PSTAR Air Traffic Rules and Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What action must a pilot take before entering Class D airspace?
- Obtain a transponder code
- Establish two-way radio communication with ATC (Correct answer)
- File a flight plan
- Obtain a special VFR clearance
Correct answer: Establish two-way radio communication with ATC
Before entering Class D airspace, the pilot must establish two-way radio communication with the controlling ATC facility.
Question 2: A steady red light signal from ATC to an aircraft in flight means:
- Give way and continue circling
- Return to starting point on the airport
- Airport unsafe — do not land (Correct answer)
- Cleared to land
Correct answer: Airport unsafe — do not land
A steady red light to an aircraft in flight means the airport is unsafe and the aircraft should not land.
Question 3: What are the VFR cruising altitude rules for flights above 3,000 feet AGL on magnetic courses 0–179 degrees?
- Even thousands plus 500 feet
- Odd thousands plus 500 feet (Correct answer)
- Even thousands
- Odd thousands
Correct answer: Odd thousands plus 500 feet
On eastbound courses (0–179°), VFR aircraft must fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 3,500, 5,500).
Question 4: What does a flashing white light signal from the tower mean to an aircraft on the ground?
- Stop
- Cleared to taxi to ramp
- Return to starting point on the airport (Correct answer)
- Cleared for takeoff
Correct answer: Return to starting point on the airport
A flashing white light signal directed at an aircraft on the ground means to return to the starting point on the airport.
Question 5: Which leg of the traffic pattern is flown parallel to the runway in the direction of landing?
- Crosswind leg
- Downwind leg (Correct answer)
- Base leg
- Final leg
Correct answer: Downwind leg
The downwind leg is flown parallel to the runway in the opposite direction of landing at pattern altitude.
Question 6: What is the maximum speed allowed within 4 nautical miles of a Class C or D airport below 2,500 feet AGL?
- 150 knots
- 200 knots (Correct answer)
- 250 knots
- 300 knots
Correct answer: 200 knots
FAR 91.117 limits aircraft to 200 knots when within 4 NM of a Class C or D airport below 2,500 feet AGL.
PSTAR Air Traffic Rules and Procedures 2
What action must a pilot take before entering Class D airspace?