ATSA Dial Reading and Gauge Interpretation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A tachometer reads 2,400 RPM. If RPM decreases by 15%, what is the new reading?
- 1,800 RPM
- 2,040 RPM (Correct answer)
- 2,160 RPM
- 2,280 RPM
Correct answer: 2,040 RPM
Fifteen percent of 2,400 is 360, so 2,400 minus 360 equals 2,040 RPM.
Question 2: Two aircraft are separated by 5 nautical miles on radar. The minimum required separation is 3 nautical miles. How much buffer separation exists?
- 1 nautical mile
- 2 nautical miles (Correct answer)
- 3 nautical miles
- 5 nautical miles
Correct answer: 2 nautical miles
The buffer is the actual separation minus the required minimum: 5 − 3 = 2 nautical miles.
Question 3: A temperature gauge reads -20°C outside. The cabin temperature is +22°C. What is the difference between outside and cabin temperature?
- 32°C
- 38°C
- 42°C (Correct answer)
- 48°C
Correct answer: 42°C
The difference between +22°C and -20°C is 42°C (subtract a negative equals addition).
Question 4: A radar scope shows an aircraft at bearing 090 and range 20 miles. A second aircraft is at bearing 270 and range 20 miles. How far apart are the two aircraft?
- 20 miles
- 30 miles
- 40 miles (Correct answer)
- 50 miles
Correct answer: 40 miles
The two aircraft are on directly opposite bearings from the radar, so their total separation is 20 + 20 = 40 miles.
Question 5: An aircraft transponder code is set to 7600. What does this squawk code indicate?
- Hijacking
- Emergency
- Radio failure (Correct answer)
- Military intercept
Correct answer: Radio failure
Squawk 7600 is the universal code for loss of communication (radio failure) on an aircraft.
Question 6: A gauge shows fuel burn rate of 120 gallons per hour. If 360 gallons remain, how many hours of flight time remain?
- 2 hours
- 3 hours (Correct answer)
- 4 hours
- 4.5 hours
Correct answer: 3 hours
Dividing 360 gallons by 120 gallons per hour gives exactly 3 hours of remaining flight time.
ATSA Dial Reading and Gauge Interpretation 2
A tachometer reads 2,400 RPM.
If RPM decreases by 15%, what is the new reading?