Safety and Emergency Procedures Flashcards
5 cards from real PPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 5 Safety and Emergency Procedures flashcards as text
What is the first action a pilot should take during an engine failure in flight?
Answer: Establish the aircraft's best glide speed.
In the event of an engine failure in flight, the absolute first action a pilot should take is to establish the aircraft's best glide speed (Vg). This ensures the aircraft maintains maximum endurance and range, providing the pilot with the most time and distance to troubleshoot the engine, communicate with ATC, and select a suitable landing site.
During a fire on the ground while starting the engine, what is the recommended first action?
Answer: Continue cranking the engine.
If an engine fire occurs on the ground while starting, the recommended first action is often to continue cranking the engine. This action can draw the flames back into the engine and potentially extinguish them by consuming the excess fuel. It also attempts to start the engine and clear the fuel system, which can resolve the fire.
What is spatial disorientation, and how can a pilot prevent it?
Answer: A false sense of motion; prevented by relying on instruments in poor visibility.
Spatial disorientation is a pilot's inability to correctly perceive the aircraft's attitude, altitude, or motion relative to the Earth's surface, often leading to a false sense of motion. It is primarily prevented by trusting and relying solely on flight instruments, especially in conditions of poor visibility or at night when unreliable visual cues can lead to dangerous illusions.
What is the proper action if a pilot experiences a complete electrical failure in flight?
Answer: Communicate with ATC using a handheld radio if available.
In a complete electrical failure, the aircraft's primary communication and navigation systems will cease to function. After ensuring basic flight control, the most critical immediate action is to attempt to establish communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) using any available backup, such as a handheld radio. This allows the pilot to declare the emergency, receive assistance, and coordinate a safe landing.
What is the primary risk of carburetor icing, and how is it prevented?
Answer: Reduced engine power; prevent by applying carburetor heat when necessary.
Carburetor icing occurs when moisture in the air freezes in the carburetor venturi due to the cooling effect of fuel vaporization, restricting airflow. This leads to a loss of engine power and can cause the engine to stop. Pilots prevent this by applying carburetor heat, which directs warm air from around the exhaust manifold into the carburetor to melt any ice or prevent its formation.