Aircraft General Knowledge Flashcards
7 cards from real CPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aircraft General Knowledge flashcards as text
The main bus bar in an aircraft electrical system serves to:
Answer: Distribute electrical power from sources to all electrical loads
The bus bar is a common electrical junction point that connects the battery and alternator to all aircraft electrical circuits and loads.
An ammeter showing a DISCHARGE in flight with the engine running most likely indicates:
Answer: Alternator output is insufficient to meet current electrical demands
A discharge indication means the alternator is not supplying enough power for current loads, so the battery is being drawn down to make up the deficit.
Transponder Mode C provides ATC with which information?
Answer: Aircraft identification code and pressure altitude
Mode C transponders reply with the assigned 4096 squawk code plus encoded pressure altitude, enabling ATC to display both identity and altitude on radar.
DME distance displayed in the cockpit represents:
Answer: Slant range (line-of-sight distance) from aircraft to station
DME measures the slant range — the straight-line distance from the aircraft to the ground station — not the horizontal ground distance.
Which transponder squawk code indicates lost communications (NORDO)?
Answer: 7600
Squawk 7600 is the internationally recognized code for radio communications failure, alerting ATC to use light-gun signals or alternative procedures.
When a VOR CDI needle deflects to the right with a TO flag displayed, the pilot should:
Answer: Turn right — the selected course is to the right of the aircraft's position
With a TO indication, the CDI needle points toward the selected course; a right deflection means the course centerline is to the right, requiring a right turn to intercept.
Upon receiving an autopilot disconnect warning, the pilot should FIRST:
Answer: Immediately take manual control and verify aircraft attitude and course
An autopilot disconnect requires the pilot to immediately assume manual control and verify that attitude, altitude, and course are as expected.