Airspace and Regulations
At what altitude does Class A airspace begin, and what’s required to fly in it?
18,000 feet MSL; IFR flight plan and clearance
Decode the following METAR: KSBP 061656Z 27005KT 10SM CLR 17/12 A3015
San Luis Obispo (KSBP), on the 6th at 1656 Zulu, winds 270° at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 17°C, dew point 12°C, altimeter 30.15 inches Hg.
What is the best rate of climb speed called?
Vy
What does a VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator) display to a pilot on approach?
Visual descent guidance information to help maintain the correct glide path
What are the four strokes in a typical combustion engine?
Intake, Compression, Combustion, Exhaust
What is the minimum visibility requirement for VFR flight in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL during the day?
3 statute miles.
What’s the standard temperature lapse rate in the troposphere?
2°C per 1,000 feet.
How does density altitude affect takeoff distance?
It increases it
What does VOR stand for?
Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range.
What is the primary function of the magnetos in a piston-engine aircraft?
To provide electrical current to the spark plugs for engine ignition
What equipment is required to operate in Class C airspace?
Two-way radio and a Mode C transponder (ADS-B Out as of 2020).
(Expand on the importance of situational awareness entering Charlie airspace.)
What is an AIRMET Tango issued for, and why should a VFR pilot care?
Moderate turbulence and surface winds over 30 knots; it can affect control, especially in light aircraft.
What are the "4 Left Turning Tendencies"?
P-factor, torque, spiraling slipstream, and gyroscopic precession.
P-factor: Most noticeable at high angle of attack—descending blade on the right produces more thrust
Torque: Engine spins clockwise (from cockpit view), aircraft wants to roll left
Spiraling slipstream: Air spirals around fuselage and pushes on left side of vertical stabilizer
Gyroscopic precession: If tail comes up quickly, causes yaw to the left
What do you set your altimeter to before takeoff?
The current local altimeter setting (or field elevation if unavailable).
One of your exterior nav lights isn’t working, and you're planning a flight that will land 15 minutes after sunset. Can you legally go?
No. Position lights are required from sunset to sunrise—you’ll need to delay, fix the light, or file a deferral if allowed.
Discussion: Night definitions, 91.205, and how to plan smarter around the regs.
Can you enter Class D airspace if the tower doesn’t respond to your radio call?
Only if two-way communication is established (they must say your call sign).
(Discuss how to handle radio silence and what “established” really means.)
You’re planning a VFR cross-country and notice your destination has forecast MVFR conditions. What’s your best course of action?
Delay the flight, plan an alternate, or consider filing IFR (if rated).
What are the two main types of aerodynamic drag? Explain each one in simple terms.
Parasite drag and induced drag.
Parasite drag is the resistance caused by the aircraft moving through the air and includes form, skin friction, and interference drag; it increases with speed.
Induced drag is the drag created by the production of lift, caused by wingtip vortices and airflow disruption, and it increases as speed decreases.
Show diagram of: Total drag curve and how L/D max relates to best glide
Parasite drag increases with speed
Induced drag increases as speed decreases
What are the primary flight instruments powered by the pitot-static system?
Airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. (Talk about how they can fail and what backups exist.)
How often must a transponder be inspected?
Every 24 calendar months.
What’s the difference between a VFR Flyway, VFR Corridor, and VFR Transition Route?
Flyway: Suggested route around/through Class B with no clearance required
Corridor: Carved-out airspace allowing VFR flight through Bravo without clearance
Transition Route: Charted path through Class B that requires ATC clearance
What type of weather is an AIRMET Sierra issued for?
IFR conditions and/or mountain obscuration.
What is the effect of a forward CG on stall speed?
It increases stall speed.
The airspeed indicator shows zero, but the altimeter and VSI are working. What's likely blocked?
The pitot tube.
According to FAR 91.207, how often must an aircraft's ELT be inspected for proper installation, battery corrosion, and operation?
Every 12 calendar months.