Reading Comprehension Flashcards

Passage: 'Ground effect occurs when a helicopter operates within approximately one rotor diameter of the ground. In ground effect, the helicopter requires less power to hover because the rotor downwash is interrupted by the ground surface, increasing lift efficiency.' Why does hovering in ground effect require less power?

Answer: The ground interrupts rotor downwash, increasing lift efficiency

The passage explains that in ground effect, the ground interrupts rotor downwash, increasing lift efficiency and reducing the power needed to hover.

Read: 'A passage's main idea is not always stated explicitly in the first sentence. Skilled readers identify the main idea by considering which idea all other sentences support or develop, regardless of where that idea appears in the text.' What is the best method for identifying a passage's main idea according to this text?

Answer: Identify the idea that all other sentences support or develop

The passage states that the main idea is the idea that all other sentences support or develop, regardless of its position in the text.

Passage: 'The Coriolis effect influences long-range projectile trajectories and large-scale weather patterns, but its effect on helicopter flight within a local area is negligible. Pilots need not apply Coriolis corrections during normal flight operations.' What does the passage say about the Coriolis effect on helicopter flight?

Answer: Its effect on helicopter flight within a local area is negligible

The passage explicitly states that the Coriolis effect's impact on helicopter flight within a local area is negligible.

Read: 'An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence presented in a passage. Unlike stated facts, inferences require the reader to combine information from the text with logical reasoning. However, valid inferences must be supported by the text—they cannot be mere assumptions.' What makes an inference valid according to this passage?

Answer: It must be supported by the text, not mere assumption

The passage states that valid inferences must be supported by the text and cannot be mere assumptions.

Passage: 'Torque is a rotational force. In single-rotor helicopters, the main rotor's rotation creates an opposing torque on the fuselage. The tail rotor counteracts this torque, preventing the fuselage from spinning in the opposite direction of the main rotor.' What is the function of the tail rotor?

Answer: It counteracts the torque that would otherwise spin the fuselage

The passage states the tail rotor counteracts the main rotor torque that would otherwise cause the fuselage to spin.

A passage reads: 'Context clues are words and phrases surrounding an unfamiliar word that help readers determine its meaning. These clues may include synonyms, antonyms, examples, or explanations embedded in the surrounding text.' Which of the following would NOT be a context clue according to this passage?

Answer: The font size of the unfamiliar word

The passage lists synonyms, antonyms, examples, and explanations as context clues; font size is not mentioned and is unrelated to meaning.

Passage: 'During a confined area landing, pilots must evaluate the landing zone for obstacles, slope, surface conditions, and wind direction before committing to the approach. A premature commitment to landing without this evaluation can lead to an unsafe or impossible departure.' Why is evaluating the landing zone critical before a confined area landing?

Answer: A premature commitment without evaluation can make departure unsafe or impossible

The passage states that committing to a landing without evaluation can lead to an unsafe or impossible departure.