SIFT Aviation Instruments and Cockpit Familiarization 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of the magnetic compass in the cockpit?

Accepted Answer

To provide a direct reading of magnetic heading without electrical power

Answer

The magnetic compass is a self-contained, non-electrical instrument that directly detects the Earth's magnetic field to give the pilot a magnetic heading reference.

Question 2

During a turn to the north in the Northern Hemisphere, a magnetic compass will typically:

Accepted Answer

Overshoot — indicate past north before settling

Answer

Due to compass dip and northerly turning error in the Northern Hemisphere, the compass overshoots when rolling out of a turn to north, requiring the pilot to roll out early.

Question 3

Which instrument would a pilot check first to identify spatial disorientation (vestibular illusion) in IMC?

Accepted Answer

Attitude indicator

Answer

The attitude indicator provides an immediate, reliable picture of pitch and bank and is the primary reference to correct spatial disorientation since human senses are unreliable in clouds.

Question 4

An airspeed indicator marked with a yellow arc indicates:

Accepted Answer

Caution range — smooth air operations only

Answer

The yellow arc on an airspeed indicator represents the caution range where flight should be conducted only in smooth air, between Vno (maximum structural cruising speed) and Vne (never-exceed speed).

Question 5

What does a red radial line on an airspeed indicator represent?

Accepted Answer

Never-exceed speed (Vne)

Answer

The red radial line marks Vne (never-exceed speed); exceeding this airspeed risks structural failure of the airframe.

SIFT Exam Practice Test

SIFT Exam Practice Test

SIFT Aviation Instruments and Cockpit Familiarization 2