Tech

Question 1

If you have a yaw damper failure do you think you should slow down or speed up?

Answer 1

Slow down. A failed yaw damper can lead to Dutch roll. Higher speeds would exaggerate the effect.

Question 2

Explain a dutch roll

Answer 2

1. Out of phase turn where airplane rolls in one direction and yaws in the opposite

https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/aerodynamics/dutch-roll/

Question 3

What are the potential threats of a short taxi?

Answer 3

1. Being rushed to complete before take off checks.
2. Failing to to notify flight attendants of take off.
3. Engine warmup time

Question 4

Can you walk me through descent planning using 3-1 method?

What speed and airspeed is this predicated on?

Answer 4

Altitude you need to lose multiplied by 3. 30,000 descend to 20,000 = 10 x 3 = 30 miles prior start descent assuming no winds.
(0) Fl310 and 310 knots. Decent to 9000 and 240kts how far would you start out to get down and slow down.

** based on a normal jet airplane, idle thrust,
speed Mach 0.74 to 0.78, and vertical speed of 1,800–2,200
fpm

Question 5

Can you list the 13 briefing items?

Answer 5

1. Threats
2. Fuel Plan
3. Maintenance Status
4. NOTAMS
5. Taxi Plan / Hot Spots
6. Rejected Takeoff Criteria
7. Evacuation Duties
8. Departure Clearance
9. Departure SID Review
10. Weather/Windshear
11. Takeoff Performance
12. Engine Failure Procedures
13. Terrain/Obstacles

Question 6

Is ceiling or visibility required on an approach?

Answer 6

Visibility

Question 7

Can you walk me through your companys V1 abort procedure?

Answer 7

Past v1 proceed with the takeoff. Run qrh. Return to departure airport.

Question 8

What would you do if after a windshear go around, you only have 75 minutes remaining of fuel?

Answer 8

1. 2 in 2 out get info from dispatch about alternates. Once info in received make a choice of alternates and make sure FO is comfortable with choice
2. If other aircraft go around behind you proceed to an alternate

Question 9

What do you need if you’re vectored off a STAR

Answer 9

You need an altitude assignment. An ATC vector off of a SID or STAR cancels that procedure and they must assign an altitude. FAA Order 7110.65Z.

Question 10

What does the center line lighting on the last 3000ft of the runway look like?

Answer 10

AIM 2-1-5: “…the runway centerline lights are white until the last 3,000 feet of the runway. The white lights begin to alternate with red for the next 2,000 feet, and for the last 1,000 feet of the runway, all centerline lights are red.”

Question 11

What is TEM?

Answer 11

Process of managing operational threats and than errors.

Look up SPirit definition

Question 12

How would you handle a yaw damper issue?

Answer 12

I’m unfamiliar with that checklist so I’d hand the controls and radios to the FO if I was PF, I’d note our fuel on board, and then we’d run the checklist as a team. Once that’s complete, we’d at least let dispatch and maintenance know, we may need to consult with them depending on any operational limitations. ATC and passengers probably don’t need to know, I may let the FAs know just in case they need to let me know about oscillations felt in the cabin.

Question 13

Why does V1 change if the runway is wet?

Answer 13

The decision speed will be lower, giving the aircraft more distance to stop on a wet runway.

Question 14

What is rejected takeoff criteria?

Answer 14

Until 80 knots, the decision is weighted towards rejection. Above 80 knots, the decision is weighted towards continuing, with three big exceptions being engine failure, fire, or aircraft is unsafe to fly. Above V1, as long as the airplane can fly, we’re going flying.

Question 15

What is the radius of the MSA?

Answer 15

25nm

Question 16

What is a standard climb?

Answer 16

Standard IFR climb gradient is 200 feet per nautical mile.

Question 17

What are holding speed restrictions?

Answer 17

AIM 5-3-8(2): Maximum holding speeds: At or below 6,000 ft. 200 KIAS. 6,001 to 14,000 ft. 230 KIAS. Above 14,000 ft 265 KIAS

Question 18

What is the difference between flyby and flyover waypoints?

Answer 18

Fly-by waypoints are used when an aircraft should begin a turn to the next course prior to reaching the waypoint separating the two route segments. This is known as turn anticipation. A fly-over waypoint is a waypoint that must be crossed vertically by an aircraft.

Question 19

What is the reciprocal of 266?

Answer 19

086

Question 20

Dumping fuel at 1500pounds/hour, how long to dump 16500 pounds?

Answer 20

Getting into the weeds is absolutely incorrect here. Most important factor in interviews same as checkrides. Listen to the question!!! It specifically asks how long to DUMP. 11 hrs. Next question! Dont overthink things. If they ask how long to be 16,500 lbs lighter, now thats a different story where burn comes into play. Details on question wording are important. Attention to detail is an important trait! (May 28, 2019 - Marc M.)

Question 21

How long to travel 90nm, with 190TAS and 60kts headwind?

Answer 21

• 41.5 min
• solve as a proportion.
  190-60= 130 knots groundspeed
  130kts/60min = 90nm/X 90 x 60 divided by 130 = X 41.5 min.

Question 22

When should you start down from FL350 to cross fix at 12,000ft

Answer 22

• 69 miles out
• Altitude to lose x 3. The answer is 69nm

Question 23

No published hold on the missed, what entry, speed, leg length would you use?

Answer 23

Right turns. 0 to 6000’ 200knots, 6-14000 230 knots, above 14k 265 knots. Below 14000’ 1 min, above 14k; 1.5 min legs.

Question 24

What is an MSA?

Answer 24

The Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA) is the lowest altitude which may be used which will provide a minimum clearance of 300 m (1 000 ft) above all objects located in the area contained within a sector of a circle of 46 km (25 NM) radius.

Question 25

Define MEA and a MOCA?

Answer 25

MEA is the minimum altitude that guarantees: 1) 2-way ATC communication. 2) Navaid coverage along the route section. 3) 1000' / 2000' in mountainous terrain clearance. ** "Mountainous" = greater than 3000' per 10 NM elevation gain. On the Jepp charts, such as a STAR, the first (sometimes only) number between route fixes is the MEA. MOCA: min altitude that guarantees VOR reception within 22 NM (25 SM) from the beacon; 1000' clearance when terrain is 5000' MSL --has nothing to do with mountainous, unlike MEA. On a STAR, this is the number between route fixes that has a "T" next to it, i.e. 4000T = MOCA of 4000' MSL. Boom. Above answer was cut short. For MOCA, it's 1000' when terrain is 5000 ft and less. 2000' when 5001 ft. (November 27, 2018 - Sean H.) (1) Min Enroute Altitude-Altitude on airway that provides terrain clearance(1000/2000') and navigation signal coverage. MOCA- Min Obstruction Clearance Altitude- Provides terrain clearance(10000/2000') while only providing nav signal within 22 miles of the VOR. (0) In the first answer about MOCA, it has the same obstacle clearance requirements as MEAs, which is to say 1000' and then 2000' in mountainous terrain as per the described definition, but a communication limit of 22nm. A Grid MORA is the one that has the requirement for 1000' at 5000' and below and 2000' at 5001' and above.

Question 26

Why is localizer more sensitive on a back-course? On a back course approach, why do we put in the front course

Answer 26

1. Reverse sensing. 2. Greater sensitivity due to the fact that the Localizer antenna is closer to the airplane during the back course approach. https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/systems/how-to-fly-a-localizer-back-course-approach/

Question 27

Which runways can you cross when cleared to taxi to a runway?

Answer 27

Only the runways which were you cleared to cross.

Question 28

When would you want two alternates?

Answer 28

(6) Destination and first alternate marginal weather conditions. Or 3585 exemption used, two alternates needed. (3) "Marginal Weather" definition and the conditions under which a second alternate must be designated must be clearly stated in the Part 121 Operator's GOM (FAA Order 8900.1). (1) Marginal weather- forecast within 100ft, 1/2 sm of minimums

Question 29

When is an alternate airport required?

Answer 29

(4) 1,2,3 Rule. Within +/- 1 hr of ETA, if ceiling or vis below 2000'/3SM (4) Be careful with these answers. Some are listing MILITARY alternate reqs. Part 121 reqs = 1,2,3 rule to list an alternate and weather required at the alternate (with one nav facility providing a straight-in precision, non-precision, or circling manueuver from the IAP) = Add 400 ft to the CAT 1 HAA/HAT and add 1 sm to CAT 1 landing mins; (with 2 nav facilities with different suitable runways) = add 200 ft to the higher CAT 1 HAA/HAT and 1/2 sm to the highest CAT 1 landing minimum of the two approaches (can mix and match). (3) Confusing answers, hopefully this is more clear-1) for dispatch purposes- You need to have an alternate when the Wx at the destination is below 123 rule2) to use ____ airport as an alternate on your flight plan, Wx at ETA must be above- if it has a precision approach- 600ft ceiling, 2sm vis non-precision approach- 800ft, 2sm (1) 123 rule is for destination. Alternate airport is at or above landing mins for that airport in that companies ops specs. (121.625) (1) Also, you need an alternate if there is no published instrument approach at your filed destination.

Question 30

What are the requirements for a takeoff alternate?

Answer 30

Must be within 1 hr, calm winds, single engine

Question 31

When would you need a takeoff alternate?

Answer 31

8) Weather below landing minimums at departure airport. (1) When VISIBILITY at departure time is less than landing minimums for the airport, but greater than takeoff minimums. (1) § 121.617 Alternate airport for departure. (a) If the weather conditions at the airport of takeoff are below the landing minimums in the certificate holder's operations specifications for that airport, no person may dispatch or release an aircraft from that airport unless the dispatch or flight release specifies an alternate airport located within the following distances from the airport of takeoff: (1) Aircraft having two engines. Not more than one hour from the departure airport at normal cruising speed in still air with one engine inoperative. (2) Aircraft having three or more engines. Not more than two hours from the departure airport at normal cruising speed in still air with one engine inoperative. (b) For the purpose of paragraph (a) of this section, the alternate airport weather conditions must meet the requirements of the certificate holder's operations specifications. (c) No person may dispatch or release an aircraft from an airport unless he lists each required alternate airport in the dispatch or flight release.

Question 32

When do you have to stop at an ILS hold line?

Answer 32

When requested by ATC or weather below 800' ceiling or 2SM vis

Question 33

What is tower's NORDO light gun signal to be cleared to land?

Answer 33

Steady green

Question 34

What are the lost comm. procedures?

Answer 34

(3) First- look at the SID/STAR- most have a lost comm procedure box on them now (2) Squawk 7600. Route- Assigned, Vector, Expected, Filed. Altitude- Highest of MEA, Expected, Assigned.

Question 35

What are the IFR fuel requirements?

Answer 35

(2) Fly to destination, then to the FURTHEST alternate, then 45 minutes at normal cruise speed (1) Fly to the destination, alternate(s) and then 45 min @ normal cruise speed.

Question 36

Explain how a pitot static system works.

Answer 36

The pitot-static system of instruments uses the principle of air pressure gradient. It works by measuring pressures or pressure differences and using these values to assess the speed and altitude.[1] These pressures can be measured either from the static port (static pressure) or the pitot tube (pitot pressure). The static pressure is used in all measurements, while the pitot pressure is only used to determine airspeed.

Question 37

What does PJE mean in the NOTAMS?

Answer 37

It means parachute jumping exercise.

Question 38

Know how to read a TAF

Answer 38

https://www.aviationweather.gov/taf/decoder

Question 39

Based on METAR, what is the ceiling?

Answer 39

The height above the Earth's surface of the lowest layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena that is reported as broken, overcast, or obscuration, (more than half of the sky)

Question 40

Know how to read a METAR

Answer 40

https://www.weather.gov/media/wrh/mesowest/metar_decode_key.pdf

Question 41

What is a Grid MORA?

Answer 41

(2) Grid Min. Off Route Altitude. On Jepp IFR charts. For emergency use. Assures obstacle clearance only. (1) Grid MORA values clear all terrain and obstructions within a grid (30 minutes or 1 degree of latitude and longitude) by 1000 feet in areas where the highest elevations are 5000' MSL or lower and by 2000' in areas where the highest elevations are 5001' MSL or higher. They are shown on Jeppesen charts as the large gray number(s) denoting the altitude in 1000s with a superscript number denoting the altitude in 100s. (7^5 ..if you can imagine the 5 as superscript... would be 7,500' MSL)

Question 42

What do you need when given a vector off a SID/STAR?

Answer 42

ATC must assign an altitude to maintain.

Question 43

What do you do with a low fuel hold clearance? Spirit definition

Answer 43

I was asked the difference between min fuel and emergency fuel. https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/atb2012-1.pdf Spirit Definition: Min Fuel: aircrafts fuel supply has reached state where, upon reaching the destination, it can accept little or no delay ("FLL Approach, Spirit Wings 101, minimum fuel") Emergency Fuel: Point at which, in judgement of PIC, it is necessary to proceed directly to the airport of intended landing due to low fuel. Should declare emergency if anticipate, based on current ATC clearance, that the remaining usable fuel will be less than 30 minutes plus alternate fuel at the airport of intended landing ("MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, FUEL, (minutes remaining)"

Question 44

What do you do when you're pulled off a SID with a climb via clearance?

Answer 44

You are no longer bound by the lateral or vertical SID restrictions and must query ATC for your altitude clearance if not provided.

Question 45

What does ARP mean on airport diagram?

Answer 45

Airport Reference Point

Question 46

At what RVR does low visibility taxi procedures commence for KDEN?

Answer 46

SMGCS go into effect below 1200 RVR. Check applicable charts as they have different ones (DEN has ones for 500)

Question 47

Hold on the arrival. How long can we hold before we need to divert to our alternate? (What is your 'bingo' fuel?)

Answer 47

(3) BAR Method Burn Alternate Reserve = BINGO Fuel (1) Fuel to destination, plus alternate, plus reserve

Question 48

On the ILS Cat I approach, outside the final fix, visibility drops below minimums, what do you do? Inside the final approach fix, what do you do? Can you land if it drops below minimums once inside the final fix?

Answer 48

Outside the FAF - Execute Missed Approach Inside the FAF - Continue Approach Drops Below Minimums Inside the FAF - Continue Approach (0) You can land IF you meet the in-flight visibility requirements at the DA.

Question 49

What is your airspeed if you are vectored off of a SID?

Answer 49

(2) Last assigned airspeed (0) If vectored off a SID route segment where a published speed applies, the published speed is cancelled and speed is at the pilot's discretion unless ATC has assigned a speed.

Question 50

What are your go-around call outs?

Question 51

Be able to determine minimum RVR for your operations on an approach?

Answer 51

Ops specs and jepp charts

Question 52

What do you do if you lost radio communication while on the STAR? What Squawk code would you enter in the transponder?

Answer 52

Look for lost comms notes on the STAR. 7600

Question 53

What would you do if you were enroute EWR-IAD and experienced dual fuel filter clogs?

Answer 53

Fly the plane, designate whos running QRH

Question 54

What is the lowest altitude ATC can vector you down to?

Answer 54

MVA

Question 55

Where can you find MSA on a SID?

Answer 55

There is a magenta circular ring around a reference point (airport, runway, or navaid) with a magenta number within this circle

Question 56

What is your rejected takeoff procedure? (United briefs this on the first flight of the day)

Answer 56

Will reject for anything below 80kts, only engine failure prior to v1; anything after v1 we are going flying.

Question 57

What is the magenta ring on the top of the chart?

Answer 57

(2) MSA depictions. (2) MINIMUM SECTOR ALTITUDE Lowest altitude which may be used and provides a minimum clearance of 1,000 feet above all objects located in the area contained within a sector of a circle of 25 NM radius centered on a radio navigation aid

Question 58

When you're vectored off of a SID/STAR what altitude should be set?

Answer 58

(7) Assigned by ATC (2) Whichever altitude ATC tells you to climb / descend to

Question 59

What does climb via SID mean?

Answer 59

Maintain speeds and altitude restrictions along the course.

Question 60

What is the difference between emergency and minimum fuel?

Answer 60

Minimum fuel allows ATC to know you you’ll have a fuel emergency with further vectors. Emergency fuel gives you priority.

Question 61

Walk me through thought process on a diversion?

Answer 61

Considered weather, NOTAMs, fuel, and opinions of fellow crew members Coordinate with dispatch - is potential alternate serviced by Spirit

Question 62

How do you calculate a descent with a 3 degree angle?

Answer 62

(2) Divide ground speed by 2 then add a 0 to your answer. EX: ground speed 130kts divided by 2 is 65. add a 0 and your descent should be roughly 650ft/min (2) Multiply distance in nautical miles by 300'. Examples: 5nm x 300' = 1500'. 100nm x 300' = FL300. (0) Distance*3=5% =FL

Question 63

How far out would you start a descent to lose 10,000ft?

Answer 63

30 miles (slightly more or less depending on tail/head wind)

Question 64

What is considered the touchdown zone?

Answer 64

(0) First third of the runway (0) According to JEPP in ICAO it is the first 3000 ft of the runway beginning at the threshold, the area is used to determine the straight in minimums for instrument approaches. https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/69755/how-does-the-faa-define-the-dimensions-of-the-touchdown-zone

Question 65

What would you do if you you're next in line for takeoff and windshear was just reported from previously departed aircraft?

Answer 65

Properly debrief threats of w/s including performance data/TOGA, and any PIREPS.

Question 66

How many miles does it take to slow 50 knots?

Answer 66

(0) 5 (0) 5 NM. 1 NM for each 10 knots to be lost.

Question 67

What are your current companies reject criteria?

Answer 67

Prior to 100kts: - Captain seriously consider discontinuing takeoff if any ECAM Warning/Caution is activated After 100kts and prior to V1: - Captain should be go minded and very few situations should lead to the decision to reject the takeoff - Failures with ECAM - Fire Warning or Severe Damage - Sudden loss of engine thrust - malfunctions that give unambiguous indications that aircraft will not fly safely - unreliable airspeed - "RETARD" auto callout - Windshear After V1: - continue takeoff

Question 68

What would you do if you need to divert and only options are long runway/ poor weather, or VFR airport with shorter runway?

Answer 68

VFR if landing numbers work

Question 69

What would you do if you got a door unlocked light in flight?

Answer 69

QRH

Question 70

Can you brief the ORD7 SID?

Answer 70

Yes, make sure to brief the altitude restrictions for the distance rings, and make note of the Max Airspeed until cleared for normal speeds

Question 71

What speed limit below Class B shelf?

Answer 71

200

Question 72

What are stabilized approach criteria?

Question 73

What do you do if your IDG fails in flight?

Answer 73

Follow QRH

Question 74

What altitude do you put in altitude selector once cleared for a SID/STAR?

Answer 74

The bottom altitude for a STAR, top for a SID.

Question 75

Can you calculate a descent to 10,000ft at 420kts and a 3 degree angle?

Answer 75

From the 1 in 60 rule. https://skybrary.aero/articles/rules-thumb (3) Altitude to lose * 3 = distance to descend, divide groundspeed by 2 0 = descent rate.

Question 76

What are some threats on the SIDs out of LAS?

Answer 76

Terrain to the west, possibly the high density altitude impacting performance, and on the JOHKR multiple restrictions that are both above and below restrictions.

Question 77

What was your previous airline's stabilized approach criteria?

Question 78

Walk me through a go-around?

Answer 78

Ex: Either pilot can initiate the go-around and after the go around is called for it is executed as follows. PF: "Go-around, set thrust" PM: "Positive rate" and notify ATC when able (set altitude and heading assigned by ATC if not flying published missed) PF: "Gear up" ... passing 600ft "autopilot on" (if desired) PF: Execute the missed approach procedure