VFR Instruments Flashcards
What equipment must be operational for a Robinson R22 helicopter to fly under day VFR according to the POH?
The R22 requires “GOAL” equipment:
Governor
Outside Air Temperature Gauge
Alternator
Low RPM Warning System
What equipment must be operational for a Robinson R44 helicopter to fly under day VFR?
The R44 requires “H-GOAL” equipment:
Hydraulic System (in addition to the R22’s “GOAL” list)
According to 91.205, what equipment is required for Robinson helicopters under night VFR?
The acronym “NAIL CG” applies:
Navigation Lights,
Anti-Collision Lights,
Instrument Lights, Landing Lights,
Celestial or Ground Illumination (for visual references)
What does the acronym ATOMATOFLAMES stand for in relation to day VFR required equipment?
ATOMATOFLAMES is an easy way to remember the required equipment:
Airspeed Indicator,
Tachometer (each engine),
Oil Pressure Gauge (for engines using a pressure system), Manifold Pressure Gauge (for altitude engines),
Altimeter,
Temperature Gauge (liquid-cooled engines),
Oil Temperature Gauge (air-cooled engines),
Fuel Gauge (for each tank),
Landing Gear Position Indicator (for retractable gear),
Anti-Collision Light System,
Magnetic Direction Indicator,
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT, if required),
Safety Belts / Shoulder Harnesses
When must flotation gear and a signaling device be carried on board?
For hired flights over water, beyond gliding distance from shore, flotation gear for each occupant and a pyrotechnic signaling device are required (unless operating under Part 121).
What specific seatbelt requirements apply to rotorcraft?
Rotorcraft manufactured after September 16, 1992, must have shoulder harnesses for each seat.
What additional equipment is required for VFR night flights?
FLAPS is the acronym to remember for night requirements:
Fuses: Spare set or three of each kind accessible in flight.
Landing Lights: Required if operating for hire, and required by the Robinson POH regardless.
Anti-Collision Lights: Strobe or beacon for visibility.
Position Lights (Navigation Lights): Red, green, and white lights to indicate position.
Source of Electrical Power: Usually an alternator as required by the Robinson POH.
What three flight instruments rely on the pitot-static system?
The Airspeed Indicator (ASI), Altimeter, and Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI).
How does the Airspeed Indicator work, and what common error can affect its accuracy?
The ASI measures the difference between dynamic pressure (from the pitot tube) and static pressure. Common errors include position error from airflow angles at slow speeds or during sideslip.
What are the five types of altitude and their meanings?
Indicated Altitude: Shown on the altimeter with local pressure setting.
Pressure Altitude: Height above the standard datum plane (29.92 inHg).
Density Altitude: Pressure altitude corrected for non standard temperature.
True Altitude: Actual altitude; mean sea level (MSL).
Absolute Altitude: Height above ground level (AGL).
What are the compass errors?
Variation, deviation, magnetic dip, and oscillation errors.
Describe the acronym “UNOS” for magnetic compass errors.
UNOS helps remember N/S turning errors associated with magnetic dip:
Undershoot North, Overshoot South.
When turning north, the compass lags, so undershoot. When turning south, it leads, so overshoot.
Explain the acronym “ANDS” for compass acceleration and deceleration errors.
ANDS helps us remember acceleration and deceleration erros during east / west travel, associated with magnetic dip errors. It stands for Accelerate North, Decelerate South.
When accelerating on an east or west heading, the compass shows a turn toward north; when decelerating, it shows a turn toward south.
What does the phrase “High to Low, Look Out Below” mean in aviation?
It reminds pilots that when moving from an area of high pressure to low pressure or warm air to cold air, the altimeter will over-read, showing a higher altitude than the true altitude. This can put the aircraft closer to the ground than indicated, so pilots need to “Look Out Below.”
What happens to your true altitude if you fly from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area without adjusting the altimeter?
Your true altitude becomes lower than the indicated altitude on your altimeter, putting you closer to the ground than you realize.
