Mixed Deck — All AQT Topics Flashcards

What is the purpose of the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)?

Answer: To investigate transportation accidents and incidents to determine probable causes and issue safety recommendations

The NTSB is an independent federal agency that investigates civil aviation accidents, determines probable causes, and issues safety recommendations to the FAA and industry to prevent recurrence.

What is the primary action a pilot should take if an engine fails during takeoff?

Answer: Abort the takeoff and apply the brakes

An engine failure during takeoff, especially before reaching decision speed (V1), is a critical emergency. The primary and safest action is to immediately abort the takeoff, reduce power, and apply maximum braking. Attempting to continue the takeoff or restart the engine at low altitude and speed significantly increases the risk of a catastrophic accident due due to insufficient thrust and control.

What is the standard lapse rate of temperature with altitude?

Answer: Approximately 2°C (3.5°F) per 1,000 feet

In the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), temperature decreases approximately 2°C (3.5°F) per 1,000 feet of altitude gain up to the tropopause (~36,000 feet), which pilots use for performance planning.

An aircraft flies at 150 knots TAS heading 090°. Wind is from 180° at 30 knots (a pure crosswind). What is the approximate groundspeed?

Answer: 153 knots

With a pure 90° crosswind, GS = √(TAS² + wind²) = √(150² + 30²) = √23,400 ≈ 153 knots.

An aircraft has a groundspeed of 180 knots and must travel 90 nm. What is the ETE in minutes?

Answer: 30 minutes

ETE = distance ÷ groundspeed = 90 ÷ 180 = 0.5 hours = 30 minutes.

What are the conditions for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight?

Answer: Minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements that allow pilots to navigate by visual reference to the ground

VFR requires specific minimums: generally 3 statute miles visibility and varying cloud clearance (500 below, 1000 above, 2000 horizontal in controlled airspace). Below these minimums, IFR rules apply.

An aircraft is at 5,000 ft where the standard temperature is +5°C. The actual outside air temperature is +10°C. What is the ISA temperature deviation?

Answer: +5°C

ISA deviation = actual temperature − standard temperature = 10°C − 5°C = +5°C.

In a flight simulation, what is the primary purpose of performing a pre-flight check?

Answer: To ensure that all aircraft systems and instruments are functioning correctly

In a flight simulation, performing a pre-flight check is essential to replicate real-world aviation procedures and ensure safety. This systematic inspection verifies that all aircraft systems, controls, and instruments are functioning correctly and are properly configured. Practicing this routine reinforces proper operational habits and helps identify any simulated malfunctions before 'takeoff,' enhancing the learning experience.

What causes an aircraft to yaw when ailerons are deflected?

Answer: Adverse yaw

Adverse yaw occurs because the raised aileron on the down-going wing creates more drag than the lowered aileron on the up-going wing, causing the nose to yaw opposite the intended turn.

What is the primary difference between True North and Magnetic North?

Answer: True North is based on the Earth's geographic poles, while Magnetic North is based on the Earth's magnetic field

True North is a fixed geographical direction pointing towards the Earth's rotational North Pole, serving as a constant reference. Magnetic North, in contrast, is the direction a compass needle points, aligning with the Earth's constantly shifting magnetic field. The angular difference between these two, known as magnetic variation, must be accounted for by pilots for accurate navigation.

What is a Safety Management System (SMS) in aviation?

Answer: A formalized approach to managing safety risks through hazard identification, risk assessment, and continuous improvement processes

SMS provides a systematic approach to aviation safety with four pillars: safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion, creating a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

What is the load factor in a 60-degree banked level turn?

Answer: 2.0 G

In a 60-degree banked level turn, the load factor is 2.0 G because the lift must support twice the aircraft's weight to maintain altitude.

What are the pilot rest requirements under FAA regulations?

Answer: Pilots must have a minimum rest period before flying, with specific limitations on flight time, duty time, and cumulative hours

FAR Part 117 (airline pilots) requires 10 hours of rest with 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep opportunity. Part 91 requires 8 hours of rest for single-pilot operations. Cumulative limits also apply.

An aircraft weighs 3,200 lbs empty. With 200 lbs of fuel and a 170 lb pilot, what is the total weight?

Answer: 3,570 lbs

Total weight = 3,200 + 200 + 170 = 3,570 lbs.

What is a stall in aviation?

Answer: A condition where the wing's angle of attack exceeds the critical angle and lift decreases dramatically, regardless of airspeed

An aerodynamic stall occurs when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle (~15-20°), disrupting smooth airflow over the wing. The aircraft can stall at any airspeed if the critical angle is exceeded.

Which color of aviation light signals 'cleared to land' from an airport control tower when radio is inoperative?

Answer: Steady green

A steady green light signal from the control tower to an aircraft in flight means 'cleared to land' during a radio communications failure.

What causes fog and what types are most relevant to aviation?

Answer: Fog forms when air temperature drops to the dewpoint; radiation fog, advection fog, and steam fog are most relevant to aviation operations

Radiation fog (nocturnal cooling), advection fog (warm air over cool surfaces), and steam fog (cold air over warm water) are the types most affecting airport operations, reducing visibility below safe minimums.

What is the correct procedure if you need to request a frequency change from ATC?

Answer: Inform ATC of the frequency change before switching

Pilots must always inform Air Traffic Control (ATC) of their intention to change frequencies *before* making the switch. This ensures ATC is aware of the aircraft's communication status and can provide any final instructions or confirm the new frequency. This procedure maintains continuous communication and control, preventing potential loss of contact and ensuring flight safety.

At what angle of attack does a wing typically stall?

Answer: 18–22 degrees

Most wings stall at approximately 18–22 degrees angle of attack when airflow over the upper surface separates.

What is a spanwise flow, and why is it relevant to wing design?

Answer: Flow from root to tip along the wing; contributes to tip vortices

Spanwise flow moves from the wing root toward the wingtip and contributes to the formation of tip vortices, which create induced drag.