Primary Certifications
Classifying Aircraft
Aircraft Roles and Missions
100
What are the three primary certificates?
Sport, Recreational, Private
100
What government agency is responsible for aircraft certification in the US?
The FAA
100
What type of designs can engineers use to make a stealth fighter more difficult to detect?
- use sharp angles in the design of the fuselage
- keep bombs inside the aircraft
- mix cold air with hot exhaust
200
How old do you need to be to solo? To test for any of the primary certificates?
16 to solo
17 to test
200
Why does the FAA divide aircraft into categories and classes?
Aircraft with different characteristics must be evaluated using rules and standards appropriate to that aircraft.
EX - rules for a helicopter don't have a place in the certification of a fixed wing airplane.
200
What types of missions can the Twin Otter accomplish.
- take off and land on the ground
- take off and land on the water
- take off and land on snow/ice
300
Of the three primary certificates, which one is the fastest route to becoming a pilot?
Sport pilot - cheapest, fewest amount of hours, and no requirement for medical certificate.
300
What is the definition of category?
Category relates to the function or operating limitations of an aircraft.
300
How can multiple aircraft may work together to accomplish the same mission?
A single mission may have varied tasks that must be carried out by a multitude of aircraft in order for it to successful. For example, to fight a wildfire, tankers may be used to spread water or fire retardant in front of a fire to stop its progression, while the aerial surveying for fires might be completed by small general aviation airplane or even a UAS. Further, a helicopter may be need to evacuate injured firefighters from the scene of the fire.
400
What are some limitations of the recreational pilot certificate?
Stay below 10,000 feet
Fly within 50 miles of home airport
May not fly at night or in bad weather
400
What are the 5 main categories of aircraft?
1. normal 2. utility 3. acrobatic 4. transport 5. restricted
400
Give an example of how one aircraft can be modified to be better suited for more than one mission.
EX - 747 - Modified to carry passengers, cargo, wildfire control, or VIP transport.
Modified engines, landing gear, or aircraft design.
500
What are the privileges of the private pilot certificate?
License to learn
Fly anywhere in the US
Fly at night
Carry up to 3 passengers
500
What is the definition of class?
Class is a broad grouping of aircraft having similar characteristics of propulsion, flight, or landing.
600
What are the 3 main components of testing for any of the primary flight certificates?
Pass FAA Knowledge Test
Pass a Practical Test (aka checkride)
Pass an oral exam
600
What are the 4 main classes of aircraft?
1. Airplane 2. rotorcraft 3. glider 4. balloon
700
What rating allows pilots to fly in inclement weather?
Instrument Rating
700
How would this aircraft be classified by number of engines?
Twin Engine
800
What certificate allows a pilot to be paid for flying?
Commercial Certificate
800
How would this aircraft be classified by engine type?
Piston
900
How would this aircraft be classified by wing configuration?
High Wing
1000
How would this aircraft be classified by its landing gear?
Tailwheel / Conventional