Mixed Deck — All FAA Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real FAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All FAA Topics flashcards as text
What does an 'S' shown at the bottom of an airport data block on a sectional chart indicate?
Answer: Surface condition is sod/turf
An 'S' in the runway surface designation area of an airport data block on a sectional chart indicates the runway surface is soft (sod, gravel, or turf) rather than paved.
On a sectional chart, a non-towered airport with a paved runway is depicted by what symbol?
Answer: Magenta circle with tick marks
Non-towered airports with paved runways appear as magenta circles with tick marks representing runway orientations on sectional charts.
What is the typical upper limit of Class G (uncontrolled) airspace in the US where Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL?
Answer: 1,200 feet AGL
In areas where Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL, Class G airspace extends from the surface up to (but not including) 1,200 feet AGL.
Which type of special use airspace is located in international airspace beyond 3 nautical miles from the U.S. coastline?
Answer: Warning Area
Warning Areas are located in international airspace starting 3 nautical miles offshore and contain potentially hazardous activities beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
A Military Operations Area (MOA) is established primarily to:
Answer: Separate military training from IFR traffic and warn VFR pilots
MOAs are established to separate military training activities from IFR traffic and to alert VFR pilots to potential hazards in the area.
On a sectional chart, the contour interval (elevation difference between consecutive contour lines) in mountainous areas is typically what?
Answer: 500 feet
Sectional charts use a 500-foot contour interval in mountainous areas to effectively depict the dramatic elevation changes without creating an unreadably dense pattern of lines.
What is the standard frequency range for VOR stations shown on sectional charts?
Answer: 108.0–117.95 MHz
VORs operate in the VHF band between 108.0 and 117.95 MHz, which is reflected in the frequency listed in every VOR data box on sectional charts.
On a sectional chart, airport elevation is shown in what measurement unit?
Answer: Feet above mean sea level (MSL)
Airport elevation printed in the airport data block on a sectional chart is expressed in feet above mean sea level (MSL).
On a sectional chart, Warning Areas are typically depicted:
Answer: Along U.S. coastlines and over international waters
Warning Areas are located in international airspace beginning 3 nautical miles from U.S. coastlines, where the FAA cannot prohibit flight but can warn pilots.
The MEF value on a sectional chart represents what?
Answer: Highest known elevation plus a 100-foot buffer within a grid square, rounded up to nearest 100 feet
The MEF is calculated by taking the highest terrain or obstacle in a grid square, adding a 100-foot buffer, and rounding up to the next 100-foot increment.
What color is used on sectional charts to indicate areas of dense vegetation or forested terrain?
Answer: Green
Green shading on a sectional chart indicates forested or heavily vegetated terrain areas.
When planning a VFR flight at 9,500 feet MSL on an eastbound course (magnetic course 090°), what is the correct VFR cruising altitude rule?
Answer: Fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet for eastbound (0°–179°): 9,500 feet is correct
FAA regulations require VFR aircraft above 3,000 feet AGL to fly odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 3,500, 5,500, 9,500) when on magnetic courses 0°–179° (eastbound).
On a sectional chart, the mileage shown between two waypoints along a Victor airway is measured in what units?
Answer: Nautical miles
Distances along airways and between waypoints on sectional charts are always expressed in nautical miles (nm).
What does 'ELEV' followed by a number in a shaded box near a terrain feature on a sectional chart indicate?
Answer: The elevation of the highest point in the region in feet MSL
ELEV with a number on a sectional chart identifies the elevation in feet MSL of a significant terrain feature such as a mountain peak or prominent hill.
What does the 'ATIS' frequency shown in an airport data block on a sectional chart provide?
Answer: Automatic Terminal Information Service with current weather and NOTAMs
ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) is a continuous recorded broadcast of weather, active runways, and NOTAMs at busy airports that pilots should monitor before contacting ATC.
On a sectional chart, what does a gray or blue rectangular block symbol represent in an urban area?
Answer: A significant building or structure used as a landmark
Prominent buildings such as stadiums, large factories, or well-known structures are shown as gray or blue block symbols on sectional charts as visual navigation landmarks.
The notation 'SFC-FL 180' for a Restricted Area on a sectional chart means the area extends:
Answer: From the surface up to Flight Level 180 (18,000 feet MSL)
'SFC' means the surface of the earth, so 'SFC-FL 180' indicates restricted airspace extends from ground level to 18,000 feet MSL.
On a sectional chart, the isogonic lines (lines of equal magnetic variation) are typically shown in what color and style?
Answer: Dashed magenta lines running roughly north-south
Isogonic lines (lines of equal magnetic variation) are shown as dashed magenta lines running roughly north-south on FAA sectional charts, labeled with their variation value.
What is the floor altitude of Class A airspace in the contiguous United States?
Answer: 18,000 feet MSL
Class A airspace in the contiguous United States begins at 18,000 feet MSL and extends up to and including Flight Level 600.
On a sectional chart, a seaplane base is depicted by what symbol?
Answer: An open circle with a wave or anchor symbol
Seaplane bases on sectional charts are shown with an open circle containing an anchor symbol or wave pattern to differentiate them from land airports.