ASTB-E ASTB-E Aviation & Nautical Information 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'VFR' stand for in aviation?
- Variable Flight Rules
- Visual Flight Rules (Correct answer)
- Verified Flight Regulations
- Vertical Flight Route
Correct answer: Visual Flight Rules
VFR stands for Visual Flight Rules, the regulations governing flight conducted primarily by visual reference to the ground and horizon.
Question 2: Which cloud type is associated with thunderstorms and severe turbulence?
- Cirrus
- Stratus
- Cumulonimbus (Correct answer)
- Altocumulus
Correct answer: Cumulonimbus
Cumulonimbus clouds are towering convective clouds associated with thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, and severe turbulence.
Question 3: What is 'density altitude' and how does it affect aircraft performance?
- True altitude corrected for temperature; higher density altitude reduces performance (Correct answer)
- Altitude shown on a radar altimeter; has no effect on performance
- Altitude above sea level only; increases engine power
- Pressure altitude only; improves lift at higher elevations
Correct answer: True altitude corrected for temperature; higher density altitude reduces performance
Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for temperature; high density altitude (hot, high, humid conditions) reduces engine power and aerodynamic lift.
Question 4: What does the acronym 'METAR' refer to in aviation weather?
- Military Equipment and Technical Aviation Report
- Meteorological Aerodrome Report (Correct answer)
- Multi-Engine Terminal Approach Regulations
- Mean Estimated Terminal Altitude Reading
Correct answer: Meteorological Aerodrome Report
METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is a standardized format for reporting current surface weather conditions at an airport.
Question 5: What is the function of an aircraft's ailerons?
- Control pitch by moving up and down together
- Control yaw by deflecting left or right
- Control roll by moving in opposite directions (Correct answer)
- Increase drag during landing approach
Correct answer: Control roll by moving in opposite directions
Ailerons are control surfaces on the outer trailing edge of each wing that move in opposite directions to create differential lift and control roll.
Question 6: What does 'IFR' flight require that VFR flight does not?
- A private pilot certificate
- An instrument rating and reliance on cockpit instruments for navigation (Correct answer)
- A co-pilot at all times
- Radar contact with the ground at all times
Correct answer: An instrument rating and reliance on cockpit instruments for navigation
IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight requires a pilot to hold an instrument rating and navigate solely by reference to cockpit instruments, typically in low visibility or clouds.
ASTB-E ASTB-E Aviation & Nautical Information 2
What does 'VFR' stand for in aviation?