Preflight and Basic Airworthiness Flashcards
Who is responsible for ensuring an aircraft’s airworthiness before flight?
The Pilot in Command (PIC) is responsible under FAR 91.7.
What is the purpose of pre-flight inspections?
To ensure the aircraft is in a safe condition for operation, identify potential issues, and prevent mid-flight failures.
What are the two main parts of an airworthiness check?
Reviewing maintenance records (FAR 43) and conducting a physical inspection (91.103).
What is Time Before Overhaul (TBO)?
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.
When is a 100-hour inspection required?
Every 100 flight hours for aircraft operated for hire or all Robinsons per the POH, conducted by an A&P mechanic (FAR 91.409).
Can a 100-hour inspection be overflown?
Yes, by up to 10 hours, only to reposition the aircraft for inspection; this overflight must be subtracted from the next cycle.
When is an annual inspection required?
Every 12 calendar months, conducted by an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA) (FAR 91.409).
What happens if the annual inspection is overdue?
The aircraft is grounded until inspected, or a Special Flight Permit is obtained to fly it to a maintenance facility.
What is a life-limited part (LLP)?
A component with a non-negotiable lifespan that must be replaced when its limit is reached; exceeding the limit is prohibited.
How often must an ELT be inspected?
Every 12 months, with batteries replaced after 50% useful life or 1 hour of cumulative use (FAR 91.207).
How often must VOR checks be conducted for IFR flights?
Every 30 days (FAR 91.171).
What are the types of VOR checks and what is their admissible error?
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.
How often must the transponder (Mode C) and the pitot/status system be inspected?
Every 24 calendar months (FAR 91.413).
How often are GPS databases updated?
Every 28 days.
When must a pre-flight inspection be conducted?
Before every flight, regardless of previous inspections.
What should you do if someone in the left seat is not a rated helicopter pilot?
Remove the controls and ensure weight and balance calculations are updated.
What does AROW stand for in required documentation?
Airworthiness Certificate, Registration, Operating Limitations (including the POH), and Weight & Balance data.
What additional documents must a pilot carry?
Pilot and medical certificates, government-issued photo ID.
What is required for day VFR under FAR 91.205 and in the R22 POH?
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.
What is required for VFR flight at night according to 91.205 and the R22 POH?
FLAPS: Fuses, Landing lights, Anticollision lights, Position lights, Source of power. NAILCG- nav lights, anticollision lights, instrument lights, landing lights, celestial or ground illumination.
What additional equipment is required for IFR flight?
GRABCARD: Generator/Alternator, Radios (Nav/Com), Altimeter, Ball (inclinometer), Clock (hr/min/sec), Attitude Indicator, Rate of turn, Directional gyro.
What is the purpose of a Minimum Equipment List (MEL)?
To allow operation with certain inoperative equipment under specific conditions approved by the FAA.
What should you do if an MEL is not available?
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).
What document must be carried onboard if using an MEL?
The FAA-approved MEL with a Letter of Authorization (LOA).
What is the primary purpose of the MMEL?
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.
How is the MEL derived from the MMEL?
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).
Can an MEL be less restrictive than the MMEL?
No, the MEL must comply with the MMEL and cannot allow more leniency. It may, however, include additional operator-specific restrictions.
Who approves the MEL, and what document signifies this approval?
The FAA approves the MEL, and the approval is documented through a Letter of Authorization (LOA).
Why do pilots refer to the MEL instead of the MMEL during pre-flight?
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.
What steps does the MEL outline for dealing with inoperative equipment?
The MEL specifies procedures such as placarding, deactivation, or maintenance requirements for each inoperative item, ensuring safe dispatch of the aircraft.
What must an operator carry onboard to legally use an MEL?
The operator must carry the FAA-approved MEL along with the Letter of Authorization (LOA) onboard the aircraft.
How does the MEL adapt to specific operational environments?
The MEL considers factors like the type of operations, geographical locations, and equipment configurations, ensuring tailored compliance with the MMEL.
When can you request a Special Flight Permit?
To fly an unairworthy aircraft to a maintenance facility, for a test flight, or during an emergency evacuation.
What are the conditions for a Special Flight Permit?
The aircraft must be safe for the intended flight, and discrepancies must be documented and approved by the FAA.
Can Special Flight Permits bypass Airworthiness Directives?
No, unless explicitly stated by the FAA in the permit.
