Preflight procedures

Question 1

What personal documents must you have with you to fly the aircraft? (61.3, 61.19)

Answer 1

Pilot certificate, government-issued photo ID, medical certificate, and, if required, logbook endorsements (e.g., for student pilots).

Ref: FAR 61.3, 61.19

Question 2

When is it required to have an instrument rating? (61.3, 61.133, 91.135, 91.157)

Answer 2

In Class A airspace

Under IFR

When carrying passengers for hire on a cross-country
>50 NM or at night

Special VFR at night.

Ref: FAR 61.3, 61.133, 91.135, 91.157

Question 3

What are the recency-of-experience requirements to be pilot in command (PIC) under IFR? (61.57)

Answer 3

Within 6 months, perform 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses.

Ref: FAR 61.57(c)

Question 4

If a pilot allows instrument currency to expire, what can be done to become current again? (61.57)

Answer 4

Complete an instrument proficiency check (IPC) conducted by a CFII or examiner.

Ref: FAR 61.57(d)

Question 5

Define “appropriately rated” safety pilot. (61.3, 91.109)

Answer 5

A private pilot with category/class ratings for the aircraft and a current medical certificate; the aircraft must have dual controls.

Ref: FAR 61.3(c), 91.109(b)

Question 6

What conditions are necessary to log instrument time? (61.51)

Answer 6

Operating solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument conditions.

Ref: FAR 61.51(g)

Question 7

What conditions are necessary to log “actual” instrument flight time?

Answer 7

Flight in IMC where outside view is obscured by weather.

Ref: FAA Legal Interpretation (2012)

Question 8

What is the difference between being current and being proficient?

Answer 8

Current: Meets legal requirements to fly.

Proficient: Skilled and safe to fly beyond legal requirements.

Ref: PHAK Chapter 17

Question 9

How can the PAVE checklist help you mitigate risk?

Answer 9

Pilot: IMSAFE checklist

Aircraft: Airworthy and capable

Vironment: Weather, terrain, and airports

External pressures: Stress and time.

Ref: PHAK Chapter 2

Question 10

What information must a PIC be familiar with before an IFR flight? (91.103)

Answer 10

Weather, fuel requirements, alternates, runway lengths, and aircraft performance data.

Ref: FAR 91.103

Question 11

What aircraft instruments and equipment are required for IFR operations? (91.205)

Answer 11

Instruments required for VFR plus:
Generator/alternator

Sensitive altimeter

Radio/nav equipment

Ball (slip/skid)

Clock

Attitude indicator

Rate of turn indicator

Directional gyro.

Ref: FAR 91.205(d)

Question 12

What are the fuel requirements for IFR flight? (91.167)

Answer 12

Sufficient fuel to fly to the destination, the alternate (if required), and for 45 minutes at normal cruise.

Question 13

What are the required tests/inspections for IFR flight? (91.171, 91.409, 91.411, 91.413)

Answer 13

VOR check (30 days)

Altimeter/Pitot-static (24 months)

Transponder (24 months)

ELT (12 months).

Ref: FAR 91.171, 91.409, 91.411, 91.413

Question 14

What are ADs, and where can you find compliance?

Answer 14

Airworthiness Directives are FAA-mandated safety requirements; compliance is documented in maintenance records.

Ref: FAR 39.1, AC 39-7D

Question 15

What documents need to be onboard for flight? (91.9, 91.203)

Answer 15

Airworthiness certificate, registration, operating handbook (POH), and weight and balance data.

Ref: FAR 91.9, 91.203

Question 16

What additional documentation is needed for IFR GPS?

Answer 16

Current database information or supplements.

Ref: Aircraft POH, FAR 91.205(d)(2)

Question 17

Inoperative equipment during preflight for IFR cross-country—how to determine airworthiness? (91.213)

Answer 17

Check MEL, FAR 91.213, equipment list, or KOEL. Deactivate, placard, or repair

Ref: FAR 91.213

Question 18

Flying with inoperative equipment (not required)—what must be done?

(91.213)

Answer 18

Placard the inoperative equipment and deactivate or remove it

Ref: FAR 91.213(d)

Question 19

What is ADM? Give an example of a model.

Answer 19

Aeronautical Decision Making; an example is the DECIDE model.

Ref: PHAK Chapter 17

Question 20

What is SRM? Demonstrate good SRM habits.

Answer 20

Single-Pilot Resource Management; use the 5P checklist and risk management tools.

Ref: PHAK Chapter 17

Question 21

What are your personal minimums?