FAA Oral Checkride

Explain left turning tendencies. TGAS (PHAK 4-26)

Torque: The propeller spins clockwise, which makes the plane want to roll to the left (Newton’s 3rd law).On the ground, this puts more weight on the left wheel, making it harder to turn right and causing the plane to yaw left.

Gyroscopic Precession: When the plane’s tail lifts during descent or takeoff (especially in tailwheel planes), a force happens 90° ahead of the propeller’s rotation—on the right side—which makes the plane want to yaw left.

Asymmetrical Thrust: When climbing, the propeller blade on the right side moves down faster and creates more thrust. This makes the plane want to yaw left.

Spiraling Slipstream: The air pushed by the propeller spins around and hits the left side of the tail, pushing the plane to yaw left.

Pitot-static: Airspeed Indicator

- Uses pitot and static pressure

- Shows how fast you're flying through the air

Pitot-static: Altimeter

- Uses static pressure

- Shows your altitude above sea level

Pito-static: Vertical Speed Indicator

- Uses static pressure

- Shows how fast you're climbing or descending

Gyroscopic Instruments: Attitude Indicator

- Shows airplane's pitch and bank (climb/dive and left/right tilt)

- Uses rigidity in space

Gyroscopic Instruments: Heading Indicator

- Shows your heading (like a compass)

- Needs to be aligned with magnetic compass

- Uses rigidity in space

Gyroscopic Instruments: Turn Coordinator

- Shows rate of turn and if the turn is coordinated

- Uses precession

What is rigidity in space?

Means a spinning gyro stays fixed in its position, even if the airplane moves around it.

Explain the errors of the magnetic compass?: Variation

- Difference between true north and magnetic north

- Found on sectional charts

East is least, West is Best

Explain the errors of the magnetic compass?: Deviation

- Compass error caused by electrical systems in the aircraft

- Corrected with a compass card in the cockpit

Explain the errors of the magnetic compass?: Dip Errors

Caused by the compass tilting in turns or acceleration: ANDS, UNOS

Explain the errors of the magnetic compass?: Oscillation

- Compass swings back and forth due to turbulence or rough flying

Describe the engine in this aircraft.

0-320 Lycoming Engine

- Horizontally Opposed

- 4 Cylinders

- Direct-Drive (Propeller directly connected to engine)

- Naturally Aspirated (No turbos)

- Air-cooled

- 160 Horsepower

- 2700 RPMs

What does "normally aspirated" mean?

Air enters the intake - there is no turbo or supercharger

What is used to cool the engine?

- Air flows through cooling fins on the engine cylinders

- Fins increases surface area to help cool the engine faster with airflow

- Engine Oil for internal engine cooling

Why do we need oil in the engine?

Lubricates - all of the engine's moving parts

Cools - reduces friction and removes heat from the cylinders

Seals - it creates a seal between the cylinder walls and pistons

Cleans - carries away contaminants inside of the engine

What is meant by four-stroke"?

Suck (Intake): Air-fuel mixture is pulled into the cylinder

Squeeze (Compression): Piston moves up and compresses the mixture

Bang (Power): Spark plug ignites it, causing an explosion

Blow (Exhaust): Burned gases are pushed out

What is the oil capacity of your aircraft?

8 qts

What type of oil do we use?

W15W-50

What type of propeller do we have?

76" Sensenich fixed pitch

What does the mixture control do?

Rich mixture: More fuel, good for takeoff and climb.

Lean mixture: Less fuel, used for cruising to save fuel and prevent fouling.

Describe the fuel system.

My plane has 43 gallon gravity fed system, 40 useable, 3 unusable, two 20 gallon tanks.

What color is 100LL? How about other types of fuel? What happens when they are mixed together?

- 100LL : Blue

- 80 AVGAS : Red

- 100 AVGAS : Green

- Jet A : Colorless

- Mixed fuel becomes clear

Why do you drain a sample of fuel before each flight?

To check for:

- Water in the fuel (which can cause engine failure)

- Contaminants like dirt or sediment

- Proper fuel quality

What are stall strips?

They disrupt airflow to cause the wing to stall at a specific point first. Helps the pilot get a more predictable and gentle stall behavior.

What type of brakes does the airplane have?

Cleveland single disc hydraulic brakes

How does the vacuum system work?

A pump creates suction that spins the gyros in some flight instruments like the attitude and heading indicators. This suction keeps the instruments working properly.

Describe the electrical system.

28 volt, direct-current system powered by 60 amp alternator and 24 volt battery. Control Avionics, Flaps, Pitot Heat, and Lights

What are the Class A, requirements and weather minumums?

- 18,000 to 60,000 MSL

- Instrument Rating and IFR flight plan needed

- Mode C Transponder and 2-way radio communication

- no weather minimums

What are the Class B, requirements and weather minumums?

- Upside down wedding cake design up to 10,000 MSL

- Endorsement needed if student pilot

- Clearance from ATC required to enter

- Mode C Transponder required any time within 30 nm

(mode C veil)

- 3 miles visibility and clear of clouds

What are the Class C, requirements and weather minumums?

- Inner core 5 nm radius and from surface to 4000 AGL

- outer core 10 nm radius and from 1200' AGL to 4000' AGL

- Mode C Transponder and 2 way radio communication

- 3 miles visibility and 1000' above 500' below and 2000' horizontal from clouds

What are the Class D, requirements and weather minumums?

- 4 nm radius and from surface to 2500' AGL

- 2 way radio communications

- 3 miles visibility and 1000' above 500' below and 2000' horizontal from clouds

What are the Class E, requirements and weather minumums?

- Can start at the surface, 700' AGL, or 1200' AGL and may extend up to but not including 18,000 MSL

- Class E also exists above FL 600

- No equipment requirements

- Below 10,000': 3 miles visibility and 1000' above 500' below and 2000' horizontal from clouds

- Above 10,000': 5 miles visibility and 1000' above 1000' below and 1 mile horizontal from clouds

What are the Class G, requirements and weather minumums?

- uncontrolled airspace

- may start at the surface and can go as high as 14,500' MSL or 1200' AGL

- no equipment requirements

- Below 1200' AGL : 1 mile visibility and clear of clouds

- Above 1200' AGL but below 10,000' MSL : 1 mile visibility and 1000' above 500' below and 2000' horizontal from clouds

- At night: 3 miles visibility and 1000' above 500' below and 2000'

horizontal from clouds

- Above 10000' : 5 miles visibility and 1000' above 1000' below and 1 mile horizontal from clouds

What are the different types of Special Use Airspace? WCRAMP

W - Warning Area (Offshore, may contain hazards to non-military aircraft 3NM)

C - Controlled Firing Area (CFA) (Not shown on charts, activities stop when an aircraft approaches)

R - Restricted Area (Need permission to enter; may have hazards like artillery or missiles)

A - Alert Area (High volume of pilot training or unusual activity—use caution)

M - Military Operations Area (MOA) (Military training; VFR traffic allowed but use caution)

P - Prohibited Area (No entry—national security or safety reasons)

What are the different types of "Other Airspace Areas"?

"My Tiny Parrot Prefers To Nap Always"

M - Military Training Routes (MTRs)

T - Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

P - Parachute Jump Areas

P - Published VFR Routes

T - Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs)

N - National Security Areas (NSAs)

A - Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)

When do we need a Mode C transponder?

Class A, B, C airspace. Inside of the mode C veil, above class C airspace, and above 10000'

What are the standard temperature and pressure values for sea level?

Standard Temperature: 15°C (59°F)

Standard Pressure: 29.92 inHg (1013.2 hPa or millibars)

Discuss isobars. What does it mean when the isobars are close together?

- Isobars are lines on a weather chart that connect areas of equal pressure.

- When isobars are close together, it means:→ Strong pressure gradient→ Stronger winds

- When isobars are far apart:→ Weak pressure gradient→ Lighter winds

How do surface winds flow in relationship to isobars? Why? Winds aloft?

Surface Winds:

- Flow at an angle across isobars (inward toward low pressure, outward from high)

- Caused by friction with the surface

- Clockwise around highs, counterclockwise around lows (in the Northern Hemisphere)

Winds Aloft: Aloft, Flow parallel to isobars

What type of clouds, visibility and precipitation would you expect from stable air? Unstable

air?

Stable air: stratiform clouds, poor visibility, smooth air, steady or continuous precipitation

Unstable: Cumuliform clouds, good visibility, turbulence, and showery precipitation

What are the general characteristics of low/high pressure areas?

Low - Cyclone - rising air and counterclockwise

High - Anti Cyclone - descending air and clockwise

What is a ridge? Trough?

Ridge - extended area of high pressure - descending air

Trough - extended area of low pressure - rising air

What must be present in order for a thunderstorm to form?

- Moisture (to form clouds)

- Unstable air (warm, rising air) 2 degrees Celsius per 1000' of altitude.

- Lift (something to push the air upward, like a front or terrain)

What are the stages of a thunderstorm?

Cumulus Stage: Updrafts cause cloud growth

Mature Stage: Updrafts and downdrafts; heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and gusty winds. STRONGEST STAGE

Dissipating Stage: Downdrafts dominate; storm weakens and ends

What is wind shear? Why is it an operational hazard?

- Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance.

- It can cause loss of airspeed and lift, especially during takeoff and landing.

- This makes it dangerous because it can lead to stall or loss of control.

What does dew point mean?

Temperature at which air becomes saturated.

Discuss the types of fog. Advection, Radiation, Upslope, Precipitation-Induced

Advection: moist warm air moves over colder land or water

Radiation: forms on clear nights with little or no wind and only over land

Upslope: moist unstable air is cooled as wind pushes it up a slope

Precipitation Induced: warm rain falls through cool air. Evaporation from the rain saturates the

cool air and fog forms.

How does icing affect aircraft performance?

Lift lessens

Drag increases

Thrust falls off

Weight grows

Discuss the types of icing.

- Induction Icing: Blocks air entering the engine, causing power loss.

- Instrument Icing: Ice on pitot tubes or static ports causing wrong instrument readings.

- Structural Icing: Ice forming on wings and control surfaces; includes:

• Rime Ice: Rough, white, brittle ice from small droplets.

• Clear Ice: Smooth, clear, heavy ice from large droplets.

• Mixed Ice: Combination of both types.

What types of weather briefings can you get from a Flight Service Station briefer?

Standard - Should be requested when planning a flight and no previous weather information has

been gathered

Abbreviated - Used to update a previous briefing

Outlook - Request when proposed departure time is 6 or more hours away.

What is a METAR? Types, issue, and valid times? (3-1) (AIM 7-1-31)

- Aviation Routine Weather Report

- Routine or special

- Issued hourly

- Valid for the hour

What is a TAF? Issue, valid times, area of coverage? (7-19) (AIM 7-1-31)

- Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

- 3 types: Routine (TAF) Amended (TAF AMD) or Corrected (TAF COR)

- Issued 4 times a day (every 6 hours)

- Valid for 24-30 hours

- Forecast for area within 5sm of airport

What is the definition of a ceiling? (7-26) (AIM 7-1-16)

The height above the ground of a broken or overcast layer

Does a TAF report cloud ceilings in MSL or AGL?

MSL

Describe FROM, BECMG, TEMPO, PROB, on a TAF?

FROM - Rapid change occurring within 1 hour

BECMG - Gradual change to take place over the course of 1 hour

TEMPO - Between the predicted period, this weather will only occur for less than an hour

PROB - number placed afterwards is the probability of the weather forecasted to occur

Area Forecast? Issue, valid times? What are the four sections of an Area Forecast?

Issued: 4 times daily

Sections:

Header - Area, time, and issuing office

Synopsis - Valid 18 hours; describes large-scale weather systems and pressure patterns

VFR Clouds and Weather - Valid 12 hours; general VFR conditions, cloud cover, visibility

Outlook - Valid 6 hours; expected weather after main forecast period

Does an Area Forecast report cloud ceilings in MSL or AGL?

MSL unless preceded by AGL or CIG (ceiling)

AIRMET? Issue, valid times, Sierra, Tango, Zulu? (6-23) (AIM 7-1-10) (PHAK 12-12)

- Airmen's Meteorological Information

- Issued for: Mountain obscuration and widespread IFR conditions (Sierra)

- Moderate turbulence and surface winds greater than 30kts (Tango)

- Moderate Icing (Zulu)

- Valid for 6 hours

SIGMET? Issued? Valid? Why are they issued? (6-1)

- Significant Weather Information

- Issued for: Severe Turbulence not associated with T-storms

- Widespread dust storms and volcanic ash

- Severe Icing

- Valid for 4 hours

CONVECTIVE SIGMET? Issued? Valid? Why issued? (6-4)

- Issued for thunderstorm (convective) activity

- Winds greater than 50 kts

- Hail greater than 3⁄4"

Winds and Temperatures aloft Forecast?

Issued twice a day every 12 hours and provide wind and temperature information for specific areas within the U.S.

How are temperatures above 24,000 identified?

Temperature above 24000 feet are negative

What does 710556 mean on a Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast if the forecast level is 30,000 feet?

710556 is decoded as:

- Wind Direction: 710 → Add 50 to first two digits: 71 → 71 - 50 = 21 → 210°

- Wind Speed: 05 → 105 knots (add 100 because 71 > 50)

- Temperature: 56 → −56°C

- So: Winds from 210° at 105 knots, temp −56°C

Winds will not be forecast within how many feet of station elevation on an FD? (7-39)

1500'

Temperatures will not be forecast within how many feet of station elevation? (7-39)

2500'

Discuss the Surface Analysis Chart? Issued? Valid? Information? (5-1) (PHAK 12-15)

- Issued 8 times daily and valid for 3 hours

- Shows position of pressure systems, fronts, local weather, wind speed and directions, and visual

obstructions.

Discuss the Weather Depiction Chart? Issued? Valid? Information?

- Graphical depiction of METAR information

- Issued 8 times daily and valid for 8 hours

- It is a flight planning tool to see overall surface conditions across the U.S.

Discuss the Significant Weather Prognostic Chart? Issued? Valid? Info? (8-8)

- Forecast of aviation weather hazards such as icing, freezing levels, and turbulence

- Issued 4 times a day there is a 12 hour forecast and a 24 hour forecast

Discuss the Radar Summary Chart? Issued? Valid? Info? (5-47) (PHAK 12-17)

Issued: Every hour, about 35 minutes past the hour

Valid Time: Shows weather at the time of the radar observation

Information Provided:

- Areas of precipitation (rain, snow, etc.)

- Intensity, movement, and type (when available)

- Echo tops (highest altitude of precipitation)

- Line of storms or significant weather patterns

What preflight action is required by the FARs? NWKRAFT (91.103)

N-OTAMS

W-eather

K-nown ATC delays

R-unway Lengths

A-lternates

F-uel

T-akeoff and Landing Distances

What is a NOTAM? (AIM 5-1-3)

A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) provides time-sensitive information essential for flight operations that isn't published elsewhere.

Where can I Find Runway Lengths?

Chart Supplement

What is an Alternate?

A second option for landing in case you cannot land at your planned destination

What are the Fuel requirements for this flight? (91.151)

Day VFR - to the destination + at least 30 minutes of reserve fuel

What the right-of-way rules are as applied to the different categories of aircraft? (91.113)

"Even Big Giants Always Act Right"

E-mergency - Aircraft in distress have priority

B-alloon

G-lider

A-ircraft refueling

A-irship

R-otorcraft or airplane

Required action for all aircraft confrontations (same category): converging, approaching head-on, overtaking

Converging: Aircraft on the right has the right of way

Head on: Both divert to the right

Overtaking: Overtake on the right side

What is the maximum airspeed below 10,000' MSL? (91.117)

250 knots

Define Minimum Safe Altitude. (91.119)

You must fly at an altitude that allows a safe emergency landing if the engine fails.

Minimum safe altitude over congested area? (91.119)

- 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle

- Within 2,000 feet horizontal radius

In areas other than congested areas?

500' above the surface or in sparsely populated areas such as open water: 500' away from any

vessel, person, or structure

What is pilotage? Dead reckoning? (PHAK 15-12)

Pilotage: Using visual landmarks and references

Dead Reckoning: Using predetermined headings and performance calculations

What is magnetic variation? (PHAK 15-7)

Difference between magnetic north and true north

What limitations apply to VOR? (PHAK 15-26) (AIM 1-1-3)

- VORs are limited by power output

- Service volume ranges from 25 to 130 NM, depending on the class of VOR and aircraft altitude

- VORs use line-of-sight signals — terrain or obstacles can block reception

What do you do if you become lost in-flight? 5 Cs (PHAK 15-34)

Climb - obtain a better view of your surroundings

Circle - don't become more lost; stay in one spot

Conserve - lean your mixture and save fuel

Communicate - make contact with an FSS or an air traffic controller

Confess - don't be afraid to admit that you are lost. They are there to help you!

Where else can I get information for our destination airport?

Chart Supplement

And how often is the Chart Supplement updated?

Every 56 days.

What body systems help us sense orientation and movement in space?

Vestibular System: Hair in your ear. Fluid moves with head/body movement, stimulating nerves to tell the brain about motion.

Somatosensory System: Nerves in skin and muscles

Feels acceleration and turning — "flying by the seat of your pants".

Visual System: Eyes detect light and movement

Rods = Transfer to night

Cones = color vision

What is the cause of middle ear pain in flight and how can we mitigate it? (PHAK 16-4)

- Air in the middle ear equalizes through (PRESSURE) the Eustachian tube (ear to throat).

- Congestion make equalization hard, causing pain.

- During climb: trapped air expands; during descent: trapped air compresses (more painful).

- Sinus congestion causes similar pain.

- Avoid flying with colds or sinus infections.

- To relieve pressure: swallow, yawn, tense throat muscles, or do the Valsalva maneuver (pinch nose, close mouth, gently blow).

- Oral decongestants are not recommended and may cause side effects.

What is hypoxia and what are the different types? (AIM 8-1-2) (PHAK 16-2)

Hypoxia is a state of oxygen deficiency in the body. It is occurs at 4 different levels

Hypoxic Hypoxia (Lung): At high altitudes, oxygen pressure is too low for the lungs to absorb enough oxygen, causing Hypoxic Hypoxia.

Hypemic (Blood):

- When red blood cells can't carry enough oxygen to the brain.

- Common cause in aviation: carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust leaks in small planes.

- Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin 200x faster than oxygen, blocking oxygen transport.

- Also caused by smoking, anemia, or donating blood.

Histotoxic (Cell): Cells can't use the oxygen that's available. Caused by drugs, alcohol, or some medicines.

Stagnant (Transport): Oxygen can't reach the cells due to poor blood circulation. Common cause in aviation excessive G-forces restricting blood flow.

What are the symptoms of hypoxia?

Headache, Dizziness or lightheadedness, Fatigue or weakness, Shortness of breath. (blue coloration of lips and fingernails). Less reaction time.

What is hyperventilation? How do you treat a hyperventilating passenger? (AIM 8-1-3) (PHAK 16-3)

Definition: Hyperventilation is when you breathe too fast or too deep, taking in and out more air than your body needs.

Causes: Stress or fear, often starts subconsciously while flying.

Symptoms: Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tingling, feeling of suffocation, possible unconsciousness.

Treatment:• Have the person control their breathing consciously. Encourage talking out loud. Breathing into a paper bag helps restore CO₂.

What are the in-flight illusions? ICEFLAGS (AIM 8-1-5) (PHAK 16-6)

I - Inversion: Prolong constant rate. While climbing, you feel like tumbling backwards.

C - Coriolis: Prolong constant rate turn, turn head different range of motion. Feels like you turned the other way.

E - Elevator: Updraft/downdraft illusion climb/descent

F - False Horizon: Horizons confuse alignment

L - Leans: Prolong constant rate turn, snap wings level abruptly

A - Autokinesis: Stationary lights you look at too long, starts moving

G - Graveyard Spiral: Turn, sensation not felt, increasing bank until plane is spiraling

S - Somatogravic: Rapid acceleration/deceleration feels like nose pitch changes

What are the runway illusions?

Runway slope illusion:

Up-sloping runway: Makes aircraft appear too high → pilot may descend too low

Down-sloping runway: Makes aircraft appear too low → pilot may fly too high

Runway width illusion:

Wide runway: Makes aircraft appear too low → pilot may flare late and land hard

Narrow runway: Makes aircraft appear too high → pilot may flare early and land long

What is the definition of ADM?

A systematic approach to risk assessment and stress management. The two defining elements of ADM are

hazard and risk.

What are the hazardous attitudes and their antidotes? RAIIM

R - Resignation: Feeling helpless or victimized

Antidote: "I am not helpless. I can make a difference."

A - Antiauthority: Ignoring rules; "Don't tell me what to do" attitude

Antidote: "Follow the rules. They are usually right."

I - Impulsivity: Acting without thinking

Antidote: "Not so fast. Think first."

I - Invulnerability: "It can't happen to me" mindset

Antidote: "It could happen to me."

M - Macho: Taking unnecessary risks to impress

Antidote: "Taking risks is foolish."

What are some of the ways we can mitigate risk? IMSAFE PAVE 5Ps

I - Illness - Am I sick?

M -edication - Am I on meds safe for flying?

S - Stress - Am I under stress?

A - Alcohol - Have I had alcohol in the last 8 hours?

F - Fatigue - Am I well rested?

E - Eating - Am I hungry?

P - Pilot: Ready for trip? (IMSAFE). Certificates and ratings current? Proficient?

A -Aircraft: Airworthy? Has required docs? Equipped for mission? Can it carry passengers/load? Performance considered?

V -enVironment: Weather and conditions (NWKRAFT)

E -External pressures: Passengers/employer pressure?Personal stress affecting decision?

P - Pilot: Physical fitness, currency, and proficiency

P - Passengers: Are they fit and comfortable to fly?

P - Plane: Airworthiness and documentation

P - Programming: Avionics proficiency and current GPS databases

P - Plan: Weather, NOTAMs, Known ATC delays, Runway length, Alternatives, Fuel (NWKRAFT)

How do we assess risk in flight? DECIDE

D - Detect a change

E - Estimate the need to react

C - Choose a desirable outcome

I - Identify actions to control the change

D - Do take the necessary action

E -Evaluate the effect of the action

What documents must you have with you to fly the airplane? (61.3)

Pilot certificate, medical certificate, and government issued photo ID

What are your limitations as a student pilot? (61.89)

1. No passengers

2. Cannot carry property for compensation or hire

3. Cannot fly in furtherance of a business

4. Cannot fly with a flight or surface visibility of less than 3sm during the day and 5sm at night and flight must be made with visual references to the surface.