1
Q
What qualifications must an applicant have for an instrument rating?
A
- 50 hours of X country time as a PIC of which 10 hours was in an airplane
- 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (20 hrs max sim) of which 15 hours must have been received from an authorized instructor: 3 hours of instrument flight training within 2 calendar months of test date, one cross country with instructor under IF with a filed flight plan that involves a flight of 250NM along airways or ATC-directed routing with instrument approach at each airport of 3 different types.
2
Q
When is an instrument rating required?
A
- Under instrument flight rules aka an IFR flight plan
- In weather conditions less than the minimum for VFR flight
- Class A airspace
- Under special VFR within B/C/D and E b/w sunrise and sunset
- when carrying pax for hire on cross-country in excess of 50nm miles or at night
3
Q
Outline the recency of experience requirements to be PIC of a flight in IFR
A
- Flight review within the past 2 years or a check ride.
- 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in an AC of the same category, class and type.
- Within the 6 calendar months preceding the month of the flight, performed and logged weather conditions or under simulated conditions have done: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems, 6 HITS
4
Q
Do you need an instructor to be present if you are planning on using an aviation training device to maintain your IFR currency?
A
No, as long as the category of AC for the instrument rating privileges to be maintained and the pilot performs the tasks and iterations in simulated instrument conditions. Needs to be logged.
5
Q
Do you need an instructor present when a using time in an FFS, FTD or ATD to acquire instrument experience for a pilot certificate or rating?
A
Yes, must be present.
6
Q
If a pilot allows currency to expire, what can you do to be current again?
A
You are current for the first 6 months following check ride or proficiency check. If you haven’t done the 6 hits, you cannot legally fly. To be legal, you have a grace period, of 6 months, to get current by finding a safety pilot and in simulated IFR to acquire the 6 approaches. If the second 6 month period passes, then you can get currency back 1) accomplishing proficiency check by examiner, an authorized instructor, or an FAA-approved person to conduct instrument practical tests.
7
Q
Explain current vs. proficient
A
Currency means the pilot has done the minimum FAA regulatory requirements within a specific time period to exercise privileges of the certificate. Proficiency means a pilot is capable of conducting a flight with a high degree of competence
8
Q
Safety pilot requirements
A
- Possess a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings for the AC flown
- Possess an appropriate medical certificate
- If the flight is in IFR flight plan, then the person acting as POC must hold an instrument rating and be current.
9
Q
Can a pilot who does not hold a medical certificate but has basic med authorization act as a safety pilot?
A
Only if the pilot acting as PIC while performing the duties of safety pilot. BasicMed cannot be exercised by safety pilots who are not acting as PIC yet are required members.
10
Q
Can an instrument rated pilot fly IFR under BasicMed?
A
Yes, under VFR or IFR.
11
Q
What conditions are necessary for pilot to log instrument time?
A
A person may log only for the flight time when the person operates AC by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.
12
Q
When logging instrument time what should be included with each entry?
A
Location and type of approach and name of safety pilot if required
13
Q
What conditions must exist to log actual instrument flight time?
A
No true definition but determining when to log should be any flight time that is accumulated in IMC conditions with flight being conducted solely by reference to instruments.
14
Q
What requirements must be met before a pilot can log an IAP for currency or training?
A
- When conducted in an AC, FFS, flight training device or aviation training device solely by reference to instruments.
- The pilot must be established on each required segment of the IAP to the MDA or DA.
- The simulated IMC must continue to MDA or DA.
- Done in IMC or simulated.
- When conducted in an AC maneuvering in IMC, the AC transitions from IMC to visual flight conditions on the final approach segment of the IAP.
15
Q
What are the four methods a pilot may use to conduct and then log IAPs?
A
- actual instrument flight conditions in an AC
- simulated instrument flight conditions using a view limiting device
- simulated instrument flight conditions in sim
- any combo of 1-3
16
Q
Is the pilot required to fly the entire approach procedure in order to log it for currency?
A
Unless vectored by ATC or some other ATC clearance, you must execute the entire IAP commencing at IAF, the segment, intermediate and final segment of the IAP.
17
Q
When flying an IAP in IMC, does the FAA require the ceiling to be at MDA or DA/DH before it may be logged.
A
No.
18
Q
How to use PAVE checklist to assess and mitigate risk.
A
Pilot (IM SAFE), AC, environment, External pressures.
19
Q
What info must be PIC be familiar with before flight?
A
NWKRAFT
Notams
Weather reports
Known ATC delays
Runway lengths
Alternatives
Fuel requirements
Takeoff and landing performance data
20
Q
Fuel requirements for IFR
A
Enough fuel to go to the airport of intended landing, fly from that airport to the alternate and fly 45 minutes after that.
21
Q
Before IFR flight using GPS for navigation, what basic preflight checks should be made?
A
- Proper installation and certified
- GPS operational manual
- Verify DBs are valid
- Review GPS RAIM availability on non-WAAS receivers
- Review ground-based NAVAIDS like 30 day check
- Review GPS and WAAS NOTAMs
22
Q
Explain RAIM
A
Receiver autonomous integrity monitoring is the self-monitoring function performed to ensure that adequate signals are received.
23
Q
When is a RAIM check required?
A
If non_WAAS equipment is used to satisfy the RNAV and RNP then GPS RAIM availability must be confirmed for the intended route of flight using current GPS satellite info.
24
Q
What methods can a pilot use to satisfy the RAIM check?
A
- Contact FSS to obtain non-precision approach RAIM
- Use the service availability prediction tool on the FAA terminal prediction tool
- Use a third party interface
- Use the receiver’s RAIM prediction capability
25
What equipment are necessary for IFR ops?
GRABCARD
Generator/alternator
Radios
Altimeter
Ball
Clock
Attitude indicator
Rate of turn
Directional Gyro
DME or RNAV for flight above 24K
26
What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft?
AAV1ATE
Annual
ADs
VOR checks every 30 days
100 hour
Altimeter + pitot-static system every 2 years
Transponder tests every 2 years
ELT every 12 months
27
During preflight you notice an instrument or equipment is inoperative, determine if it is airworthy
Walk through MEL list etc. Print it!
28
Can portable electronic devices be operated on board an AC?
NO! except voice recorders, hearing aids, pacemakers, electronic shavers
29
Are electronic chart systems approved for use as a replacement for paper reference material in the cockpit?
Yes, EFBs can be used during all phases of flight ops in lieu of paper reference material.
30
What documents are required for an AC?
ARROW
Airworthiness certificate
Registration
Operating limitations (POH)
Weight and balance
31
What additional AC documentation should be onboard with an IFR-approved GPS?
Quick reference guide, cockpit reference guide
32
How often are GPS dbs updated?
28 days and obstacles 45 days.
33
Can a GPS with expired DB used for navigation under IFR?
No, must be up to date if used for IFR approaches.
34
Can a pilot perform the required DB updates?
Upddates of DBs may be performed by pilots provided they can be inititated from the flight deck without disassembly or w/o use of special tools.
35
When utilizing a GPS for IFR navigation, are you required to have an alternate means of navigation appropriate for the route of flight?
AC using non-WAAS must be equipped with alternate means of navigation like VOR. Active monitoring of that other equipment is not required if you have RAIM. WAAS devices don't need a secondary method.
36
Can a handheld GPS received be used?
VFR and handheld GPS systems are not authorized for IFR navigation, approaches or as a principal flight reference. May only be used as an aid to situational awareness.
37
During preflight, you notice several static discharge wicks are missing? Explain the function of them and the problems that could occur if they are missing.
Static wicks are installed to reduce radio receiver interference caused by corona discharge emitted from the AC as a result of precipitation static, which occurs during snow or rain. If it occurs, you could experience loss of VHF comms and erroneous magnetic compass readings.
38
When must a pilot file for IFR?
Prior to departure from within or prior to entering controlled airspace, a pilot must submit a complete flight plan and receive clearance from ATC if weather conditions are below VFR minimums.
39
When will ATC delete from the system a departure flight plan that has not been activated?
2 hours after the proposed departure time or expected departure clearance time.
40
When can a pilot cancel the IFR flight plan?
Operating in VFR conditions outside of class A airspace.
41
After filing an IFR flight plan, can you depart VFR and pick up clearance in the air?
A VFR departure can be used w/o having to wait for a slot in the IFR but you have to
1. maintain separation from other AC
2. maintain terrain and obstruction clearance. Can't fly in IMC w/o your clearance
3. departing VFR relieves ATC of duties, but you can only get safety alerts as workload permits
4. You must maintain VFR until you have obtained IFR clearance.
42
Which altitude for the route of flight does the requested altitude represent? Initial, lowest or highest?
The planned cruising level for the flight.
43
What is the planned cruise speed?
The true airspeed for the first or the whole cruising portion of the flight expressed in knots.
44
What are the alternate airport requirements?
1 hour before or 1 after your planned ETA at the destination, weather is 2000feet and 3 mile viz. No alternate is required.
If not, alternate must be filed. If no minimums are specified then precision approach 600 feet and 2 statute miles and nonprecision 800 feet and 2 statute miles.
If no IAP has been published then, the ceiling and viz minimums are those allowing descent from MEA approach and landing under basic VFR.
45
What if the destination and alternates don't have TAF? How do you determine forecast?
Use GFA, graphical forecasts for aviation to determine ceilings and visibilities.
46
During preflight, you notice that your destination airport has no published IAP. The weather is 3000 and 5 miles viz 1hr before and after. Do you need to file an alternate?
Yes because it does not have a SIAP.
47
What is the definition of the term ceiling?
Ceiling is defined as the height above the Earth's surface of the lowest layer of clouds: broken. OVC
48
What minimums are to be used on arrival at the alternate?
If an IAP has been published for that airport the mins specified there.
49
What restrictions apply concerning filing an airport as an alternate when using non-WAAS equipment?
The alternate must have an instrument approach that does not require a GPS.
50
What instrument approach procedures may you flight plan to use as the planned approach at the required alternate when using WAAS.
Can use any instrument procedure.
51
You executed a MAP at your destination airport due to unforecasted weather and during climb you lose contact and make the decision to go to your alternate. Does ATC know the alternate? Can you divert to a different alternate than filed?
No, they don't know the alternate airport filed. If dviersion is necessary, pilots are expected to notify ATC and request an amended clearance. No requirement for you to prcoeed to your filed alternate, you can go to any alternate you deem appropriate. If loss of comms, then choose any airport you deem safe.
52
What restrictions apply to flight planning when using WAAS at the alternate?
You can plan to only use LNAV (lateral only) or circling minimums. You can use LNAV/VNAV or LPV if available upon arrival.
53
LPV, LNAV/VNAV
LPV - Localizer performance w/ vertical guidance
LNAV/VNAV - Lateral and vertical guidance
54
Precision approach
Has vertical guidance like ILS and uses DA
55
Approach w/ vertical guidance
LPV and LNAV/VNAV and uses a DA
56
Nonprecision approach
VOR or LNAV, no vertical guidance and uses minimum decision altitude.
57
What are preferred routes and where can they be found?
Preferred routes established b/w busier airports to increase efficiency and capacity. Found in the chart supplement
58
What are enroute low atlitude and high altitude charts?
Provide information for navigation under IFR conditions below 18000 MSL and then above 18000 MSL.
59
What are area charts?
Show congested terminals at a large scale.
60
Where is updated info about changes to charts?
Chart supplement
61
What other infos is in chart supplement for route planning?
FSS, special notices, waypoints
62
How does a pilot determine the type and status of an instrument approach light system at the destination?
Chart supplement and any NOTAMs.
63
Explain the different type of NOTAMs
D NOTAMs: info about enroute nav aids
FDC NOTAMs: flight data center NOTAMs; airspace usage, IFR charts
POINTER NOTAMs: used to highlight another NOTAM
Military NOTAMs: military specific
64
Where can you get NOTAMs?
1800WXBRIEF, online, Flight information services
65
How can you get latest GPS NOTAMs?
Can request from an FSS briefer or online
66
What instruments use the pitot static system?
Altimeter, VSI and airspeed indicator
67
How does an altimeter work?
Contains a stack of anaeroid pressure wafers set to stand pressure. Static air enters the casing from a port and they contract and expand based on the surrounding pressure. Compression of them is a higher surrounding pressure or a decrease in altitude.
68
What type of errors occur with an altimeter?
Mechanical or inherent errors. High to low or hot to cold look out below.
69
For IFR flight, what is the maximum allowable error of the altimeter?
75 feet.
70
Define the different altitudes: indicated, true, absolute, pressure, density
Indicated: read directly from the altimeter
True: the vertical distance of the AC above sea level
Absolute: vertical distance above the terrain
Pressure altitude: the altitude read when the altimeter is set to 29.92 in HG.
Density altitude: pressure altitude corrected for variations in standard temperature
71
How does an airspeed indicator work?
The airspeed indicator is a scale that measures the difference between the static pressure from your static ports, and the ram pressure (dynamic + static) from the pitot tube. The static pressures cancel each other out resulting in a dynamic pressure measurement.
72
What are the airspeed indicator errors?
1. Pitot tube and drain blocked: ASI will show a faster airspeed than actual if you climb.
2. Pitot tube and drain blocked: ASI will show slower airspeed than actual if you descend.
3. Static port is blocked and you climb: your ASI shows slower than actual
4. Static port is blocked and you descend: your ASI shows faster than actual
73
Name the four different types of AC speeds
Indicated: what is shown on the ASI
Calibrated: indicated corrected for instrument error
True: airspeed corrected for temperature and pressure
Groundspeed: true airspeed corrected for wind
74
What airspeeds are indicated by various color codes of airspeed indicator?
White arc: flap operating range
lower limit of white arc Vs0 - stall speed in landing configuration
Vfe (top of white arc) - maximum speed flaps extended
Green arc - normal operating range
lower limit of green arc Vs1 - stall speed in clean configuration
upper limit of green arc Vno - max cruising speed
yellow arc: caution range
red line Vne: never exceed speed
75
How does a VSI work?
A diaphragm of aneroid wafers and the needle measures contraction or expansion of the wafers. The casing of holding the diaphragm contains a calibrated leak. When you ascend the diaphragm expands and when you descend the diaphragm contracts.
76
What are the limitations of the VSI?
It does not respond to sudden, abrupt movements.
77
During a climb and once steady, you notice the VSI and altimeter indicate a climb but your ASI shows an increase, what could be the cause?
Pitot tube blockage.
78
On takeoff you notice your airspeed is alive but VSI is at zero and altimeter is froze, what could be the issue?
Static system is blocked.
79
If the air temp at an airport is +6C and the airport elevation is 1200, what is the freezing level?
4200 MSL is the freezing level because of lapse rate 2C for every 1000 feet. 3000ft above ground is freezing level.
80
What corrective action to take if static port freezes or pitot tube freezes?
Alternate static source for static port and break VSI glass as a backup.
Pitot heat for the pitot tube.
81
If you need to use the alternate static source, how will the instruments be affected?
Altimeter - higher than actual
Airspeed - higher than actual
VSI - momentary climb then stable
82
Which instruments use gyros?
Attitude, turn coordinator, and heading.
83
Of the 3 instruments that use gyros, what underlying system powers them?
Attitude + heading is vacuum driven and turn is electrical.
84
How does the vacuum system operate?
Draws air through an engine driven pump which powers the gyros.
85
What are the two principles of gyroscopes?
Rigidity in space: it will continue to spin in the same position as long as there is no change. Objects in motion stay in motion.
Precession: when a force is applied to a gyroscope, the reaction is 90 degrees after the direction of that force.
86
How does a turn coordinator work?
Rate of turn indicator which is the plane with the white marks and then the ball which is the slip/skid indicator. It uses a gyroscope mounted at an angle to provide turn rate and coordination information.
87
How does the heading indicator work?
Gyroscope driven by the vacuum pump with a rotor that turns in a vertical plane.
88
What are the limits of the heading indicator?
55 degrees of pitch or bank will tumble it
89
What type of errors does the heading indicator involve?
Precession
90
How does the attitude indicator work?
Mounted on a horizontal plane and depends upon rigidity in space for operation.
91
What are the limits of the attitude indicator?
100 degrees of bank and 60 degrees of pitch
92
How does the compass work?
Magnets mounted on the compass card align themselves with the earth's lines of magnetic force.
93
Compass limitations?
At steeper bank angles, it becomes erratic and unpredictable
94
What are the various compass errors?
Deviation: instrument interference
Variation: True north v magnetic north
Dip: More prevalent at the poles
Acceleration/Deceleration: Northern hemisphere acceleration will shift north and deceleration south. More prominent E/W headings
Turning: Turning from the north it will go opposite first and turning from the south it will lead. Undershoot north overshoot south
95
PFD
MFD
AHRS
ADC
FMS
FD
TAWS
TIS
PFD - primary flight display. Replaces the 6 pack
MFD - multi-function device nav data, six pack,
AHRS - attitude and heading ref system
ADC - air data computer - altitude, speeds
FMS - flight mgmt system - range, approaches, departures, routes etc
FD - flight director
TAWS - terrain awareness and warning system
TIS - Traffic information service
96
At what rate does atmospheric pressure decrease with altitude?
1 inch of Hg per 1000 feet
97
Standard temperature and pressure
15C and 29.92 inches of mercury
98
What are the general characteristics of high and low pressure systems?
High pressure: out, clockwise, and down
Low pressure: in, counter, and up
99
If your flight takes you towards a low pressure system, what kind of weather can you expect?
Clouds, precipitation and bad weather
100
What are the characteristics of weather when a pilot passes over a warm front? a cold front?
Cold front: thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy rain, gusts
Warm front: drizzle, low ceilings, poor visibility
101
What is a trough? What is a ridge?
Trough - elongated area of low pressure
Ridge - elongated area of high pressure
102
What is a dry line?
Usually the cross section of a dry front and a moist front. This happens where Gulf of Mexico air meets the plains. Tornadic or bad weather can form here.
103
Why do surface winds generally occur at an angle to the isobars?
Surface friction causes it to deflect at an angle.
104
When temp and dew point are close together, what can we expect?
Fog, visible moisture
105
What factor determines the type and vertical extent of clouds?
The stability of the atmosphere.
106
Explain the difference between stable and unstable atmosphere.
Characteristic of the ability of the atmosphere to resist vertical motion.
107
How do you determine the stability of the atmosphere?
Temperature lapse rate increases then stability decreases
108
What are the categories of icing?
Structural and Induction
Structural is AC surfaces and components. Induction is the engine--carb icing.
109
What are the types of icing?
Clear: Large drops of water that cool slowly over the surface
Rime: Small super cooled droplets that freeze on impact.
Mixed: clear and rime
110
What is necessary for structural icing to occur?
Visible moisture and freezing temperatures
111
What are the intensity categories of icing?
Trace, light, moderate, severe
112
During preflight planning, what type of meterological information should you be aware of for icing?
Location of fronts, cloud bases and tops, freezing levels, air temperature and pressure, and precipitation
113
What is the freezing level?
Lowest altitude in the atmosphere at which temperature is 0C
114
How can you mitigate total risk when the possibility of icing exists in or around en route?
Climb performance, gross weight (more weight longer time in ice), extra fuel, alternate airports
115
What are the 3 stages of a thunderstorm?
Cumulus, mature, dissipating
116
What is a squall line thunderstorm?
Narrow band of thunderstorms that develop in front of a cold front.
117
How does fog form?
Fog forms when temperature and due point overlap
118
Types of fog: advection, radiation, steam, upslope, and frontal
Advection: Moist moves over colder surface like the coasts
Radiation: Small spread in dew point - temp and little to no wind usually during nighttime
Upslope: moist stable air moving up a slope
Steam: cold air over relatively warm water
119
Explain your process of checking the weather before a planned flight
Big picture weather days before, outlook briefing, standard briefing on 1800wxbrief, FSS abbreviated briefing before takeoff,
120
What info do you need from a weather briefing?
Adverse conditions, VFR flight not recommended, synopsis, current conditions, enroute forecast, destination forecast, winds aloft, NOTAMs, any ATC delays
121
How can you obtain updated weather in flight?
FSS on 122.2, ATIS, FIS-B, ATC
122
What is a METAR?
Meteorlogical aerodrome report. Routine weather report at a given site and time. Two types: routine and SPECI
123
What are the elements of a METAR?
Type, station, date and time, wind, viz, RVR, weather, sky, temp, dew point, altimeter, remarks
124
What are the types of weather observations?
1. Manual
2. AWOS - Automated Weather observing system
3. ASOS - Automated surface observing system
125
What are PIREPs?
Pilot reports. UUA - urgent and UA is normal
126
What is a TAF?
Terminal Area Forecast - Forecast conditions valid 5NM from center of runway complex
127
What is the GFA, graphical forecast for aviation?
Provides graphics of forecast 14 hours in the past and 15 hours into the future
128
What is a convective sigmet?
Issued every hour regardless of the weather and valid for 2 hours. Severe weather hazardous for all AC.
1. Embedded t storms
2. Line of storms
3. Thunderstorms producing conditions of heavy precipitation 40% of an area
4. Tornadoes
5. Hail 3/4 inch or greater
6. Surface winds greater than or equal to 50 knots
129
What is a sigmet?
A sigmet is non-convective weather potentially hazardous for all AC. They are unscheduled and valid for 4 hours when issued.
1. Severe icing not due to a thunderstorm
2. Severe/extreme or clear air turbulence
3. Sandstorms
4. Volcanic ash
130
What is an airmet?
Weather advisories not quite severe enough to merit a sigmet but also may be hazardous to aircraft. Issued every 6 hours regardless.
131
What are the types of airmets?
1. Sierra - IFR conditions
2. Tango - Moderate turbulence, low level wind shear or surface winds 30 knots or greater.
3. Zulu - Moderate icing and freezing levels
132
What are winds and temperatures aloft forecasts?
Produced 4 times a day and created for 1500 feet above station elevation
133
What valuable info is derived from the winds and temperature aloft forecast?
1. Turbulence
2. Inversions
3. Best altitude
4. Areas of icing
134
What weather products should you use for your planning?
Surface analysis, convective outlook, prognostic charts, and freezing level
135
Define LIFR, IFR, MIFR, VFR
VFR - 3000ft and 5 mile viz
MIFR - 1000-3000ft and/or 3-5 miles viz
IFR - <1000ft and/or less than 3 miles viz
LIFR - < 500 ft and/or less than 1 mile viz
136
What are short-range prognostic charts?
Forecast of surface pressure systems, precipitation, and fronts in 12/18/24/48/60 hours into the future.
137
What is a convective outlook chart?
Describes convective conditions up to 8 days into the future.
IFR
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