178 Flashcards
Cathay Pacific
Explain the NTS system in the Metro.
The NTS system intermittently increases the blade angle to reduce drage to minimum.Negative torque occurs when the propeller begins to drive the negine, such as if an engine loses power. NT must be limited because of the accompanying drag. It cannot be limited to zero however, otherwise a windmilling airstart will not be possible.Neg torque will close the NTS valve. Pressure wil build up and position the feathering valve to the feather position, and dome oil will drain to the sump, allowing the springs and counterweight to increase blade angle until a positive torque is produced by the preloaded torque arms. The NTS valve will open again, and the feathering valve will return to normal.
Cathay Pacific
Where is fuel stored in the 747-400?
1x reserve, & 2x main tanks per wing1x center wing tank1x stabiliser tank
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What are the forces in a climb?
Lift > WeightThust > DragThe vertical component of excess thrust balances weight
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What are the forces in a descent?
Lift < WeightLift & Drag balance Weight
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What are the forces in straight & level flight?
Lift = WeightThrust = Drag
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What is required to calculate Mach Number?
pressure altitudeindicated airspeed
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What are the disadvantages of a swept wing?
Oscillatory stability poorLift at low speeds poorStall speed increasedAoa higher at the stallTips stall firstMin drag speed high
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Why do we have a variable incidence tailplane?
CofG range is largeSpeed range is largeTrim changes large (particularly due to high lift LE and TE devices)Drage from trim reduced to minimum
Cathay Pacific
What is adverse yaw, and what reduces the effect of adverse yaw?
Adverse yaw is a secondary effect of the application of ailerons. The upgoing aileron (downgoing wing) produces a forward component of lift that yaws opposite to the turn.Frise aileronsDifferential aileronsFrise: Bottom protrudes enough to cause drag to balance the yawDifferential: The up-going deflects further than the down going aileron
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What is spiral stability?
The tendency of an aircraft in a co-ordinated turn, to return to laterally level flight on release of the ailerons.
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What is Lateral stability?
The tendency of aircraft in a side-slip, to return to laterally level flight on release of the ailerons.
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What is oscillatory stability?
‘Stable dutch roll’The tendency of an aircraft when disturbed, either directionally or laterlly, to damp out the yawing/rolling motion and return to steady flight.
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What is the relationship between temperature and the speed of sound?
Increase temp = increase speed of sound
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Explain the following airspeed corrections:IAS → CAS ?IAS → EAS ?EAS → TAS ?TAS → GS ?
Corrected for:IAS → CAS = installation errorIAS → EAS = compressibility errorEAS → TAS = air densityTAS → GS = headwind or tailwind
Cathay Pacific
What is VR ?
VR allows the aircraft to reach V2 before 35’
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What is V2 ?
the speed to fly following an eng failure at or after V1provides the necessary climb gradient for obstable clearance with an eng failedmust be attained prior to 35’not less than: 1.1 VMCA1.2 VS
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What is the freezing point of Jet A1?
-47oC
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What is long range cruise?
LRC provides a speed increase of up to 10%, fora range decrease of only 1%Faster than max range cruiseProvides excellent time savings for min fuel cost increaseRequires a gradual reduction in cruise speed as weight decreases with fuel burn off (to maintain a constant AoA)
Cathay Pacific
Explain stopway vs clearway
Stopway is the surface upon which the a/c can be stopped during a RTO. The surface may be damaged by the weight of the a/c.Clearway is the obstacle free surface over which the aircraft can fly whilst achieving screen height.
Cathay Pacific
Explain balanced field length
Where ASDR=TODR for an engine failure at V1
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What is ETOPS?
Extended range twin engine operational performance standardsAn ICAO rule permitting twin engined commercial air transport a/c to fly routes >60mins from the nearest diversion airport (1 Inop)ETOPS ratings are:75, 90, 120/138, 180/207Must have:Type approvalOperational certificationLROPS may replace ETOPS. Will apply to ALL airliners, not just twins.
Cathay Pacific
How can we adjust LSALT / MEA for ISA temp deviations?
For each deviation of 5oCchange by 2%Eg: ISA -25oC = Add 10% (5x2)
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How can we increase the take off weight, if 2nd segment TOW limited?
Increase V2
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What are the considerations for Polar route flights?
Considerations:enroute alternate airports (ETOPS)cold fuel managementcomms & navigationMagnetic headings in the polar region are unreliable, north of 74o latitude.Satcom not available above 82oN. (use Arctic radio on HF)Flight plan must show true tracks and headings.
Cathay Pacific
What are the advantages / disadvantagesof pod mounted engines?
Advantages:Interference drag is minimisedIntake efficiency is not compromised (pods are in clear air)Engines provide bending relief which reduces wing structure weightAt high angles of incidence the pylons tend to act as fences, reducing span-wise flowEase of accessiblity for engine maintenanceLess overall damage in the event of a gear-up landingLess acoustic damage to the airframeDisadvantages:Greater assymetric yawing momentRoll freedom close to the ground is reducedLow thrust line affect longitudinal controlLow mounted engines more susceptible to FOD
Cathay Pacific
What does a Constant Speed Drive do?
It drives a DC generator from variable RPM, providing constant DC generator frequency output.
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What is the error of an altimeter at 10,000’PH at ISA -34o?
Rule is every 5oC ISA deviation = 2%Therefore we are over-reading by 14% (7x2)
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Can a typhoon cross the equator?
Yes. Once established, it can cross about 5o of latitude into the opposite hemisphere. In so doing it will encounter opposing Coriolis force and rapidly decrease in strength.
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Tell me about a warm front?
Represents the leading edge of a warm air mass.Gentle slope (0.5-1o), so cirus, altostratus indicate its approach 12hrs or more before arrivalSlow movingAt the passage of a warm front:Wind veersTemp risesFall of pressure is checked
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Tell me about a cold front?
Represents the leading edge of a cold air massSteeper slope (2o)Unstable conditions ahead of the frontFast moving & shorter durationThunderstorm & precipitationAt the passage of a cold front:Wind veersTemp dropsPressure rises
Cathay Pacific
What is Clear Air Turbulence (CAT)?
Turbulence not associated with visible moistureMost likely to expect CAT just above the central core of the jet stream near the polar tropopauseDoes not occur in the coreEncountered more frequently in the Winter when jet stream winds are strongest
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What is a jet stream?
Narrow bands of high speed winds, generally between 20,000-40,000’ or moreClosely associated with the tropopause and the polar frontWinds flow from West to EastIf encountered, reduce speed to turbulence penetration speed
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What are the visual cues for a microburst?
VirgaLocalised blowing dustRain shafts with rain diverging away from the cellRoll cloudsLightning
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What are the effects of icing?
Lift decreasesWeight increasesThrust decreasesDrage increasesFuel consumption increasesStall speed increasesOptions:Descend to warmer airDivert to warmer airAvoid cloud / visible moisture
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Describe fuel management in the 747-400?
Center tankStab tankInboard tanks (down to prescribed lvl)Tank to engine
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Why do we usually set takeoff EPR prior to 80kts?
EPR will DECREASE at some point after 80kts due to ram effect, and this is why is must be set prior (to avoidincorrectly increasing thrust and over temping the engines)
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At what temps do Rime ice & Clear ice form?
Rime -10 to -20oCClear 0 to -15oC
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What is TSFC
Thrust specific fuel consumptiondefined as fuel-flow per pound of thrust produced
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How do you recover from dutch roll?
Don’t rush the recovery - watch the motion and get the patternOne firm but gentle applicatin of aileron against the up-going wingThe majority of the motion should now be gone. Use small aileron inputs to dampen out the rest.
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What is mach tuck?
As an aircraft approaches Mcrit it experiences an increasing nose down trim change due to:CP moves aft as shockwave forms on upper surfaceReduced download on the tailplane due to changing downwash from the wing
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What is a mach trimmer?
Artificially compensates for longitudinal instability at high mach numbersProvides an increasing push force all the way to Mdf
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What is the service ceiling of the Metro 23?
25,000’
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Explain the windshear alerting system in the B777?
It is part of the wx radar and uses radar imaging to detect air movements (precipitation rates) prior to entering the windshear area.The system is activated on the ground, when the wx radar is activated or automatically on ground when thrust levers are set for takeoff or automatically in the air below 2300 ft.There are two aural warning alerts for takeoff and approach and a caution alert to monitor radar display. The cautionary alert and warnings have visual cues provided on the ND as well.
Cathay Pacific
Tell me what vortex generators are and how they work?
VG’s are small vanes placed on the upper surface to re-energise the boundary layer and delay flow separation. (increasing MTOW and reducing stall speed)A vortex generator creates a tip vortex which draws energetic, rapidly-moving air from outside the slow-moving boundary layer into contact with the aircraft skin.
Cathay Pacific
What are the differences between the 777-300 and the 777-300ER?
777-200:336 Pax777-300:385 PaxLarger engines10mtr fuselage stretch777-300ER:301 PaxLarger enginesHigher MTOWIncreased fuel capacityRaked wintips
Cathay Pacific
How is the 777 fuel system different to the A330/340 and the 747-400?
No trim / stab tank.All fuel is in the wing.
Cathay Pacific
Explain how jet streams are formed?
Jetstreamsare formed by warm equatorial air flowing to the polar regions. The rotation of the earth causes it to flow West to East in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.This abrupt change in temperature causes a large pressure difference, which forces the air to move.The flow of the jetstreams is also affected by the position of high and low pressure systems.Jetstreams include:The Polar Front jetstreamThe Equatorial jetstream (100 North & South)The Subtropical jetstream (300 North & South)
Cathay Pacific
What is Cathay’s longest route?
HKG - JFKApprox 16hrs, polar routeCrosses the date line (lose one day)Dep 0945…. Arr 1210
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Explain the difference between differential and non-differential spoilers?
Non-differential spoilers don’t supplement roll control when the speed brake is fully extended.Differential spoilers retract and supplement roll control when the speed brake is fully extended.
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How do you think you can help someone who loses situational awareness in the cockpit?
Maintenance of situational awareness occurs througheffective communications and a combination of the following actions:Recognise and make others aware when the team deviates from SOP’sMonitor the performance of other team members.Provide information in advance.Identify potential or existing problems (i.e. equipment-related or operational).Demonstrate awareness of task performance.Communicate a course of action to follow as needed.Clarifying expectations of all team members eliminates doubt
Cathay Pacific
Climbing at a constant Mach No, what happens to IAS and TAS. Why?
Climbing at a constant Mach No, both IAS and TAS will reduce.Since 0.82M = (0.82 x speed of sound)Speed of sound is related only to tempTherefore in a constant mach climb, 0.82times a reducing amount MUST result in a lower TAS.Since TAS is CAS corrected for altitude and temperature, then as TAS reduces, IAS will also reduce.
Cathay Pacific
Climbing at a constant Mach No, what happens to angle of attack?
It decreases.
Cathay Pacific
If you had to choose one of the following scenarios in that you must either abort from 10kts above V1, or continue a single engine takeoff from 10kts below V1, which would you choose and why?
Continue 10kts before V1. Same as a reduced V1 for wet take-off. Would result in a lower screen height of 15’.RTO anytime after V1 is inherently dangerous and has been the cause of many accidents.
Cathay Pacific
At what rate does temperature decrease with altitude?What’s the layer of the atmosphere called where the temperature stops decreasing?What altitude does this occur at?
The ELR is 20 per 1000’ up to 36,000’ where the temp remains constant at -560.This layer of the atmosphere is called the tropopause.
Cathay Pacific
What are the chances of a brake fire after a max weight abort after V1?
High, especially if a long taxy prior to takeoff has left the brakes at higher temperature.
Cathay Pacific
What is the tropopause and why do we need to know where it is?
The Tropopause and Outside Air Temp (Static Air Temp) are used for many things, some of which are predicting turbulence, performance (fuel flow rates, airspeed) and planning for fuel temperature.The tropopause marks a boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere. It’s significance is that it marks the point where a relatively linear decrease in temperature stops ocurring, and temperature (for our purposes) actually begins to increase with altitude from there.The tropopause represents a global atmospheric inversion, which occurs at it’s highest altitudes over the equator, and it’s lowest altitudes over the poles. It marks the distinct difference between layers of the atmsophere.
Cathay Pacific
What are high bypass engines?
With this type of engine, not all the air passes through the engine core and combustion chamber. A large fan (N1) is added at the front of the compressor, and driven by an extra turbine at the rear of the engine.The fan produces thrust by giving a relatively small acceleration to a large mass or air (much like a propeller). This fan air by-passes the combusiton chamber and turbine via a duct around the outside of the engine core.This ratio is usually around 5:1 or more.
Cathay Pacific
What type of reversers does the 744 have?
Cold stream reverser.
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Tell me about variation, how do you use it?
Variation is the difference between magnetic North & true North.Magnetic to True = ADD variationTrue to Magnetic = SUBTRACT variation
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What is the difference between a typhoon and a monsoon?
A monsoonis alarge scale wind system caused by differences in the temperature of land and sea over the seasons.A typhoon is a tropical cyclone (a non-frontal synoptic scale low pressure system over tropical waters with thunderstorms and cyclonic surface winds).
Cathay Pacific
What is RNP, and what is a rule of thumb for RNP?
RNP is measure of the navigation performance accuracy necessary for operations within a defined airspace. ( It is an area where the aircraft must be at least 95% of the time.)RNP allows air traffic controllers to plan approach paths that manoeuvre the aircraft around obstacles and restricted or built up areas.This can result in a shorter approach when compared to the conventional procedure.The RNP defines the width of the airspace corridor required for the procedure.RNP capability is usually certified by the manufacture of the aircraft at the time of production however older aircraft can also be upgraded. It is quickly becoming a standard feature of modern aircraft.RNP uses the aircraft’s Flight Management System to integrate numerous sources of position data.
Cathay Pacific
What is the transition altitude in HK?
Transition altitude is 9000’TL = FL110 (QNH 980 or above at airport)TL = FL120 (QNH 979 or below at airport)
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What are the different types of deicing fluid?
Type I (sprayed on hot, used for de-icing. Short holdover time)Type II (only used for larger aircraft. thickener agent)Type III (used for slower aircraft)Type IV (used for anti-icing after deicing with type I. longer holdover time. Green colour)
Cathay Pacific
If there’s frost under the wing, can you take off?
Yes, if authorised by the authority, in company FOM, and within specified limits.
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When does the holdover time begin?
The holdover time for deicing begins at the the time of the first point of application of deicing fluid.
Cathay Pacific
What is the start procedure in your aircraft?
Actuate the start switchLight off within 10secs after 10% RPMRelease start switchMonitor acceleration and EGT (manual fuel enrichment may be used)60% RPM engine is self sustainingcontinued acceleration to stabilised at 71% RPM
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How much fuel would we have on landing in HK after a long trip in a 744?
Fixed reservemin 10.5t?fuel usage avg 10.4t per hour
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What is the MTOW of 747-400?
396 tons
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Weather conditions with regard to position of typhoon
Winds & worst wx is most extensive in:Sth hemisphere =LH front quadrantNth hemisphere = RH front quadrantWhy? This is where the forward motion is added to the rotational speed of the cyclone
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How can you tell the difference between a 747-400, 747-400F and the 747-400BCF / special freighter model?
All the freighters are silver (polished aluminium with minimal paint)The BCF / special freighter has windows blanked out and the hump is slightly longer than the 747-400F.
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Explain VMCA
The minimum airspeed at which when the critical engine is suddenly made inoperative, it is possible to recover control of the aeroplane and maintain straight flight.Conditions:MTOWMax aft CofGGear upFlaps in takeoff config
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Would you takeoff with frost on the underside of the wing?
In no circumstances should a formation of ice or frost be allowed to remain on the wing surfaces prior to takeoff.
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What are the VMCG considerations for operations on gravel?
VMCG may be increased due to the wheels in contact with gravel LESS able to resist the yawing moment (as compared to a sealed surface)
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Explain FANS & ACARS?
FANS is the Future Air Navigation System. If all the elements were implemented, it would offer reduced separation / reduced fuel burn etc for airlines.ACARS (one element of FANS), a digital data network using aircraft VHF and/or HF radio to transmit/receive data from/to airline operations.
Cathay Pacific
Tell me about the LE flap devices on an A340 compared to the 747.
The A340 has LE slats with a slot which allows high pressure air to bleed from the bottom of the wing to the top (re-energises boudary layer).The B747 has inboard Kruger and outboard VCLEF’s.Both delay separation of the airflow at high angles of attack, reducing stall speed & allowing for reduced takeoff & landing speeds.