SIFT Army Aviation Information Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following U.S. Army helicopter designations correctly identifies an attack helicopter?

Accepted Answer

AH-64

Answer

In the U.S. military aircraft designation system, the 'A' in 'AH' stands for Attack. The AH-64 Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter. 'CH' stands for Cargo Helicopter (e.g., Chinook), 'UH' for Utility Helicopter (e.g., Black Hawk), and 'OH' for Observation Helicopter (e.g., Kiowa).

Question 2

A pilot is flying a single-rotor helicopter in forward flight. The phenomenon where the advancing rotor blade generates more lift than the retreating blade is known as:

Accepted Answer

Dissymmetry of Lift

Answer

Dissymmetry of lift is the unequal lift between the advancing and retreating halves of the rotor disc in forward flight. The advancing blade experiences higher airspeed (rotational speed + forward speed), generating more lift, while the retreating blade experiences lower airspeed (rotational speed - forward speed), generating less lift.

Question 3

In the event of a complete engine failure in a helicopter, the procedure that allows a pilot to safely land the aircraft by using the upward flow of air to keep the main rotor spinning is called:

Accepted Answer

Autorotation

Answer

Autorotation is a state of flight where the main rotor system is turned by the action of air moving up through the rotor, rather than by engine power. This allows a pilot to maintain rotor RPM and make a controlled landing after an engine failure.

Question 4

A pilot flying at 14,000 feet without supplemental oxygen begins to experience a sense of euphoria, impaired judgment, and drowsiness. What aeromedical condition is the pilot most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxic Hypoxia

Answer

Hypoxic hypoxia, also known as altitude hypoxia, results from insufficient oxygen available to the body due to the lower partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. Significant effects, including impaired judgment, drowsiness, and euphoria, typically begin between 12,000 and 15,000 feet.

Question 5

Which primary flight control in a helicopter is used to change the pitch of the main rotor blades collectively, or all at the same time, causing the aircraft to increase or decrease its altitude?

Accepted Answer

Collective

Answer

The collective pitch control (or collective) is used to make simultaneous changes to the pitch angle of all main rotor blades. Raising the collective increases the blade pitch angle, which increases lift and causes the helicopter to climb. Lowering it decreases the pitch angle and causes the helicopter to descend.

SIFT Exam Practice Test

SIFT Exam Practice Test

SIFT Army Aviation Information Questions and Answers