Aviation topics Flashcards
Practice Technical SDEA Questions (60 cards)
1
Q
What is CRM?
A
Corporate/Crew Resource Management is a
- Communication technique that
- Improves synergy and communication
- It is basically the use of all available resources to reduce power distance and
- Maintain a high safety standard among the crew
Remember to speak slowly
2
Q
Why do pilots need a medical certificate and how is it conducted?
A
We need a medical certificate in order to ensure we are fit to fly.
- The medical exams help us identify any health problems or conditions.
- It is conducted in a specific clinic once a year or every 6 months.
- We go through a full body inspection
- If everything is ok, we get the certificate.
3
Q
What are your obligations before a flight?
A
- Gather the Flight Documents
- Study the Weather Reports
- Read the Notams
- Do the Briefing
- Check the Flight planning
- Perform the Walkaround
- Prepare the cockpit
Remember to talk about YOUR REALITY
4
Q
What is V1?
A
- Decision speed.
- Maximum speed to reject a takeoff.
- Below V1, we can reject the takeoff safely.
- However, after V1 we must continue.
5
Q
What is a briefing?
A
A briefing is a Preflight conversation
about the most important aspects of the flight,
During the briefing we talk about the:
- flight duration;
- weather conditions;
- cockpit code;
- possible alternatives;
- evacuation procedure.
…
It’s a good moment to know the crew and answer questions to get everyone prepared for the flight.
6
Q
What can cause a tail strike?
A
A tail strike can be caused by:
- early rotation
- excessive pitch
- cargo movement
- tail wind
- incorrect weight and balance
- mistrimmed stabilizer
7
Q
What is the difference between a captain and a first officer?
A
They are both well-trained pilots
However, the captain has:
- complete responsibility (airplane, passengers and regulations);
- full authority, especially during emergencies.
- more experience in aviation, airplane or seniority in the company.
- copilot will assist the captain
8
Q
How can bad weather affect flight safety?
A
Bad weather can cause:
- loss of controls
- panic onboard
- structural damage
- a cracked windshield
- system malfunction; or even
- a crash
It is very important to perform a good flight planning and maintain constant communication.
9
Q
What kind of damages can a bird strike cause?
A
A bird strike can cause:
- a cracked windshield
- a fuel leak
- an engine failure
- loss of controls
- a weather radar malfunction
- injuries
- a landing gear issue
10
Q
What are the company’s responsibilities in case of an accident?
A
In my opinion, companies have full responsibility in case of an accident.
I believe companies must:
- provide support for the victims and their families; and
- pay for ground damages; also,
- help investigators by providing the logbooks, documents and maintenance records;
- create new guidelines to avoid the same problem in the future.
finish with a comment
11
Q
What is liftoff?
A
A liftoff is the moment the airplane becomes airborne.
- It happens after the rotation speed
- It’s the exact moment the landing gear leaves the ground and the flight starts.
12
Q
How can companies improve flight safety?
A
I believe that companies can do many things to improve flight safety.
They can improve flight safety by:
- Providing continuous training programs and simulator sessions;
- Following the maintenance calendar and safety protocols;
- Updating their manuals and SOPs so we know what to do during the flight.
When companies invest in safety, it helps us as pilots operate in a safe environment, reducing the risk of accidents.
13
Q
What would you do in case of a depressurization?
A
In case of a depressurization, I would:
- First, put on the oxygen mask
- After that, establish communication and start an emergency descent
- Then, Inform ATC about the problem and declare an emergency
- And finally, I would land in the nearest suitable airport with medical services waiting.
14
Q
For which reasons would you cancel a flight?
A
I would cancel a flight for many reasons, for example:
- Bad weather, like strong winds or poor visibility;
- Structural damage;
- System malfunction;
- NOTAM in my origin or destination airport;
- Medical problem with a crew member.
15
Q
How can pilots avoid bad weather?
A
We can avoid bad weather with:
- A Good flight planning;
- The correct use of the weather radar.
- Visual deviations; and
- Constant communication with ATC or other pilots.
16
Q
What’s V2?
A
Takeoff Safety Speed in case of an engine failure during the takeoff roll.
- V2 will provide a good climb rate and obstacle clearance,
- and this speed also guarantees a safe margin from the stall speed.
17
Q
How can CRM avoid accidents?
A
CRM focuses on improving crew coordination to reduce risks.
- It encourages clear communication and problem-solving; and
- Helps to avoid misunderstandings;
- Moreover, CRM ensures all crew members contribute with the decision-making during critical situations; It also
- Guarantees that Checklists and procedures are performed correctly.
CRM helps create a safety culture that can prevent accidents caused by human error.
18
Q
What is a driftdown procedure?
A
A Driftdown procedure is a series of maneuvers pilots perform when a multi-engine aircraft suffers an engine failure,
And can’t sustain its flight on the current flight level.
So, the pilot needs to descend to a better altitude,
Deviating from obstacles along the flight path.
19
Q
What are your obligations during cruise?
A
Today, I am flying a/an __________ and I have many different responsibilities during cruise, for example:
- I have to configure the autopilot;
- Oversee the engine parameters;
- Communicate with ATC;
- Deviate from bad weather;
- Talk to the flight attendants;
- Check the remaining fuel;
- Make sure the airplane is following the correct route;
- and Coordinate the approach time.
This is a simple part of the flight but it requires lots of attention.
Use your reality
20
Q
When do pilots need to perform an emergency landing?
A
We need to perform an emergency landing when there is a situation that makes continuing the flight unsafe.
This could happen due to:
- System malfunction;
- Engine failure;
- Fire or smoke onboard.
- Severe weather;
- Control problems;
- Structural damage;
- Fuel leak that caused an engine flameout;
We are well-trained and can make emergency landings safely.
21
Q
When do pilots need to go around?
A
Pilots will need to go around, due to anything that could compromise flight safety, such as:
- an unstabilized approach
- incorrect configuration
- birds/drone on their flight path
- controller’s request
- runway incursion
- windshear warning.
22
Q
Which problems can pilots have during taxi?
A
We can have an array of problems during taxi, including:
- A tire blowout;
- A brake failure;
- An engine malfunction
- A ground collision; or even cause a
- runway incursion if we are not careful.
23
Q
What can cause a runway overrun?
A
A runway overrun can be caused by:
- a deep landing
- an overspeed during approach
- brake failure
- or a contaminated runway
- We could make incorrect calculations;
- suffer a tire blowout
- or even lose our situational awareness
24
Q
What is the importance of GPS for aviation?
A
The GPS is our main navigation system, because it is very accurate, precise and easy to operate.
It is important, because it:
- Reduces our workload;
- Provides direct routes;
- Enhances flight safety; and
- Decreases flight time and operational costs;
In conclusion, I believe the GPS is the best and most reliable navigation equipment today.
25
How can airport **authorities** increase **runway safety**?
To the best of my knowledge, airport authorities can improve runway safety by:
- **investing** in better pavement;
- Performing **periodical inspections** along the day;
- **Protecting** the movement area;
- Installing **perimeter fences** and **security cameras**;
- Creating a **report system** to communicate with the operators.
26
What's the **importance** of the **missed approach profile**?
As a pilot, I think that the missed approach profile is important, because it:
- **Provides** standardized maneuvers and procedures;
- **Guarantees** obstacle clearance;
- **Ensures** Traffic separation;
- **Reinstates** aircraft in a safe holding.
27
What is D.A?
Based on my experience,
**D.A stands for Decision Altitude** and it’s the
- **minimum altitude pilots can descend**
without having visual contact with the runway or the approach lights.
- **If at DA**, the pilots don’t have the airport’s **visual cues in sight**,
- they cannot continue with their landing and **must initiate a missed approach procedure.**
28
What is **RVSM**?
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums
- **Layer** of airspace (FL290 to FL410)
- **Vertical separation** is reduced from 2000ft to 1000ft
- **Increases** airspace capacity
29
What is your **opinion** about the **autopilot**?
The autopilot is one of the best systems onboard, because it:
- Reduces our **workload**;
- The autopilot controls the **altitude, heading and speed**;
- It also gives pilots more time to **manage** other aspects of the flight, like the navigation, communication and the flight paperwork;
- The autopilot is **mandatory** in some airspaces.
30
**When** can pilots use the **autopilot**?
**It depends** on the airplane, company, SOP and flight, but we basically:
- **Engage** the autopilot at around 400ft,
- we use it during climb, cruise and descent.
- **Disengage** it at the Decision Altitude for touchdown.
31
Can you define an **engine overheat**?
An engine overheat happens when the engine's temperature **exceeds** the normal operational parameters.
**It can cause**:
- Permanent Damages;
- Engine Fire;
- Engine Explosion;
- Loss of controls;
- Crash.
32
How do pilots **determine** V1, V2 and VR?
These speeds are calculated **before** the flight.
And, we normally consider many variables, such as:
- The runway's **length** and **conditions**,
- Runway **Slope**
- Outside air **temperature** and
- Air **density**
- Aircraft's **weight** and **configuration**
33
What do you normally do **after landing**?
After landing, we need to:
- **Rollout**;
- **Contact** Ground Control;
- **Follow** ATC Instructions;
- Taxi to the **Assigned** position;
- **Park** the Aircraft;
- Perform the **Shutdown** Checklist;
- **Fill out** the Logs;
- Talk to the Mechanics;
- **Secure** the Airplane;
34
What's the procedure to **reject a takeoff**?
To reject a takeoff, I have to:
- **Reduce** throttle to Idle;
- **Apply** necessary brakes;
- Autobrake **kick in**;
- **Control** Aircraft;
- **Inform** ATC;
- Request instructions or assistance.
35
What's the procedure for **loss of communication**?
In case we lose communication, we need to:
- FIRST, **change the frequency** and radio equipment;
- AFTER THAT, **squawk 7600** and continue **blind transmission;**
- THEN, **continue** on our **assigned route** to our destination;
- FINALLY, wait for the **tower's light signal** and land at our destination airport.
36
What kind of **problems** can pilots face **during takeoff**?
During takeoff, pilots can suffer:
- A **tire blowout**;
- An **engine failure**;
- A **windshear warning**;
- A **bird ingestion**;
- A **Master warning**;
Or even a **runway excursion**.
...
## Footnote
The examples are not limited to these.
37
How can you define **radar vectors**?
Radar vectors are:
* Instructions issued by ATC to **facilitate and expedite the flow of traffic.**
* Controllers will provide **altitude, heading and airspeed limitations**
* ATC will also be responsible for **traffic separation** and **obstacle clearance**
38
What can cause **loss of controls**?
Loss of controls can be caused by:
* Severe **turbulence**
* Ice **accretion**
* Hydraulic **malfunction**
* **Airframe** damage
* Bird Strike
* Cable line **rupture**
* **Mishandling**
## Footnote
The examples are not limited to these.
39
What does **unreliable airspeed** mean?
Unreliable airspeed happens when the pilots have
**conflicting information** regarding the aircraft's real airspeed at a given time.
This could happen between **both instruments or the indication and reality**
40
How do pilots normally **handle emergency situations**?
Every emergency is different and has a different procedure.
- However, I’d follow some basic rules:
- **First**, I would control the aircraft;
- **After that**, identify the problem and work the appropriate checklist;
- **Then**, I would see if the problem was solved;
- **If not**, I would declare an emergency and land in the nearest airport.
41
What is a **Microburst**? How can it **affect flight safety**?
A microburst is a **Strong downdraft from a CB**
It is very dangerous in low altitudes, because it can cause:
* Loss of controls
* Airframe damage
* Injuries
* Crash
42
What's the **importance of English Phraseology** for aviation?
English phraseology is **one of the most important elements in modern aviation**,
because it is the **standard aviation language**;
So, it is very important for pilots to **speak and understand it very well.**
English phraseology has some advantages, such as:
* A Clear and precise communication
* It improves situational awareness and
* Increases flight safety; Finally,
* It reduces chances of a mid-air collision or runway incursion
43
What is a **TCAS**?
TCAS stands for Traffic Collision Avoidance System
It is an **Onboard system that informs pilots about nearby traffic**;
and offers descent or climb instructions in order to **avoid a mid-air collision.**
44
Do you think flying is **always safe**?
❌ No.
* Flying will only be safe if the **pilots respect and follow the regulations and standard procedures.**
* **The companies** also have to f**ollow the standard maintenance schedule and respect the crew’s rest period.**
* Pilots have to be **alert and well-trained for every flight**, regardless of their experience as captains.
* **Every flight is a different flight** and we must always keep that in mind if we want to keep a good safety margin and avoid accidents.
____________
✅ Yes
Flying is always safe, because we have training to control the aircraft;
- Modern aircraft have **great systems**;
- And we **always check the weather and NOTAMS;**
- We also **make the inspections before the flight**.
| This is just an opinion, you can answer "yes" and justify your answer.
45
What are the possible **threats during landing**?
We **could have many** different problems during landing, Including:
* **Windshear**, strong crosswinds;
* **Poor visibility**
* **Overspeed** during approach
* **Unstable** approach
* Birds on final
* Runway incursion
Pilots must always be ready to initiate a go around in these cases.
46
How can **fatigue** affect a pilot’s **performance**?
Fatigue is very dangerous for a pilot’s performance because it can:
- Reduce their **reflexes** and their situational awareness;
- Resulting in **poor decisions** during the flight.
The pilots could also **commit a mistake** in the aircraft’s configuration;
- **Forget** a checklist,
- **Insert** a wrong frequency on the radios or **misunderstand** the controller’s instructions
47
Why are **checklists important**?
Checklists are very important because they’ll
**provide the necessary steps for the airplane’s correct configuration**,
and the pilots won’t have to **rely on their memory**
since they can read and confirm each step and this will also **contribute to a safer flight**.
Checklists are **mandatory and we use them on every phase of the flight** from engine startup to engine shutdown,
especially in an abnormal or emergency situation.
48
What can cause the **lack of a pilot’s Situational Awareness**?
Lack of situational awareness can be caused by:
- **Fatigue**;
- **Stress**;
- **Lack of experience**;
- **Insufficient training**;
- **Bad weather conditions**; or even
- **Unfamiliarity with the route or airport**.
49
Tell me about the **relationship between the Controllers and the Pilots.**
The relationship between pilots and controllers is **very professional and respectful**.
- We always try to **help each other during the operations**.
- Pilots must understand that **controllers have to take care of an entire area** and sometimes can’t give them a direct heading or any kind of priority.
In my opinion, the **relationship is very good and the goal is always to elevate our safety standards.**
50
What are you doing to **keep your flying skills up to date**?
As most pilots, I **study very hard** because regulations and laws are always being updated.
- I also **undergo simulator training sessions** twice a year
- and return to the classroom for **refreshment classes** every year.
So, I basically, **study, fly and train as much as I can**.
51
What are **volcanic ash?**
- Volcanic Ash are **suspended minerals that get blown into the air due to volcanic activity**.
They are extremely dangerous, because they can cause an:
- Engine explosion;
- Unreliable indications;
- Loss of controls;
- or even a Crash.
Authorities **must close the airspace when there's evidence of volcanic ash in the area**
52
How can airline companies improve the pilot’s working conditions?
I believe that improving working conditions for pilots is crucial for efficiency.
I think companies can improve our working conditions by:
- **Ensuring we can have proper rest between flights** in order to prevent fatigue.
- **Providing a communication channel** so we can report problems and talk to management.
- **Keeping us up to date** with the latest technology
- **Offering training opportunities** for our career.
When our working conditions are good, we can perform at our best, which directly contributes to safer operations.
## Footnote
Os verbos estao no _____ing por causa do "by"
53
What could be added in the cockpit?
TIPS
- Chosse a system or technology you don't have in your aircraft.
(GPS, PFD, TCAS, DATALINK, FMC)
- Say that in YOUR cockpit, you would like to see it.
- Mention Benefits
______________________________________
**EXAMPLE**
- **Today, I'm flying a ________. And I would like to have** DATALINK,
**Because** the datalink:
- Reduces radio congestion;
- Helps me send an receive written messages;
- Eliminates misunderstandings;
- Improves situational awareness.
54
How can the aviation industry help reduce environmental pollution?
I think the aviation industry is working very hard to reduce pollution.
- Airlines are **investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft** and
- developing **alternative fuels, like the SAF**, to reduce **carbon emissions.**
- We are adopting more **efficient flight routes** and **focusing on fuel efficieny** through advanced navigation systems.
- Initiatives like **reducing noise pollution** through procedures also help.
**That's my opinion**
55
Why do pilots need to discuss meterology during a briefing?
We **discuss** the weather conditions during a briefing, because weather affects our operation.
- Weather conditions can affect **visibility, turbulence, wind speeds,** and overall **flight performance**.
- **Weather discussions** also help us **determine if alternative airports** are necessary in case the destination weather **deteriorates**.
## Footnote
Use weather, because it's easier to pronounce
56
What do you think about automation in the future?
I believe automation in the future **will be even better than today.**
I think that, The autopilot will be **more precise and intuitive.**
And the airplanes **will be able to taxi, takeoff and land automatically**
This will:
* Reduce the workload;
* Improve the precision;
* Enhance Flight safety.
57
Compare these 2 aircraft.
The Cessna 152 is a **high-wing, single-engine airplane powered by propeller**.
This aircraft has capacity for 2 people and maximum altitude of 12.000ft.
*ON THE OTHER HAND,*
The A380 is the **largest passenger aircraft in the world.**
It is a **low-wing, quad-jet engine airliner** with capacity for over 550 passengers.
The A380 is **faster, bigger and safer** than the Cessna.
The cessna152 is **cheaper and easier to operate** than the A380.
58
Which technology had the biggest impact in aviation?
I believe the technology that had the biggest impact in aviation **was the GPS**.
The GPS:
- Reduces **flight time**;
- Improves the **precision**;
- Optimizes the **routes**;
- Provides **direct flight paths**;
- Decreases **operational costs**;
- Increases the **safety standards**.
59
What is datalink communication?
Based on my knowledge, Datalink communication is a system in which the pilots
**send and receive written messages to the ATC and the company**, instead of conventional radio communication from the cockpit,
Today, **we have the ACARS and CPDLC and they are very good,**
Because they:
- **Avoid misunderstandings;**
- **Accent problems;** and
- May also **eliminate radio congestion.**
I think datalink is the future of aeronautical communication.
60
What do you think will change in flight instruction in the future?
I believe there will be many changes in flight instruction in the future, because technology is improving.
- I think that, in the future the use of **advanced flight simulators** with virtual reality (VR) will become more common, because they will be **more realistic**.
This will:
- **Reduce** training **costs**;
- **Improve** our **airmanship** and **proficiency**;
- **Help** us **understand** **procedures** and **checklists** better.
Therefore, I believe that better simulators will improve the safety standards and efficiency in the future.
