment, whereas the MMEL is a generalized master list.

Question 30

What steps does the MEL outline for dealing with inoperative equipment?

Answer 30

The MEL specifies procedures such as placarding, deactivation, or maintenance requirements for each inoperative item, ensuring safe dispatch of the aircraft.

Question 31

What must an operator carry onboard to legally use an MEL?

Answer 31

The operator must carry the FAA-approved MEL along with the Letter of Authorization (LOA) onboard the aircraft.

Question 32

How does the MEL adapt to specific operational environments?

Answer 32

The MEL considers factors like the type of operations, geographical locations, and equipment configurations, ensuring tailored compliance with the MMEL.

Question 33

When can you request a Special Flight Permit?

Answer 33

To fly an unairworthy aircraft to a maintenance facility, for a test flight, or during an emergency evacuation.

Question 34

What are the conditions for a Special Flight Permit?

Answer 34

The aircraft must be safe for the intended flight, and discrepancies must be documented and approved by the FAA.

Question 35

Can Special Flight Permits bypass Airworthiness Directives?

Answer 35

No, unless explicitly stated by the FAA in the permit.