Technical Questions Flashcards
Approach charts: Diffrerence between DA and MDA?
DA (decision altitude):
Specified altitude on the descent path of a 3D approach at which point a a go around MUST be initiated if the minimum visual requirements have not been met (50ft limit below)
MDA (minimum descent altitude): The lowest permissible altitude during a 2D approach, which can only be descended below if visual.
How will a rain shower affect your arrival?
- Contaminate the runway, Increases landing distance.
- Changes in wind, temperature can be expected. Potential downdrafts and updrafts.
Contaminated runway definition:
> 25% of the runway surface area being used is covered by:
1. Water >3mm depth
2. Loose Snow >20mm depth
3. Any compact snow (includes any ice)
What are acceptable QNH sources?
Actual Aerodrome QNH:
1. AWIS/ATIS
2. ATC (Including certified air/ground radio services)
3. Weather and terminal information reciter (Same as ATIS/AWIS)
- Wake turbulence separation
Separation categories:
- SUPER: A380 or AN225 (4 minutes/8NM from LIGHT - 6NM from HEAVY)
-HEAVY: MTOW ABOVE 136’000KG
- MEDIUM: MTOW ABOVE 7000KG
- LIGHT: MTOW UP TO 7000KG (2 minutes/5NM from Medium)
Time+dist space
Time spacing = 2 - 4 minutes.
Distance: 4-8NM.
WAIVERS: ATC is NOT required to give wake turbulence separation: 1. VFR aircraft in flight. 2. MED <25T preceding a light aircraft. 3. Landing aircraft. IFR flights can request a separation waiver if visual with preceding aircraft Seperation will not be given if preceding aircraft is an A330 or larger.
- Missed approach criteria:
When must you conduct a MA?
- Straight-in landing cannot be effected unless a circling approach can be conducted in suitable weather conditions.
- Not visual when you reach the DA/RA height or MAPT
- Required NAV PERFORMANCE lost (Loss of Integrity: (UNABLE REQD NAV PERF- RNP, FMC DISAGREE or VERIFY POSITION)
- Outside navigational tolerance during final segment
- Failure of aid or suspect aid and below MSA
- Lost visual reference during circling
What is Part 121 missed approach climb gradient requirement?
greater of:
(i) the published missed approach climb gradient or
(ii) 2.5%
How do you calculate rate of climb required on missed approach given ground speed?
G/S x Gradient = RoC or RoD required.
Slope to gradient conversion:
1º Slope = 1.73% gradient. (Slope x 1.73% = gradient.) eg 2.5% gradient = 1.44º Slope.
Equation to calculate ISA deviation?
ISA OAT = (15°- (ALT x 2))
minus OAT FROM ISA OAT to find deviation.
ISA temperature is + 15°C at mean sea level (MSL), with a 2°C per
1000 ft lapse rate.
What does a NOSIG on a metar indicate?
No significant change expected to trend. (Not used in TAF3’s)
Visibility requirements for a SPECI ?
When the prevailing visibility is below:
5km, or
the highest alternate minimum visibility,
whichever is more limiting.
TAF indicates Tempo commencing 15 minutes after your ETA. How much extra fuel do you need to take?
60 Min holding fuel.
AIP ENR 1.1 10.7.2.4 & 10.7.2.8
Provision of an alternate is not needed as long as you carry 60 minutes holding fuel.
TAF3 indicates Tempo commencing 15 minutes after your ETA, instead of a TAF. How much fuel is required?
NO HOLDING FUEL required.
The 30 minute buffers required by AIP ENR 1.1 para 11.7.2.1(c) and AIP ENR 1.1 para 11.7.2.7 & 11.7.2.8 are not required for any OPR in the first 3 hours of a TAF3.
The holding or alternate requirements contained in the first 3 hours of a TAF3 are deemed to commence at the time stated in the TAF3 and no 30 minute buffer is required to be applied.
However, for OPRs contained beyond the first 3 hours of the TAF3 do require the 30 minute buffer.
Will the altimeter under or over read with cold air?
Cold Air causes altimeter to OVER READ.
(Low temperatures reduces terrain clearance. When the temperature is colder than ISA, true altitude will be lower than indicated altitude.)
What is the correct phraseology when responding to a RA?
Call sign … “TCAS RA”
You require a 5% climb gradient to 3000 ft, your ground speed of 200 kts, what is your required Rate of Climb?
1000 fpm
- In cruise the cabin altitude starts to rise, what happens to the cabin differential
pressure?
Reduces.
Requirements for Radiation fog formation
What would you expect to see on a METAR that’s conducive to formation of fog?
- High humidity (Overnight cooling will be sufficient for the air temperature to fall to below its dewpoint temperature resulting in condensation occurring )
- Clear sky (To enable radiation)
- Light winds (Mix the air few hundred feet )
Fog usually disperses a few hours after sunrise
Fog forms in the same way as cloud by being cooled beyond saturation point
What speed do you notify atc about difference in your speed vs planned speed
A sustained speed variation of more than +- 10 kts or +-M0.02, must advise ATC.
Final Approach (FAF) speed for your CAT C of aircraft
115kts-160kts
Stable approach criteria etc
Maintaining: stable 3 Dimnetional speeds in landing configuration is commonly referred to as the stabilized approach concept. 1. Correct flight path 2. Minimal changes needed to all aspects including thrust and navigation (Within tolerance) 3. Speed within +10kts and -5 kts Vref 4. Correct landing configuration 5. Sink rate less than 1000ft pm (Unless briefed) 6. Checklist completed 1000 ft IMC & 500ft VMC (wings level at 300ft during circling approach)
Holding pattern maximum speeds:
230, 240, 265kts 140, 200, 340 Thousands Feet
ASDA – performance of aircraft definition. Describe ASDA, what does it include?
Take-off run available plus the length of stopway, if provided. (Any stopway length included shall be adequate for use by all aircraft which comply with the runway strength rating.) TORA + STOPWAY
METAR – RF – what does that mean?
Rainfall:
Since 9am L and in last 10 minutes
Class D ATC separation provided (Flight rules)
IFR and VFR flights are permitted and all flights are provided with an ATC service.
Separation:
IFR / IFR = Yes
IFR / VFR = No (traffic information only)
IFR / Special VFR = Yes
(Special VFR will receive separation from other special VFR when visibility below VMC)
What is the approach ban limitation?
APPROACH BAN — An approach procedure, for which continuation is prohibited beyond a specific point, and or specified height, if the reported visibility or RVR is below the minimum specified for that approach:
May commence an approach regardless of RVR/Visibility.
If reported visibility is BELOW minimum, approach must NOT CONTINUE below 1000ft AAL (or DA if more than 1000ft AAL.
If reported visibility drops BELOW minimum after descending below 1000ft, the approach may be continued to the DA.
⁃ Cat C speeds
Max speeds to Consider:
Approaches cannot be flown faster than 240kts After FAF: 160 kts Circling: 180 kts Missed App: 240 kts
Critical engine
# note
Our engines are counter rotating.
Most critically affected engine failure if we rejected the take off depends on wind.
Cross wind affects the control due to tendency for aircraft to turn
into wind as result of rudder deflection.
Generally the left engine is considered the critical engine. When there is a strong left x wind a left EF situation can be dangerous if not properly handled.
Visual approach requirements before ATC may authorise ( DAY & NIGHT)
Both DAY & NIGHT:
Within 30NM
Clear of cloud
In sight of ground or water
5Km visibility
What wil activate the Take off warning horn
Activates if: F.L.O.B.S
1. FLAPS: not in takeoff range, or asymmetrical condition/ un-commanded position.
2. LED : not configured for takeoff/ uncommanded motion
3. Brakes is not in position (Speed brake down and Park brake released.)
4. Out of trim (green take off range)
5. Spoiler control valve is open and providing pressure to valve.
TAF cloud height datum?
Cloud height is given in hundreds of feet above the aerodrome.
- Wind gust on final established ILS what happens to airspeed?
With constant Attitude: Increase in headwind, will increase IAS. Decrease in headwind will reduce IAS.
During a circling approach in IMC you lose visual contact with the runway, what are your initial actions and how do you proceed? AKA how do you conduct a missed approach from circling.
Execute a climbing turn towards the landing runway and fly the published missed approach procedure for the IAP executed.
What is cost index?
A cost index (Cl) is a performance management function which optimises the aircraft’s speed for the minimum cost.
A low cost index reflects high fuel costs (as in fuel is $$ per dollar) and results in a lower cruise speed.
Ranges: 1-200
LRC = 25 (Approx)
CI 0 = Maximum Range
The CI is the ratio of the time-related cost of an airplane operation an
CI take into account specific route factors such as the price of fuel at the departure and destination airports so that the aircraft is flown at the correct speed to balance the fuel costs against the dry operating costs. An incorrect CI will always cost more money.
If ground speed is 150kts what rate of descent would you need for a 3-degree profile?
800fpm (780 exactly)
What is the missed approach climb gradient?
Greater of:
-2.5% minimum or
- gradient required on chart.
If you had a sudden increase in headwind what effect would this have on Indicated
airspeed?
increase IAS.
What colour are edge taxi lights?
Blue (Fixed)
Cloud height datum on METAR or ATIS
ATIS = AAL METAR = AAL Reference point.
Time of useful consciousness at FL300?
About a minute:
45-85 seconds (active depending)
- ASDA vs TORA?
TORA = The length of runway declared available for taking off. ASDA = TORA + STOPWAY (Distance available for stopping in the event of a RTO)
Difference VX and VY
Vx - Max angle of climb (steepest angle or highest
gradient of climb used to clear close-in obstacles over the shortest
horizontal distance.
Vy - Max rate of climb (highest vertical speed that
gains height in the shortest time.
What does an inverter do?
Converts Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) power. (Standby power - from the battery)
In controlled airspace, at night time, after receiving clearance to conduct a visual Approach, when can you conduct a visual approach?
NIGHT: Within circling area, Aerodrome within sight. (3nm for non IAL aerodromes) Or withint 5NM aligned with RWY centreline, no below “on slope” PAPI indications (two red, two white) or 7NM if ILS equipped meeting criteria , or 10NM with less than full scale deflection established not below glide-path. (14NM at YSSY RWY 34 & 16L same criteria)
What radio call would you make if landing below fixed reserve fuel?
Call sign “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY FUEL”
Which way would I turn if there was volcanic activity.
Atleast 180 degree to get out of volcanic ash. (Check heading add 180 degree and turn away from terrain) To avoid volcanic ash discharge, fly upwind of activity.
Blue and white light flashing at aerodrome?
White light (Warning light): storm activity within 10NM .
Blue light (Vacate the ramp area): storm activity is within 5NM (ground crew and airport staff need to leave the tarmac immediately.
10 & 5NM
How does Wind effects speed and lift
Increase in headwind will increase IAS + Increase lift (Overshoot)
Decrease in headwind will decrease IAS. (Undershoot) - decrease lift
Decrease in tailwind will increase IAS + Increase lift
When atc provide separation from terrain?
When vectors received by ATC, terrain clearance will be provided by ATC.
Where to find info on system specific pages such as gps monitoring
Flight Crew Operating manual, AIP/Jeppesen.
What is the difference between an AIRMET & SIGMET.
SIGMET provides potential hazardous weather phenomena to aircraft in areas over which weather watch is maintained.
AIRMET provides advice on deteriorating conditions, not already included in GAF’s (AIRMETs are complimentary to GAFs).
Generally SIGMET are for high altitude operations and AIRMET for lower altitudes.
ILS 16L in SYD told to go around 2000ft how do you handle it?
- Call “GOING AROUND” & press TOGA button.
- Call FLAP15
- Pitch to 15º N.U, check positive rate
- Call “GEAR UP”
- Call “Check Thrust”
- Fly Missed approach procedure.
NOTE: If a missed approach climb is initiated before MAPt, the aircraft MUST track to the MAPt BEFORE commencing the missed approach procedure. Fly tracks and level out upon reaching limiting altitude.
JEPP:
A pilot executing a missed approach prior to the Missed Approach Point (MAP) must continue along the final approach to the MAP. The pilot may climb immediately to the altitude specified in the missed approach procedure.
Alternating red and white centreline lights: runway length remaining?
900M (900 - 300 meters from the END of the alternating Red and White (300m from end red)
Colour coded runway centreline, used to warn a pilot of the approaching end of the runway. White lights will change to alternate white/red (2 x white, 2 x red), and then red only as the aircraft reaches the runway end.
DME arc tolerance
+-2NM