Forces of Fright
What are the four forces acting on an airplane in flight?
Lift, Weight (Gravity), Thrust, and Drag
What airspace surrounds KOPF?
Class D airspace
When Tower says, “Cleared for the option,” what can you do?
Any landing type: full stop, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, or low approach.
According to GoFly SOP, when must students arrive before a scheduled flight?
At least 30 minutes early for preflight prep and fuel check.
What type of engine powers the Cessna 172M?
A Lycoming O-320-E2D — four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled, carbureted engine producing 150 horsepower.
What is the term for the angle between the chord line and the relative wind?
Angle of Attack (AOA)
What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet?
3 statute miles, 500 ft below / 1,000 ft above / 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds
What does “Line up and wait” mean?
Taxi onto the runway, hold position, and wait for takeoff clearance.
What should be included in a passenger briefing before engine start?
Harnesses, hatches, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, no smoking, cell phones off.
What is the total fuel capacity and usable fuel in a C172M?
40 gallons total, 38 gallons usable.
What happens to lift and drag when angle of attack increases beyond the critical point?
Lift decreases and drag increases sharply, making the aircraft stall.
What document defines the privileges and limitations of a Private Pilot?
14 CFR §61.113
If ATC says, “Say intentions,” what should you do?
Clearly state your plan — e.g., “Request full stop landing” or “Request right closed traffic.”
What phrase confirms positive exchange of flight controls?
“You have the flight controls.” → “I have the flight controls.” → “You have the flight controls.”
What type of propeller does the Cessna 172M use, and what is its main operational characteristic?
A fixed-pitch, two-blade, all-metal McCauley propeller. Engine RPM directly controls both thrust and engine power output.
What is the difference between parasite drag and induced drag?
Parasite drag increases with airspeed; induced drag decreases with airspeed.
What is the difference between Class D and Class C airspace in terms of communication and equipment requirements?
Class D requires two-way communication; Class C requires two-way communication and Mode C transponder.
When ATC says, “Expedite,” what’s the proper reaction?
Move safely but quickly to comply — they’re managing traffic flow.
What phrase must you ALWAYS say when offered an intersection takeoff?
“Unable, we require full length.”
Describe the electrical system in the C172M.
It’s a 14-volt DC system powered by a 60-amp alternator and a 12-volt battery.
Explain what happens to the center of pressure as an aircraft transitions from subsonic to transonic speeds.
The center of pressure moves rearward due to shockwave formation and changes in lift distribution.
What is the maximum airspeed permitted below 10,000 feet MSL, and what regulation specifies this?
250 knots indicated airspeed, per 14 CFR §91.117(a)
What’s the funniest but real-world translation of “Standby”?
“I’m busy"
During taxi operations, what’s the maximum taxi speed allowed per SOP?
10 knots maximum — slower when turning or near other aircraft.
What instruments in the Cessna 172M rely on the vacuum system?
The attitude indicator and heading indicator.