SIFT Aviation Knowledge 3

Question 1

What is the 'phonetic alphabet' used in aviation radio communications?

Accepted Answer

NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...)

Answer

Morse code equivalents spoken aloud

Answer

Standard English letter names with emphasis

Answer

Military digit-pronunciation code

Question 2

What does 'ceiling' mean in aviation weather?

Accepted Answer

The height of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer above ground level

Answer

Maximum altitude approved for the aircraft type

Answer

The absolute altitude limit set by ATC

Answer

The top altitude of controlled airspace

Question 3

What is 'stall speed' and what causes a stall?

Accepted Answer

The minimum airspeed at which the wings can produce enough lift; a stall occurs when the critical angle of attack is exceeded

Answer

The airspeed at which engine failure occurs

Answer

The speed at which the aircraft begins to vibrate from turbulence

Answer

The speed below which the autopilot disconnects

Question 4

What does a transponder do in aviation?

Accepted Answer

Responds to radar interrogation signals with the aircraft's identity and altitude

Answer

Translates pilot speech for non-English-speaking controllers

Answer

Transmits weather data to ground stations automatically

Answer

Controls transponder frequencies between aircraft

Question 5

What does the 'E6B flight computer' help pilots calculate?

Accepted Answer

Wind correction angle, groundspeed, fuel consumption, true airspeed, and density altitude

Answer

Only fuel burn rates

Answer

IFR approach procedures and descent rates only

Answer

Radio frequencies and NAVAID identifiers

Question 6

What is 'hypoxia' and why is it a concern for aviators?

Accepted Answer

A condition of insufficient oxygen to the brain, causing impaired judgment and unconsciousness at altitude

Answer

Inner ear disorientation caused by rapid altitude changes

Answer

Decompression sickness from rapid descent

Answer

Spatial disorientation caused by visual illusions