FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS, CONTROLS & COMMUNICATIONS
The point where the aircraft balances.
Basic weight of aircraft, including unusable fuel and undrained oil.
What is a Chart Supplement?
A publication containing airport information such as:
2. What are the three main aviation weather sources?
What is Zulu Time?
Universal aviation time standard, also called UTC/GMT. (Coordinated Universal Time & Greenwich Mean Time)
2. Why do pilots use it?
To avoid confusion between different time zones.
How do pilots level off from a climb or descent?
Airplanes use knots because of the earth's curvature, so we have to consider that it's also a lot more accurate than MPH
AGL - Above ground level used for clouds doesn't take field elevation into consideration
MSL - pilots primarily use this is mean sea level, which our altimeter read this is fe + agl
Pilots primarily use MSL because charts, terrain, and ATC altitudes are based on sea level.
ARM - Distance from the reference point (datum) to the item being weighed. (moment/ weight)
The force created by weight at a distance from the datum. (rotational force) Moment = Weight × Arm
What information is included in an ATIS broadcast?
A phonetic code identifying the current ATIS recording (ex: Information Alpha).
Where is Zulu Time based?
Greenwich, England at the Prime Meridian.
2. Which U.S. states do NOT observe daylight savings time?
1. nose on horizon 10 degrees nose up
2. 3 fingers from dash to horizon
3. 5 fingers from dash to horizon (500 fpm)
Datum- An imaginary vertical reference line from which all measurements are taken.
Envelope- The safe operating area where the aircraft’s center of gravity must remain during flight.
Headwind- Wind blowing directly against aircraft movement.
Crosswind- Wind blowing across the runway.
Tailwind- Wind blowing in the same direction as aircraft movement.
What does “V-speed” mean?
Velocity speed- The airspeeds used for specific maneuvers in a specific aircraft at specific configurations
2. Define: Vr, rotation speed. 60 MPH
Vx Best angle of climb (most altitude over shortest distance). 78 MPH
Vy Best rate of climb (most altitude over shortest time). 89 MPH
What does IDENT do?
Highlights aircraft target on ATC radar.
2. What is ADS-B In vs ADS-B Out?
ADS-B In
Receives traffic/weather information.
ADS-B Out
Broadcasts aircraft position and altitude.
3. Why is traffic displayed on your GTN 750?
Because the aircraft is equipped with ADS-B In and traffic systems.
Center of Gravity- The balance point of the aircraft.
Center of Lift- The point where the lift is considered to act on the wing.
Tail Down Force- Downward force created by the tail to help stabilize and balance the aircraft.
What is a wind component chart, and how is it used?
A chart used to determine crosswind and headwind/tailwind components based on runway direction and wind angle.
2. How do you determine the best runway using winds?
Choose the runway most aligned into the wind (headwind) to minimize crosswind and avoid tailwinds.
Va- Maneuvering speed. 129 MPH
Vfe- Maximum flap extended speed. 115 MPH
Vne- Never exceed speed. 171 MPH
Vglide- Best glide speed for engine failure. 80 MPH
What is a transponder, and what is it used for?
Device transmitting aircraft identification and altitude to ATC radar.
2. What do the following squawk codes mean?
The 4 W’s:
They ensure clear, concise communication and reduce confusion.
2. Describe the roles of:
Why is CG important?
CG affects:
2. Explain what happens with: Forward CG
Aft CG
3. Why can both conditions be dangerous?
Too much forward CG can prevent rotation or flare.
Too much aft CG can make the aircraft unstable and difficult to recover from stalls/spins.
1. What is Gust Factor? Difference between steady wind and gust speed.
2. What is the formula for adding gust factor to landing speed?
Add HALF the gust factor to the final approach speed.
3. Why do pilots add HALF the gust factor?
To compensate for sudden airspeed loss caused by gusty winds.
4. Define:
What speed should you use during an engine failure, and why?- Vglide because it provides maximum glide distance.
2. What speed should you slow to during turbulence, and why? - Va because it protects the aircraft from structural damage during abrupt control inputs.
3. Where can aircraft limitations and V-speeds be found? - In the POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook).
Where should the oil level be? Typically, around 6 quarts, depending on aircraft limitations.
What do the antennas represent? Communication 1 & 2, VOR navigation, ELT, GPS/ADS-B systems.
How much usable fuel does the aircraft carry?
usable 48 gals
How many fuel vents are on the aircraft?
4 fuel vents, 2 on each side
2. When inbound for landing, what steps should a pilot complete before landing?