Pilot Ground Knowledge - Commercial > 1.1 - Basic Definitions > Flashcards

1.1 - Basic Definitions Flashcards

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1
Q

Pilot in Command (PIC)

A

The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight, regardless of who is actually flying. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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2
Q

Second in Command (SIC)

A

A qualified pilot who is designated to assist the PIC and may take control as needed. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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3
Q

Category (of aircraft)

A

A grouping of aircraft based upon intended use or operating limitations, e.g., transport, normal, utility, acrobatic, limited, restricted, provisional. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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4
Q

Class (of aircraft)

A

A grouping of aircraft within a category that share similar characteristics or handling qualities, e.g., single-engine land, multi-engine land, seaplane. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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5
Q

Type (of aircraft)

A

A specific make and basic model of aircraft, e.g., Cessna 172, Boeing 737, requiring a type rating if over 12,500 lbs or turbojet. (14 CFR § 61.31)

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6
Q

High-Performance Aircraft

A

An aircraft with an engine of more than 200 horsepower. Pilots must receive specific training and endorsement, (14 CFR § 61.31(f)).

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7
Q

Complex Aircraft

A

An aircraft with retractable landing gear, controllable pitch propeller, and flaps. Requires training and endorsement. (14 CFR § 61.31(e))

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8
Q

Pilot Certificate

A

A document issued by the FAA granting a person the privileges to act as PIC or SIC of an aircraft in accordance with the rating(s) held. (14 CFR § 61.3)

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9
Q

Currency

A

Meeting the recent experience requirements to legally and safely exercise the privileges of a pilot certificate. (14 CFR § 61.57)

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10
Q

Proficiency

A

The ability to safely and consistently perform the tasks and maneuvers required by regulations and ACS standards without assistance.

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11
Q

Aircraft Certification

A

The process by which the FAA determines that an aircraft meets safety and airworthiness standards. (14 CFR § 21.1)

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12
Q

Airworthiness Certificate

A

A certificate issued by the FAA indicating an aircraft meets safety standards and is in condition for safe operation. (14 CFR § 21.175)

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13
Q

Experimental Aircraft

A

An aircraft not type certificated for normal operation, often used for research, training, or exhibition. (14 CFR § 21.191)

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14
Q

Airman

A

Any person who engages in the operation of aircraft, including pilots, flight engineers, and navigators. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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15
Q

Commercial Pilot Certificate

A

FAA-issued certificate allowing a pilot to act as PIC for compensation or hire. (14 CFR § 61.123)

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16
Q

Private Pilot Certificate

A

FAA-issued certificate allowing a pilot to act as PIC for personal use or pleasure, but not for compensation or hire. (14 CFR § 61.113)

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17
Q

Instrument Rating

A

An authorization added to a pilot certificate allowing flight under IFR. (14 CFR § 61.65)

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18
Q

Commercial Operation

A

Any flight in which a pilot is compensated or hired to act as PIC or SIC. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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19
Q

Cross-Country Flight

A

A flight that includes a landing at a point other than the departure airport and covers a distance of more than 50 NM for private pilots, or more than 25 NM for sport pilots. (14 CFR § 61.1)

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20
Q

Day Flight

A

Flight conducted between 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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21
Q

Flight Time

A

Time from when the aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of flight until it comes to rest after landing. (14 CFR § 1.1)

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22
Q

Pilot Logbook

A

A record of a pilot’s flight experience, including flight time, aircraft type, conditions, and duties performed. (14 CFR § 61.51)

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23
Q

Day VFR Conditions

A

Flight conducted under visual flight rules during daylight with visibility and cloud clearance meeting VFR minimums. (14 CFR § 91.155)

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24
Q

Night VFR Conditions

A

Flight conducted under VFR at night, with visibility and cloud clearance meeting VFR minimums, and with appropriate night equipment. (14 CFR § 91.155)

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25
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
Rules governing flight when visual reference to the ground is not sufficient, requiring navigation solely by instruments. (14 CFR § 1.1)
26
Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
Rules governing flight when a pilot can operate the aircraft with visual reference to terrain and other aircraft. (14 CFR § 1.1)
27
Ceiling
The lowest layer of clouds reported as “broken” or “overcast,” or vertical visibility into an obscured sky. (14 CFR § 1.1)
28
Visibility
The greatest distance at which prominent objects can be seen and identified in the direction of flight. (14 CFR § 1.1)
29
Controlled Airspace
Airspace where ATC services are provided and pilots must comply with ATC instructions. (14 CFR § 1.1)
30
Uncontrolled Airspace
Airspace where ATC has no authority to issue clearances, but pilots must still follow general flight rules. (14 CFR § 1.1)
31
Special Use Airspace (SUA)
Airspace where specific activities must be confined or where limitations are imposed for safety (e.g., restricted, prohibited, MOA). (14 CFR § 1.1)
32
Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
A FAA-approved list that allows certain inoperative equipment to remain off the aircraft while maintaining airworthiness. (14 CFR § 91.213)
33
Airworthiness
The condition of an aircraft being fit for safe flight, conforming to its type design and in good operating condition. (14 CFR § 3.5, § 21.31)
34
Type Rating
A rating required to act as PIC in large aircraft (over 12,500 lbs) or turbine-powered airplanes, specific to aircraft make/model. (14 CFR § 61.31)
35
Multi-Engine Land (MEL) Aircraft
Aircraft with more than one engine and land-based operation, requiring specific training for multi-engine operations. (14 CFR § 61.31)
36
Single-Engine Land (SEL) Aircraft
Aircraft with one engine and designed to operate from land, requiring single-engine training for certification. (14 CFR § 61.31)
37
Air Traffic Control (ATC)
A service provided to separate and safely manage aircraft, including clearances, instructions, and traffic advisories. (14 CFR § 1.1)
38
Flight Plan
A specified plan of intended flight filed with ATC or flight service containing information about route, aircraft, and estimated times. (14 CFR § 1.1)
39
NOTAM (Notice to Airmen)
A notice containing essential information regarding the condition of the National Airspace System (NAS) or other safety-related information. (14 CFR § 91.103)
40
Airspace Classes (A–G)
Classification of U.S. airspace with specific rules, equipment, and ATC requirements: A: IFR only, 18,000 ft MSL to FL600 B: Busy airports, ATC clearance required C: Moderate traffic, ATC service D: Towered airports, ATC clearance E: Controlled airspace not A–D F: Not used in U.S. G: Uncontrolled airspace. (14 CFR § 91.1 & § 71)
41
Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA)
The lowest altitude which provides 1000 ft clearance over obstacles in non-mountainous terrain and 2000 ft in mountainous terrain within 4 NM of course. (14 CFR § 91.119)
42
Cruising Altitude Rules
Altitudes based on magnetic course for IFR or VFR above 3,000 ft AGL: Eastbound: odd thousands + 500 ft Westbound: even thousands + 500 ft. (14 CFR § 91.159 & § 91.179)
43
Dead Reckoning
Navigation using time, speed, distance, and heading without visual reference or electronic aids.
44
Pilotage
Navigation using visible landmarks and charts to determine position.
45
Waypoint
A predetermined geographical position used for navigation in GPS or RNAV systems.
46
Air Traffic Clearance
Authorization by ATC for an aircraft to enter controlled airspace and proceed under specified conditions. (14 CFR § 91.3)
47
Flight Duty Period
The time from report for duty to release from duty, regulated under Part 117 for commercial operations. (14 CFR § 117.3)
48
Holding Pattern
A predetermined racetrack flight path used to maintain position while awaiting clearance or sequencing. (14 CFR § 91.175)
49
Missed Approach Procedure
A prescribed procedure to safely abandon an approach if landing cannot be made. (14 CFR § 91.175)
50
Stall
A condition where the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, resulting in loss of lift. (14 CFR § 1.1)
51
Spin
An aggravated stall causing autorotation about the vertical axis. (14 CFR § 1.1)
52
Ground Effect
Increased lift and reduced drag when flying close to the ground, usually within one wingspan of altitude.
53
Density Altitude
Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature, indicating aircraft performance.
54
VFR Minimum Weather Requirements
Minimum visibility and cloud clearance for VFR flight: Class B: clear of clouds Class C, D, E (below 10,000 ft): 3 SM, 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal Class G (below 1,200 ft AGL day): 1 SM, clear of clouds. (14 CFR § 91.155)
55
What is the general FAA definition of night?
The period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight. (14 CFR § 1.1)
56
When can you log night flight time?
Flight may be logged as night if it occurs between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight. (14 CFR §§ 1.1, 61.51)
57
What is night for carrying passengers (night currency)?
To carry passengers at night, you must have completed three full-stop takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type of aircraft during the period 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise, within the preceding 90 days. (14 CFR § 61.57(b))
58
What counts as a night landing for logging or currency?
Any landing made between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight counts as a night landing for logging, but for passenger currency, it must occur 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise. (14 CFR §§ 1.1, 61.51, 61.57(b))
59
What’s the difference between logging night flight time and night passenger currency?
Logging night flight time: end of civil twilight → start of morning civil twilight; Passenger currency: 1 hour after sunset → 1 hour before sunrise, and requires 3 full-stop landings.
60
What are the FAA definitions of night?
General night: End of evening civil twilight → Beginning of morning civil twilight (14 CFR § 1.1) Logging night flight time: End of evening civil twilight → Beginning of morning civil twilight (14 CFR §§ 1.1, 61.51) Passenger-carrying night currency: 1 hour after sunset → 1 hour before sunrise; requires 3 full-stop takeoffs and landings in same category/class/type within 90 days (14 CFR § 61.57(b))
61
What is the general FAA definition of night?
The period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight. (14 CFR § 1.1)
62
When can you log night flight time?
Flight may be logged as night if it occurs between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight. (14 CFR §§ 1.1, 61.51)
63
What is night for carrying passengers (night currency)?
To carry passengers at night, you must have completed three full-stop takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type of aircraft during the period 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise, within the preceding 90 days. (14 CFR § 61.57(b))
64
What counts as a night landing for logging or currency?
Any landing made between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight counts as a night landing for logging, but for passenger currency, it must occur 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise. (14 CFR §§ 1.1, 61.51, 61.57(b))
65
What’s the difference between logging night flight time and night passenger currency?
Logging night flight time: end of civil twilight → start of morning civil twilight; Passenger currency: 1 hour after sunset → 1 hour before sunrise, and requires 3 full-stop landings.
66
What are the FAA definitions of night?
General night: End of evening civil twilight → Beginning of morning civil twilight (14 CFR § 1.1) Logging night flight time: End of evening civil twilight → Beginning of morning civil twilight (14 CFR §§ 1.1, 61.51) Passenger-carrying night currency: 1 hour after sunset → 1 hour before sunrise; requires 3 full-stop takeoffs and landings in same category/class/type within 90 days (14 CFR § 61.57(b))
67
airman category
A broad grouping of airmen based on the type of aircraft they are authorized to operate, e.g., Airplane, Rotorcraft, Glider, Lighter-than-Air, Powered-lift, Weight-Shift-Control, Powered-Parachute. (14 CFR § 1.1)
68
airman class
A subdivision within an airman category based on similar operational characteristics, e.g., for Airplane category: Single-Engine Land, Multi-Engine Land, Single-Engine Sea, Multi-Engine Sea. (14 CFR § 1.1)
69
Why are category and class important for airmen?
A pilot must hold the appropriate category and class ratings to act as PIC or SIC legally. (14 CFR § 61.31)
70
Give an example of an airman’s category and class.
Category = Airplane, Class = Single-Engine Land
71
Give an example of a category and class for aircraft certification.
Category = Utility, Class = Single-Engine Land
72
Why are category and class important in aircraft certification?
They determine the airworthiness standards, pilot ratings required, and operating limitations for the aircraft. (14 CFR §§ 21.1, 61.31)
Pilot Ground Knowledge - Commercial
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