Flight Operations Flashcards

When the course deviation indicator (CDI) needle is centered using a VOR test signal (VOT), the omnibearing selector (OBS) and the TO\/FROM indicator should read

Answer: 0° FROM or 180° TO, regardless of the pilot’s position from the VOT.

When using a VOR test signal (VOT), the facility transmits a 360° radial in all directions. To center the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI), the Omnibearing Selector (OBS) must be set to either 0° with a 'FROM' indication or 180° with a 'TO' indication. This reading is consistent regardless of the pilot's actual position relative to the VOT, as the VOT is designed solely for instrument calibration. This ensures the VOR receiver is accurately displaying the 360° radial.

(Refer to Figure 25, area 5.) The navigation facility at Dallas-Ft. Worth International (DFW) is a

Answer: VOR\/DME.

Referring to Figure 25, area 5, the navigation facility at Dallas-Ft. Worth International (DFW) is depicted by a VOR symbol (a hexagon with dots) enclosed in a square, with 'DME' written next to its identification box. This specific symbology on a sectional chart indicates a VOR facility that also provides Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) capabilities. A VORTAC would have a 'T' inside the hexagon, and a simple VOR would lack the square and DME label.

How many satellites make up the Global Positioning System (GPS)?

Answer: 24.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system operated by the United States. Its nominal constellation consists of 24 operational satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites transmit signals that allow GPS receivers to determine precise location, velocity, and time information anywhere on or near the Earth's surface.

What is the minimum number of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites that are observable by a user anywhere on earth?

Answer: 5.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation is designed to ensure that a user anywhere on Earth can observe a minimum of five satellites at any given time. This redundancy is crucial for maintaining signal availability, improving positional accuracy, and providing integrity monitoring, which enhances the reliability of the navigation solution.

How many Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites are required to yield a three dimensional position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and time solution?

Answer: 4.

To yield a three-dimensional position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and a time solution, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver requires signals from a minimum of four satellites. While three satellites can provide a two-dimensional position and time, the fourth satellite is essential to resolve the altitude component and refine the accuracy of the time synchronization, providing a complete 3D fix.

(Refer to Legend 1) What symbol would indicate a VORTAC location on an airport?

Answer: A runway configuration with a dot.

On an aeronautical chart, a runway configuration with a dot in the middle specifically indicates an airport that also hosts a VORTAC facility. The runway symbol identifies it as an airport, while the central dot signifies the presence of a VORTAC, which is a combined VOR and TACAN navigation aid. This symbol helps pilots quickly identify airports that serve as important navigational reference points.

(Refer to Legend 1) Which of the symbols depicted with a hexagon represents a VOR-DME?

Answer: A hexagon with a dot in the center and enclosed within a square.

A VOR-DME facility is depicted on aeronautical charts by a hexagon with a dot in the center, which represents the VOR component, enclosed within a square. The square specifically indicates that the facility provides Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) capability in addition to the VOR. This symbol allows pilots to determine both their bearing and distance from the station.

(Refer to Legend 1) A VORTAC station is represented by

Answer: A single dot inside a hexagon with tabs on three of the sides.

A VORTAC station, when not located on an airport, is represented by a hexagon with a single dot in the center and three small 'tabs' extending from its sides. The hexagon with a dot signifies a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range), and the additional tabs indicate the presence of a TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) component. This symbol helps pilots identify combined VOR and TACAN navigational aids.

If Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) capability is lost in-flight,

Answer: the pilot has no assurance of the accuracy of the GPS position.

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) is a critical function of GPS receivers that continuously verifies the integrity and accuracy of the GPS signals. If RAIM capability is lost in-flight, the GPS receiver can no longer confirm the reliability of its position solution. Consequently, the pilot has no assurance that the GPS position displayed is accurate and must rely on alternative navigation sources.

(Refer to Figure 25, area 5.) The VOR is tuned to the Ranger VORTAC. The omnibearing selector (OBS) is set on 256°, with a TO indication, and a left course deviation indicator (CDI) deflection. What is the aircraft’s position from the VORTAC?

Answer: East-Northeast.

With the OBS set to 256° and a 'TO' indication, the aircraft is flying towards the 256° radial. A left course deviation indicator (CDI) deflection means the aircraft is to the right of the desired course. To be to the right of the 256° radial (which points roughly West-Southwest), the aircraft's current position must be East-Northeast of the VORTAC.

Can a GPS be used as an altimeter?

Answer: No, there can be too many errors in the vertical height computations of the GPS to rely on it as an altimeter.

While GPS can provide altitude information, its vertical accuracy is generally less precise and reliable than its horizontal accuracy, and it references an ellipsoid model of the Earth, not mean sea level. Various factors like satellite geometry and atmospheric conditions can introduce significant errors in GPS-derived altitude. Therefore, GPS cannot be solely relied upon as a primary altimeter for critical flight operations.