ASES - Oral Exam Questions Flashcards
Idle Taxi Pre-Maneuver Checklist?
C-A-R-S Carb Heat (on or off), Area (clear surface and sky), Rudders (water rudders up or down), and Stick (elevator input).
Define the term “aircraft type” as it pertains to the certification of airmen.?
An aircraft type is a specific make and model of aircraft (e.g., Cessna 172/B737)
Define the term “rating” as it pertains to the certification of airmen.?
A rating is a statement that, as a part of a pilot certificate, sets forth special conditions, privileges, or limitations.
In the case of a seaplane rating, the rating extends the certificate holder’s operating privileges to include seaplane operations.
Describe the requirements to add an “airplane - sea” class rating to an existing pilot certificate with an “airplane - land” aircraft class rating at the same grade as the existing certificate (e.g., commercial).?
You must receive flight and ground instruction
an instructor endorsement
you must pass a practical test administered by an FAA inspector or designated evaluator.
No FAA knowledge (written) test is required.
Define the term “pilot in command.”?
The pilot in command is the person who has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight; has been designated as the pilot in command before or during the flight; and holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating (if required) for the conduct of the flight.
At what point in a practical test does the applicant assume pilot in command responsibilities??
The applicant is assumed to be the pilot in command throughout the practical test. The instructor’s endorsement included in the applicant’s logbook attests to the applicant’s capability to perform the duties required of a pilot in command. The practical test is designed to test that endorsement by allowing the applicant to perform a variety of required tasks while acting as pilot in command. The evaluator serves in the role of an observer during the practical test.
What does the term VY mean??
VY is used to indicate the Best Rate-of-Climb Speed.
Required inspections that are required for seaplanes.?
AV1ATES
An annual inspection
A 100-hr. inspection
An ATC transponder inspection
An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) inspection
All applicable one-time and recurring airworthiness directives (ADs)
What documents are required to be carried aboard a seaplane??
ARROW
Airworthiness certificate
Registration
Radio station license (not required for domestic flights)
Operating limitations
Weight and balance information and equipment list
Why should seaplane pilots be especially concerned about 14 CFR Part 91.13, Careless and Reckless Operations??
- Because seaplanes operate in areas that are not designed or maintained with aircraft operations in mind, normal seaplane operations may be misconstrued by non-pilots to be careless or reckless.
- Consequently, seaplane pilots should always yield the right-of-way to other vessels and conduct themselves on the water as if they were a guest in someone else’s home.
Which FAR pertains to right-of-way rules on the water??
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.115 established right-of-way rules for water operations.
If you are converging on an angle with another vessel on the water, who has the right-of-way??
The vessel to the right has the right-of-way. The other vessel should alter course to keep well clear.
When approaching another vessel on the water, head-on, what is the appropriate course of action??
Both vessels should alter their course to the right to remain clear of each other when passing.
If overtaking a slower vessel on the surface from behind, how should you proceed??
The slower vessel has the right-of-way. It would be my responsibility to alter my course to pass by, allowing plenty of clearance between the two of us. It is also my responsibility not to cut in front of the other vessel in such a way as to impede its progress or create a safety hazard.
Are all vessels on the water equal in terms of right-of-way rules??
No, powered vessels must give way to unpowered vessels. And while seaplanes are vessels, seaplane pilots should give way when in close proximity to watercraft because many boaters may not be aware of right-of-way rules or the practices and safety considerations unique to aircraft.
How does 14 CFR Part 91.119, Minimum Safe Altitudes, pertain to seaplane pilots during normal operations??
During takeoff and landing, the seaplane pilot should be alert to avoid flying low directly over waterfront homes, docks, or people on or in the water.
Outside of congested areas, aircraft may not operate within 500 feet of any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
How can you be sure a body of water is legal to land on??
The Water Landing Directory published by the Seaplane Pilot’s Association lists local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to bodies of water in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Water Landing Directory is the most inclusive printed reference book available to verify the legality of operating from a given body of water.
Name the two main types of floats.?
Straight floats are designed for use on the water exclusively.
Amphibious floats are designed for use on the water or on the land by the inclusion of a set of retractable wheels built into the floats.
What does the number included in the name of a float set indicate??
The weight of fresh water the float set can displace, in pounds.
What percentage of the seaplane’s weight must a set of floats support??
A set of floats must support at least 180% of the seaplane’s weight.
This allows the floats to support the full weight of the seaplane without becoming submerged. It also allows for the seaplane to remain buoyant even if a float compartment becomes flooded.
How does salt water differ from fresh water in terms of seaplane operations??
Salt water is more dense and more corrosive. A seaplane will be slightly more buoyant in salt water than it is in fresh water. But it will need to be rinsed of salt deposits on a regular basis and will require careful inspection for signs of corrosion throughout its operational life.
What is the top surface of the float called??
The deck
What component is often added to floats to improve longitudinal stability??
A retractable water rudder.
Why should the water rudders be in the up position for step taxiing??
Whenever the seaplane is operated at high speeds, the water rudders should be retracted to prevent them from bouncing up and impacting the aft end of the floats, potentially damaging the rudder, the float, or both.
Why should the water rudders be in the up position for takeoff and landing??
Whenever the seaplane is operated at high speeds, the water rudders should be retracted to prevent them from bouncing up and impacting the aft end of the floats, potentially damaging the rudder, the float, or both.
Seaplane floats must have a minimum of how many watertight compartments??
Seaplane floats must have a minimum of four watertight compartments.
What is the reason for multiple watertight compartments in seaplane floats??
By mandating a minimum of four watertight compartments, the floats cannot be flooded by a single leak or breach.
How many of the watertight compartments include a bilge pump fitting or hatch to allow the compartment to be pumped out??
All of them. Each watertight compartment employs a bilge pump fitting or a hatch that allows the compartment to be purged of any water that has leaked in before flight is attempted.
If a leak does occur, will the leaking compartment completely fill with water??
No. The leaking compartment will only fill as high as the waterline. If the other compartments remain watertight, air will remain in at least the upper portion of the compartment.
What is the chine??
The chine is the area of the float where the bottom is joined to the upper portion of the floats.
What do we call the portion of the floats where the upper and lower portions are joined??
The chine.
What is the purpose of the spray rail installed on the inboard chine of some floats??
The spray rail deflects water from hitting the prop and causing damage to it.
When pumping water from the floats before flight, what might be indicated if one float compartment produces no water at all while the others produce an average amount??
If water can be pumped from several compartments but one produces none, it may indicate the bilge pump tube in that compartment is broken or has become disconnected. A mechanic should asked to look at the issue before the next flight.
How does the addition of a set of floats to the airframe affect the performance characteristics of our seaplane??
The seaplane will climb slower, cruise slower, and descend faster than it did before the floats were installed. The addition of floats will also lower our useful load because the floats are heavier than the landing gear they replaced. Floats allow the seaplane to operate from areas that were previously inaccessible to the landplane, but the performance suffers in all areas.
What is the process that allows the addition of a set of floats to a landplane airframe??
A supplemental type certificate (STC) is issued for the installation. The STC certifies that the airframe and floats will perform effectively together without adversely affecting the airworthiness of the aircraft.
If you are unable to pump water from a float compartment, what might that indicate??
The hose leading to the bilge may have broken or come loose from its fitting.
How often should water be pumped from the floats??
Prior to any flight.
How much does water weigh??
8.33 lb/gal
If you were to fly without pumping out the floats, what adverse indication might you find as you attempted to take off?.?
- The excess weight of the water may shift the CG out of limits.
- The extra weight of the water in the floats might put the seaplane over its rated maximum takeoff weight.
- The seaplane may not be capable of lifting off from the surface
During a preflight inspection, what is the focus of your inspection of the floats??
Visually inspect for damage or deformations to the floats and all mounting hardware. Inspect the cables that operate the water rudders, making sure that they are not damaged, kinked, improperly routed, or broken. Pump out all compartments to ensure they are free of standing water.
Pay special attention to any deformed or corroded fasteners that may require the attention of a mechanic.
Why is it preferable to conduct the preflight inspection on the land, if possible??
The seaplane can be inspected more effectively when it is on the land. The pilot has the opportunity to access all portions of the airframe, floats, and attaching hardware and inspect them closely.
How could an incomplete preflight inspection affect the safety of your flight??
It would be difficult or impossible to tell if the floats are damaged below the waterline. Damage that has not yet led to significant leaks could be exacerbated during taxi, takeoff, or landing, leading to a more serious problem.
What special consideration should the pilot give to the propeller during the preflight inspection??
The prop is vulnerable to significant damage from water spray during some seaplane operations. The propeller should be inspected closely to verify that it is free of chips, dents, or cracks that might be caused by impacting the water or other foreign materials.
Why is it important to inspect the water rudders and the cables connected to them prior to flight??
The water rudders provide better control authority on the water.
We need to know that they will function correctly when we need them to steer, especially when docking or beaching at the end of the flight.
The cables themselves are important because we need to be able to retract and extend the water rudders during various phases of operation.
If they were stuck in the down position, we could damage the floats during takeoff or landing. If they were stuck in the up position, we would experience control issues when idle or plow taxiing.
If the seaplane is in the water and one float sits noticeably lower in the water than the other, what might be indicated??
A seaplane that is not laterally balanced may indicate that excessive amounts of water may have leaked into one float or the seaplane has been loaded improperly.
Either option should be corrected before flight is attempted.
(Floatplane) How can you be sure any leakage has been pumped from the floats??
At least a small amount of water should be evident when pumping out each compartment.
When the flow of water stops, the compartment has been cleared of excess leakage.
(Monohull) How can you be sure the bilge has been pumped dry before flight??
Monohull seaplanes often have an electrically powered bilge pump to clear water that has leaked or spilled into the fuselage.
When the water stops flowing and merely spits from the outflow tube, the bilge is clear.
The POH for the seaplane will provide a more specific explanation of the system installed on your seaplane.
When idle taxiing on the water, what will happen if you retract the water rudders??
The seaplane will immediately begin to weathervane into the wind, even if there is only a slight breeze present.
What is the most effective method of determining the direction the wind is coming from??
Raise the water rudders while idle taxiing and allow the seaplane to weathervane into the wind.
What are three other methods of determining the direction of the wind on the water??
A glassy band of water indicates the upwind side of a lake.
Ripples and waves on the surface will form perpendicular to the wind.
In winds between 6 and 8 knots, streaks will form on the surface, parallel to the wind
Which taxi technique is the most commonly used??
Idle taxi is the primary method of taxiing the seaplane. The idle taxi provides good visibility, good engine cooling, and a minimal risk for water spray that can damage the propeller.
What are the advantages of the idle taxi??
The idle taxi technique offers good visibility, good engine cooling, and a minimal risk of damage to the propeller from spray.
What position are the water rudders in when idle taxiing??
The water rudders are down for idle taxi. They assist the air rudder and provide greater control on the water at low speeds.
What is the position of the elevator controls during idle taxi??
Full aft.
Although idle taxi is a slow speed maneuver, we never want to give the floats a chance to dip bow first into the water.
To prevent this, we hold full aft elevator pressure throughout the idle taxi maneuver.
Can the seaplane steer on the surface with the water rudders up??
Yes.
The step taxi is performed with the water rudders up.
Because of the higher speed, the air rudder has sufficient authority to provide good control.
The seaplane can be idle taxied with the water rudders up, too. However, the tendency to weathervane into the wind can make directional control an issue.
Which taxi turn has the smallest radius??
The idle taxi turn provides the smallest turning radius.
When is the step taxi technique used??
The step taxi is used to cover long distances at high speeds.
What are the advantages of the step taxi??
The step taxi offers good visibility, good engine cooling, and minimal risk of damage to the propeller from spray.
What position are the water rudders in when step taxiing??
Up.
We must be careful never to leave the water rudders down during high-speed maneuvers.
What tool do we have at our disposal that will help us remember to raise the water rudders before initiating a step taxi??
The CARS checklist.
The third item on the CARS checklist reminds us to position the water rudders up or down as appropriate to the maneuver.
