Aircraft Instruments and Aerodynamics

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

If the current altimeter setting is 29.84 inches of mercury and the field elevation is 0 feet MSL, what will the altimeter read?

80 feet MSL (correct)
800 feet MSL
0 feet MSL
-80 feet MSL

How frequently should a pilot typically align the heading indicator with the magnetic compass in flight, according to the recommendation?

Every 30 minutes of flight
Every 15 minutes of flight (correct)
Only during pre-flight checks
Every 5 minutes of flight

Which type of drag is NOT directly related to the shape of the aircraft?

Interference drag
Skin friction drag
Form drag
Induced drag (correct)

What is the primary cause of increased lift during ground effect?

Reduction in induced drag (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a key function or characteristic of the heading indicator?

It is a gyroscopic instrument requiring periodic alignment with the magnetic compass. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What primary information does the turn coordinator provide to the pilot?

Rate of Turn (C) Signup and view all the answers

Within what distance from the ground does ground effect typically occur?

Within 1 wingspan (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a standard rate turn, what is the rate of turn indicated by the turn coordinator?

3° per second (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of ground effect during landing?

Floating above the runway (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the CG typically located in front of the center of pressure (CP)?

To improve longitudinal stability (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which system in an integrated flight display provides attitude, heading, rate of turn, and slip/skid information?

Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What components are integrated into the Air Data Computer (ADC) to provide data to the flight display system?

Pitot tube, static source, and Outside Air Temperature (OAT) probe (A) Signup and view all the answers

What might occur if the CG is located forward of its forward limit?

Nose strike during landing (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which flight instruments receive readings directly from the Air Data Computer (ADC)?

Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, and VSI (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of having the CG located aft of the aft CG limit?

Difficulty recovering from a stall condition (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does lateral stability primarily help the aircraft do?

Return wings to a level attitude (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between airspeed and angle of attack (AOA) to maintain constant lift?

Decreasing airspeed requires increasing AOA to maintain lift. (C) Signup and view all the answers

An aircraft is approaching its critical angle of attack. What change in airflow over the wing would indicate that the aircraft is about to stall?

Airflow begins to separate from the top of the wing at the rear, moving forward. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is most accurate regarding an aircraft's stall characteristics?

An aircraft will always stall at the same angle of attack, regardless of airspeed, flight attitude, or weight. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the lift equation, $L = C_L \times \frac{1}{2}pv^2 \times S$, how does a change in velocity affect lift?

Lift increases with the square of the velocity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Select the option that correctly lists parameters provided by the Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS).

Attitude, heading, rate of turn, and slip/skid. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in air density ($p$) affect lift, assuming other factors remain constant?

Higher air density increases lift. (C) Signup and view all the answers

While maintaining a constant altitude, an aircraft encounters an area of decreased air density. According to the lift equation, what immediate action is required to maintain the same amount of lift?

Increase airspeed or increase the angle of attack. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The coefficient of lift ($C_L$) is a factor in the lift equation. What primarily influences the coefficient of lift for a typical aircraft wing?

Wing shape, wing camber, and angle of attack (AOA). (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following includes both a category and a class of aircraft, as defined by the FAA for certification purposes?

Large Aircraft (> 12,500 lbs) & Turbojet Airplane, Multi-Engine Land (D) Signup and view all the answers

A pilot wants to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of an aircraft that requires a specific endorsement. What is the FAA's primary requirement for this?

Receiving ground and flight instruction from an authorized instructor who then endorses the pilot's logbook. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the FAA, what three features define a complex airplane?

An airplane with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a constant-speed propeller. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most appropriate action required to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of a tailwheel airplane?

Receive ground and flight instruction from an authorized flight instructor who then endorses the pilot's logbook. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A pilot earns a high-performance endorsement, what is the most accurate definition of 'high performance'?

An airplane with a certificated takeoff power of more than 200 horsepower. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A pilot receives training involving both a complex airplane and a tailwheel airplane. Assuming all requirements are met, what combination of logbook endorsements would they hold?

Both a complex airplane endorsement and a tailwheel endorsement. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A pilot is transitioning to an aircraft with flaps, retractable landing gear, and a controllable pitch propeller, but the engine is rated at 180 horsepower. Does the pilot require an endorsement to act as PIC?

No, because the aircraft does not meet the definition of a high-performance airplane. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot do after receiving ground and flight training in a tailwheel airplane from an authorized instructor?

Obtain a logbook endorsement from the instructor certifying competency to act as PIC in a tailwheel airplane. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended visual scanning technique to detect other aircraft during daylight hours?

Use a series of short, focused eye movements covering 10° sectors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If another aircraft's position remains constant on your windscreen while growing larger, what does this indicate?

A collision is probable if no action is taken. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a situation where two aircraft are converging at the same altitude, and one is heading north while the other is heading west, which aircraft has the right-of-way?

The aircraft on the right has the right-of-way. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the scenario where you are flying north and another aircraft is approaching from your right, heading west at the same altitude, what is the appropriate course of action to avoid a collision?

Alter your course to the right to pass behind the other aircraft. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Shallow S-turns' refer to in the context of visual scanning?

A method of performing regular eye movements involving short, spaced fixations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to break the viewing area into 10° sectors during visual scanning?

To ensure comprehensive coverage of the viewing area and improve the chances of spotting other aircraft. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should a pilot take if another aircraft appears to have a constantly increasing size on the windscreen with no relative movement?

Execute an immediate and decisive evasive maneuver. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In a converging head-on situation, where both aircraft are at the same altitude, how should pilots generally alter their course?

Each aircraft should alter course to the right. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for making wind corrections while taxiing an aircraft?

To prevent the wind from lifting a wing or tail, which could flip the aircraft. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a high-wing tricycle-gear airplane, which wind condition presents the most critical situation during taxiing?

A strong quartering tailwind. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When taxiing with a quartering headwind, what aileron input is typically required?

Aileron into the wind. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When giving flight controls to another pilot, what is the correct verbal exchange?

"You have the controls," followed by the other pilot stating, "I have the controls," repeated, with visual verification. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the repeated statements during the transfer of flight controls?

To create redundancy and ensure both pilots are aware of the change. (B) Signup and view all the answers

An instructor is about to demonstrate a maneuver. What is the pilot's first action in transferring control to the instructor?

State, "You have the controls" and wait for the instructor's confirmation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

After verbally offering the controls, what is the last action a pilot should take to ensure a safe handover?

Visually confirm the other pilot has taken the the controls, then reiterate "you have the controls". (C) Signup and view all the answers

During taxi, you experience a strong quartering tailwind from the right side. Which control inputs are most appropriate for a high-wing airplane?

Right aileron down, elevator forward (down). (C) Signup and view all the answers

Altimeter Error Calculation

Difference between standard and actual pressure affects altimeter reading.

Heading Indicator

A gyroscopic instrument in an aircraft that indicates the direction in which the aircraft is pointing relative to magnetic north.