Technical Interview 13

Question 1

Give a calculation to work out how far a Seneca could fly with a certain amount of fuel.

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 1

Amount of fuel divided by 24 GPH (gallons of fuel per hour).

Question 2

What is the maximum crosswind limit on a DA42?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 2

20 kts

Question 3

What are the longitudinal ridges on the stabilator of the Seneca for?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 3

The longitudinal ridges on the stabilator are for strength.

Question 4

If you pitched up in the Seneca, what would happen to the blade angle?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 4

If you pitch up in a Seneca the speed IAS will decrease, because of the constand speed drive (in the propeller hub).

The propellers want to maintain the original RPM. Therefore the blades will go to a more fine blade setting.

Question 5

What would you do in the event of an engine failure below V1, and what would your initial actions be?

Answer 5

I would stop the aircraft and apply the following actions:

Use the appropriate call-out, close throttles, apply speedbrake, use full reverse thrust and monitor the autobrake operation.

Inform ATC and complete RTO checklist.

Question 6

Could a Seneca fly to the South of France without stopping for extra fuel?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 6

No

Question 7

What is alternate air? And what is its relation with the air filter?

Note: this question was asked to a candidate with previous Seneca experience, make sure to be able to answer this question for your previous aircraft type.

Answer 7

Alternate air is an alternate source of air, it can for example be used during ice, when the normal filter is blocked to have a backup source available.

Alternate air is unfiltered air and should not be used during ground operation because the unfiltered air may contain dust and other contamination.

In a fuel injection system, the fuel is injected directly into the cylinders, or just ahead of the intake valve. The air intake for the fuel injection system is similar to that used in a carburetor system, with an alternate air source located within the engine cowling. This source is used if the external air source is obstructed. The alternate air source is usually operated automatically, with a backup manual system that can be used if the automatic feature malfunctions.

Question 8

When you feather the engine on the Seneca, do you have to feather before a certain RPM?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 8

Yes, feathering locks engage at 800 RPM on the Seneca.

We feather to stop windmilling and reduce drag.

Question 9

What performance category was your last aircraft? How are airplanes classified?

Question 10

Does the Seneca have a carb heat system?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 10

No, it’s not required as the Seneca has a fuel injection system and engine icing normally forms around the venturi of the carb.

Ice can still form in in a fuel injection system in icing conditions, an alternate air source is available in this situation which takes warm air from inside the engine cowling.

Question 11

How does the all moving stabilator work on the Boeing 737 compared to the Seneca?

Note: this question was asked to a candidate with previous Seneca experience, make sure to be able to answer this question for your previous aircraft type.

Answer 11

By an all moving stabilizer the entire stabilizer moves when you apply a trim change.

With the Seneca you just moved a trim tab which then moved the elevator surface a bit.

With an all moving stabilizer you keep full control authority and also less drag, which increased fuel efficiently.

Question 12

Does the Boeing 737 have a critical engine?

Answer 12

No, there is no P-factor (asymmetric blade effect) as on a propeller-driven aircraft.

Question 13

If you slammed the throttles wide open during takeoff on the Seneca, what would happen?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 13

You will overboost the engine, there is a pressure relief valve to protect the engine.

Question 14

Is the Seneca turbocharged?

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Answer 14

Yes, to generate more HP and to keep more power available at high altitude by compressing air in the engine.

Question 15

You’ve been flying the DA42, does it have a critical engine?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 15

Yes, the left engine

Question 16

What is the endurance of the DA42?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 16

3 hours and 30 minutes.

Question 17

What colour of fuel is used in the diamond?

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Answer 17

Blue

Question 18

What’s the purpose of the mirror looking at the nose-wheel on a Seneca?

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 18

To varify the nose gear position (up or down).

Question 19

What is the optimum ISA cruise altitude for the Boeing 737?

Answer 19

This depends on weight, C.G., temperature and density.

This altitude is usually where the combination of L/D ratio and engine efficiency are maximized.

Question 20

Tell me about the V speeds in a Seneca

Note: make sure to be able to answer this question for your own previous aircraft type

Answer 20

V speed in a Seneca:

Vr = 77kts
Vx = 76kts
Vy = 89kts
Vyse = 89kts
Vmca = 68kts
Vne = 195kts
Vno = 163kts
Va = 121kts