CPL Flight Operations and Navigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the definition of 'absolute altitude'?
- Height above mean sea level
- Height above the standard datum plane
- Height above the terrain directly below the aircraft (Correct answer)
- Altitude indicated on a non-standard day
Correct answer: Height above the terrain directly below the aircraft
Absolute altitude is the actual height of the aircraft above the terrain (AGL — above ground level) directly beneath it.
Question 2: An ASOS/AWOS reports visibility as '1/4SM'. Under FAR Part 91, a pilot may take off VFR if the reported visibility is at least:
- 1 SM
- 3 SM
- 1/2 SM
- There is no minimum for takeoff under VFR (Correct answer)
Correct answer: There is no minimum for takeoff under VFR
FAR 91.155 establishes VFR flight visibility minimums but Part 91 imposes no specific takeoff visibility minimum; however, pilots must maintain VFR once airborne.
Question 3: Which component of the navigation log is used to correct for wind during flight planning?
- Magnetic variation
- Wind correction angle (WCA) (Correct answer)
- Compass deviation
- Dip angle
Correct answer: Wind correction angle (WCA)
The wind correction angle (WCA) is applied to the true course to establish the true heading needed to track the desired course given the wind.
Question 4: A pilot plans a flight at 10,000 feet MSL, true airspeed 150 knots, with a 30-knot direct headwind. What is the groundspeed?
- 180 knots
- 150 knots
- 120 knots (Correct answer)
- 100 knots
Correct answer: 120 knots
A direct headwind reduces groundspeed; 150 knots TAS minus 30 knots headwind equals 120 knots groundspeed.
Question 5: What is the meaning of a flashing white light signal from the control tower to an aircraft on the ground?
- Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
- Return to starting point on the airport (Correct answer)
- Cleared for takeoff
- Taxi clear of runway in use
Correct answer: Return to starting point on the airport
A flashing white light signal from the tower to an aircraft on the ground means return to starting point on the airport.
Question 6: When planning an IFR alternate airport, the standard alternate minimums require a precision approach to have a ceiling of at least:
- 200 feet and 1/2 SM visibility
- 400 feet and 1 SM visibility
- 600 feet and 2 SM visibility (Correct answer)
- 800 feet and 2 SM visibility
Correct answer: 600 feet and 2 SM visibility
Standard IFR alternate minimums for airports with a precision approach are 600-foot ceiling and 2 SM visibility at the ETA.
Question 7: A pilot is on a magnetic heading of 270° and observes the NDB bearing pointer pointing to 045° relative. What is the magnetic bearing TO the station?
- 225°
- 315° (Correct answer)
- 045°
- 315°
Correct answer: 315°
Magnetic bearing TO the station = magnetic heading + relative bearing = 270° + 045° = 315° (magnetic).
CPL Flight Operations and Navigation 3
What is the definition of 'absolute altitude'?