Mixed Deck — All PSTAR Topics Flashcards

What does a NOTAM stand for and what is its purpose?

Answer: Notice to Airmen — informing of changes or hazards affecting aviation

NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is an official notice distributed to pilots about changes in airspace, navigation aids, procedures, or hazards.

What is the proper way to state the time 1435 UTC in a radio transmission?

Answer: One-four-three-five

Times in aviation radio communications are stated digit by digit: 'One-four-three-five' to avoid confusion with similar-sounding numbers.

What are Warning Areas in relation to US airspace?

Answer: Airspace offshore the US coast with military activities that may be hazardous to civilian aircraft

Warning Areas extend from 3 NM offshore and contain military activities that may pose hazards, but unlike restricted areas, the US has no authority to prohibit civilian flight there.

When should a pilot say 'MAYDAY' on the radio?

Answer: When facing a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assistance

MAYDAY (repeated three times) is reserved for life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate assistance from rescue services.

On a sectional chart, what does a number in a box with a 'T' symbol indicate?

Answer: Tower height above MSL

A tower symbol on a sectional chart with a number above the T-icon shows the tower's height above mean sea level (MSL) with AGL height in parentheses.

What wind condition is associated with a mountain wave?

Answer: Strong winds blowing perpendicular to a mountain ridge

Mountain waves form when strong winds blow perpendicular (across) a mountain ridge, creating wave oscillations on the leeward side.

On a sectional chart, what is indicated by a bold dashed blue line?

Answer: Class D airspace boundary

Class D airspace around towered airports is depicted by a dashed blue circle on sectional charts.

What is the intended use of a Terminal Area Chart (TAC)?

Answer: Detailed VFR navigation around complex Class B airspace

Terminal Area Charts at 1:250,000 scale provide greater detail for VFR pilots navigating around Class B airspace near major airports.

How should an altitude of 10,500 feet be stated in a radio transmission?

Answer: Ten thousand five hundred

Altitudes are stated in the natural number format in plain language: 'ten thousand five hundred feet.'

What does the term 'NORDO' refer to in aviation?

Answer: No radio communication capability

NORDO means an aircraft has no radio communication capability or its radio has failed.

With respect to the certification of aircraft, which is a class of aircraft?

Answer: Airplane, rotorcraft, glider, balloon.

The correct answer is Airplane, rotorcraft, glider, balloon. This is because these four options represent different types or classes of aircraft. An airplane refers to fixed-wing aircraft that are powered and have wings for lift. A rotorcraft includes helicopters and other aircraft that use rotary wings for lift. A glider is an unpowered aircraft that relies on air currents for flight. A balloon is an aircraft that uses hot air or gas for lift. Therefore, all four options represent different classes of aircraft.

What is a TFR in aviation?

Answer: Temporary Flight Restriction

A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) restricts all aircraft from operating in a defined airspace area for reasons such as VIP movements, disasters, or special events.

What type of icing is most hazardous because it accumulates rapidly and is difficult to remove?

Answer: Clear ice

Clear ice (also called glaze ice) is most hazardous because large supercooled water droplets spread before freezing, creating a heavy, clear accumulation that disrupts airflow.

What equipment is required to operate in Class B airspace?

Answer: Two-way radio, transponder with Mode C, and ATC clearance

Class B airspace requires a two-way radio, an ATC clearance to enter, and a transponder with altitude encoding (Mode C).

What is the maximum speed permitted below 10,000 feet MSL in the contiguous United States?

Answer: 250 knots

FAR 91.117 limits all aircraft to 250 knots indicated airspeed below 10,000 feet MSL.

What type of front brings rapid weather changes, thunderstorms, and brief but intense precipitation?

Answer: Cold front

Cold fronts move quickly and force warm air upward rapidly, creating narrow bands of intense weather including thunderstorms.

Which leg of the traffic pattern is flown parallel to the runway in the direction of landing?

Answer: Downwind leg

The downwind leg is flown parallel to the runway in the opposite direction of landing at pattern altitude.

Which cloud type is most associated with continuous light rain and low visibility?

Answer: Nimbostratus

Nimbostratus clouds produce continuous precipitation, low ceilings, and poor visibility — common ahead of warm fronts.

What is the standard traffic pattern altitude for a light aircraft at most airports?

Answer: 1,000 feet AGL

The standard traffic pattern altitude is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) for piston-powered aircraft.

What is the required fuel reserve for VFR day flight under FAR 91.151?

Answer: Enough fuel to fly for 30 minutes after reaching destination

FAR 91.151 requires VFR day flights to carry enough fuel to reach the destination plus 30 minutes of additional fuel at cruise power.