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ANAC Aerodesport Pilot Theoretical Exam (Piloto Aerodesportivo - CPA) study materials
ANAC Aerodesport Pilot Theoretical Exam (Piloto Aerodesportivo - CPA) study resources

ANAC Aerodesport Pilot Theoretical Exam (Piloto Aerodesportivo - CPA) practice questions

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Question 1Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

Under ANAC rules for aerodesport activity, which document must a pilot carry aboard the aircraft during flight?

  1. A copy of the flight school's insurance policy
  2. Only the pilot's personal identification card
  3. The pilot licence and the aircraft's registration and airworthiness documents Correct answer.
  4. The aircraft maintenance logbook

Explanation

Brazilian regulations require that the pilot hold a valid licence and that the aircraft documents, including registration and airworthiness certificates, be carried on board during flight. These documents allow authorities to verify both pilot qualification and aircraft legality. Personal ID alone does not establish pilot privileges.

Question 2Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

For aerodesport operations, the medical certificate requirement is best described as:

  1. A certificate required only for commercial flights
  2. A valid aeronautical medical certificate appropriate to the licence held Correct answer.
  3. A general practitioner's note issued at any time
  4. No medical certificate at all for sport pilots

Explanation

Sport and recreational pilots must hold a valid aeronautical medical certificate issued according to the class required for their licence. The certificate has an expiry date and must be renewed. A generic medical note does not satisfy the requirement.

Question 3Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What is the general rule regarding minimum safe altitude over a congested area of a city for a non-commercial sport flight?

  1. Maintain at least 300 metres above the highest obstacle within a 600-metre radius Correct answer.
  2. No minimum applies outside controlled airspace
  3. Maintain at least 150 metres above the ground everywhere
  4. Fly as low as desired if visibility is good

Explanation

Over congested areas the rule requires keeping a height that allows a safe emergency landing, expressed as a minimum clearance above the highest obstacle within a specified radius. This protects people and property on the ground. Lower altitudes are permitted only over open water or sparsely populated areas.

Question 4Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

A sport pilot intends to enter controlled airspace. What is normally required before entry?

  1. Only a flight plan filed after landing
  2. A prior clearance from the responsible ATC unit and an operable two-way radio Correct answer.
  3. A written permission from the local flying club
  4. Nothing, provided the aircraft has a transponder

Explanation

Entry into controlled airspace requires an ATC clearance obtained by radio before crossing the boundary. The aircraft must have the communication equipment needed to maintain contact with the controlling unit. Without clearance the pilot must remain outside the airspace.

Question 5Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

In which situation must a pilot file a flight plan before departure?

  1. Only when flying at night
  2. Only when carrying more than two passengers
  3. Whenever the flight exceeds 30 minutes
  4. When the flight will cross an international border Correct answer.

Explanation

A flight plan is mandatory for flights that cross international boundaries, because border and ATC coordination require prior notification. Domestic sport flights may not need one unless required by the airspace class or the operator. Duration, night operation or passenger count alone do not trigger the requirement.

Question 6Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What does a steady red light signal from the tower mean to an aircraft on the ground?

  1. Return to the gate
  2. Stop Correct answer.
  3. Cleared for take-off
  4. Taxi to the apron

Explanation

In the international light-signal system, a steady red directed at an aircraft on the ground means stop. The signal is used when radio communication fails or when immediate action is required. Pilots must respond to the light even without radio contact.

Question 7Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What is the meaning of a flashing red light directed at an aircraft in flight?

  1. Cleared to land
  2. Land immediately at the nearest field
  3. Airport unsafe, do not land Correct answer.
  4. Continue circling and await further signals

Explanation

A flashing red light to an aircraft in flight warns that the aerodrome is unsafe and landing is not permitted. The pilot should continue to hold or divert as circumstances require. A steady red in flight means give way to other aircraft and continue circling.

Question 8Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

Which statement correctly describes the right-of-way rule between two aircraft approaching head-on?

  1. The lower aircraft has the right of way
  2. The faster aircraft has the right of way
  3. The aircraft with the larger wingspan has the right of way
  4. Both aircraft must alter heading to the right Correct answer.

Explanation

When two aircraft are on a head-on converging course, each must alter course to the right to pass clear. This creates a predictable separation to the left of each pilot. Neither speed nor size confers priority in this situation.

Question 9Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

Two aircraft of the same category are converging at roughly the same altitude. Which one has the right of way?

  1. The aircraft on the left
  2. The aircraft that first announced its position
  3. The aircraft on the right Correct answer.
  4. The aircraft flying into the wind

Explanation

For converging aircraft of the same category, the one on the right has the right of way and the other must give way. The giving-way aircraft should pass behind and below if necessary. This rule prevents simultaneous manoeuvres into the same space.

Question 10Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

An aircraft is landing while another is on final approach behind it. Which has priority?

  1. The aircraft that is higher and faster
  2. The aircraft that requests priority by radio
  3. The aircraft at the lower altitude, which is closer to landing Correct answer.
  4. The aircraft that has been airborne longer

Explanation

Among aircraft on final approach, the one at the lower altitude has the right of way and must not be cut in front of. The higher aircraft must give way and may need to go around. Priority is based on position, not on radio requests.

Question 11Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What is the standard cruising altitude rule for flights above 900 metres in areas where the semicircular rule applies?

  1. Track from 000 to 179 degrees uses even thousands; 180 to 359 uses odd thousands
  2. All flights cruise at 1 000 feet regardless of track
  3. Altitude is chosen freely without reference to track
  4. Track from 000 to 179 degrees uses odd thousands plus 500 feet; 180 to 359 uses even thousands plus 500 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

The semicircular rule assigns cruising levels by magnetic track so that opposing traffic is separated vertically. Eastbound tracks use odd thousands plus 500 feet and westbound tracks use even thousands plus 500 feet. Pilots must select the level matching their track.

Question 12Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What does the abbreviation VFR stand for and what does it require?

  1. Very Fast Route, requiring priority handling
  2. Variable Flight Rules, requiring ATC approval for every turn
  3. Vector Flight Route, requiring radar coverage
  4. Visual Flight Rules, requiring meteorological conditions that allow navigation by visual reference Correct answer.

Explanation

VFR means Visual Flight Rules, under which the pilot navigates and maintains separation by visual reference to the ground and to other traffic. The flight must meet prescribed visibility and cloud-clearance minima. When those minima cannot be met, an instrument rating and IFR clearance are needed.

Question 13Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

For VFR flight in controlled airspace at lower levels, which combination of minima is generally required?

  1. A minimum visibility of 1 500 metres regardless of airspace
  2. Visibility of at least 8 km at all times and no cloud below 3 000 feet
  3. Visibility and distance from cloud specified for the airspace class, plus the ability to see the surface Correct answer.
  4. Only a cloud ceiling above 500 feet

Explanation

VFR minima are set by airspace class and include both flight visibility and cloud-clearance distances. The pilot must also be able to navigate by visual reference to the surface. Fixed values applied everywhere ignore the class-based structure of the rules.

Question 14Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

An aircraft is overtaking another in flight. On which side must the overtaking aircraft pass?

  1. On the right, keeping clear of the overtaken aircraft Correct answer.
  2. On whichever side the pilot prefers
  3. Directly above the other aircraft
  4. On the left, below the other aircraft

Explanation

The overtaking aircraft must keep clear and pass on the right side of the aircraft being overtaken. The overtaken aircraft has the right of way and must maintain its course and speed. This rule applies regardless of aircraft category.

Question 15Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What action should a pilot take on receiving a TCAS resolution advisory during flight?

  1. Turn off the transponder to silence the alert
  2. Descend immediately regardless of the advisory direction
  3. Follow the vertical guidance immediately and inform ATC Correct answer.
  4. Maintain the current flight path and ignore the advisory

Explanation

A resolution advisory requires immediate response to the indicated vertical manoeuvre, even before ATC is informed. The pilot then notifies ATC of the deviation. Ignoring the advisory or improvising a different manoeuvre defeats the collision-avoidance function.

Question 16Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

Which frequency is designated for emergency communications in civil aviation?

  1. 121.5 MHz Correct answer.
  2. 123.45 MHz
  3. 122.8 MHz
  4. 118.0 MHz

Explanation

The international aeronautical emergency frequency is 121.5 MHz, monitored for distress and urgency calls. Pilots in distress should transmit on this frequency if no other contact is possible. Other frequencies listed serve different purposes such as flight service or air-to-air use.

Question 17Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What does the distress signal MAYDAY indicate?

  1. A routine request for weather information
  2. A test transmission for radio checks
  3. A grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance Correct answer.
  4. An urgency situation that does not require immediate help

Explanation

MAYDAY announces distress, meaning the aircraft is threatened by grave and imminent danger and needs immediate assistance. It has priority over all other communications. The urgency signal PAN PAN covers serious situations that do not yet require immediate assistance.

Question 18Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

When should a pilot transmit PAN PAN?

  1. When requesting a frequency change
  2. When the aircraft is about to crash
  3. When concerned about safety but not in immediate danger Correct answer.
  4. When testing the radio before departure

Explanation

PAN PAN is the urgency signal, used when a situation is serious and safety is a concern but immediate assistance is not yet required. It has priority below distress but above routine traffic. If the situation deteriorates into grave danger, the pilot upgrades to MAYDAY.

Question 19Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What is the purpose of the transponder code 7700?

  1. To indicate radio failure
  2. To indicate an emergency Correct answer.
  3. To indicate unlawful interference
  4. To request a radar vector

Explanation

Squawking 7700 alerts ATC that the aircraft is in an emergency. It draws immediate controller attention and triggers priority handling. The codes 7600 and 7500 signal radio failure and unlawful interference respectively.

Question 20Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

An aircraft experiences total radio failure in VMC while approaching a controlled aerodrome. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Circle the tower until the radio is repaired
  2. Continue directly to the runway without any signal
  3. Squawk 7500 and climb to the highest available level
  4. Remain outside controlled airspace, land as soon as practicable and report to ATC Correct answer.

Explanation

With radio failure in visual conditions, the pilot should stay clear of controlled airspace, land at the nearest suitable aerodrome and notify ATC afterwards. Light signals from the tower may still be used to authorise landing. Continuing straight in without clearance creates conflict with other traffic.

Question 21Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What is the role of ANAC in Brazilian civil aviation?

  1. It provides air traffic control services directly
  2. It operates all public airports in the country
  3. It regulates and supervises civil aviation, including licensing and airworthiness Correct answer.
  4. It investigates accidents and issues licences together with the military

Explanation

ANAC is the civil aviation agency responsible for regulation and oversight, including pilot licensing and aircraft airworthiness certification. Air traffic control is provided by a separate organisation. Accident investigation is handled by another body.

Question 22Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What does the certificate of airworthiness confirm about an aircraft?

  1. That the aircraft has been sold to the current owner
  2. That it meets the applicable airworthiness requirements and is safe to operate Correct answer.
  3. That the aircraft is insured for commercial use
  4. That the pilot is qualified to fly it

Explanation

The certificate of airworthiness confirms that the aircraft conforms to its approved type design and meets the applicable airworthiness standards. It must remain valid through proper maintenance. It says nothing about pilot qualification or insurance.

Question 23Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

In the traffic pattern, what is the standard direction of turns unless otherwise published?

  1. Right turns
  2. Left turns Correct answer.
  3. Turns determined by wind direction each circuit
  4. Alternating left and right turns

Explanation

The standard traffic pattern uses left-hand turns unless the aerodrome publishes a right-hand pattern for noise or obstacle reasons. Pilots must check the published information before joining. Consistent direction keeps traffic predictable.

Question 24Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What is required before a sport pilot may carry passengers?

  1. Only the passenger's written consent
  2. The pilot must hold the appropriate licence privileges and recent experience Correct answer.
  3. A separate passenger-carrying rating issued by the airport
  4. A commercial operating certificate

Explanation

Carrying passengers requires that the pilot hold the licence privileges for passenger transport and meet recency requirements for recent flight experience. Passenger consent alone does not satisfy the regulatory conditions. Commercial certification applies only to commercial operations.

Question 25Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

What is the purpose of the aircraft registration certificate?

  1. To record the aircraft's nationality and identity for legal operation Correct answer.
  2. To record maintenance inspections performed
  3. To certify the pilot's medical fitness
  4. To authorise flight in all airspace classes

Explanation

The registration certificate establishes the aircraft's nationality and unique identity, allowing lawful operation under the state's mark. It must be carried on board. Maintenance records and pilot medical certification are separate documents.

Question 26Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

Under Brazilian regulations, which body is responsible for issuing the Aeronaut Pilot License and for regulating civil aviation sports activity?

  1. The aeroclub where the pilot trained
  2. The municipality where the aircraft is registered
  3. The Ministry of Defence through its air force command
  4. ANAC, the national civil aviation agency Correct answer.

Explanation

ANAC is the Brazilian civil aviation authority; it issues pilot licences and certificates and regulates the practice of aerodesport activity in accordance with the Brazilian Aeronautical Code and RBAC rules. Military command structures do not license civil sport pilots, and neither clubs nor municipalities have that authority.

Question 27Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

A sport pilot plans a flight and wants to know the validity period of the medical certificate required to exercise the privileges of the licence. Which document establishes that period?

  1. The aerodrome's operating hours notice
  2. The current RBAC rule on aeromedical certification Correct answer.
  3. The aircraft flight manual
  4. The pilot's logbook entries

Explanation

The validity of the aeromedical certificate is defined by the RBAC rule that governs aeromedical certification, and it varies with the pilot's age and the class of certificate. The flight manual, logbook and aerodrome notices contain no medical validity information.

Question 28Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

An aerodesport aircraft is operating near an uncontrolled aerodrome and the pilot wishes to announce position. Which frequency and procedure apply?

  1. The designated aerodrome frequency, with position and intentions stated in a standard broadcast Correct answer.
  2. The emergency frequency 121.5 MHz
  3. The tower frequency of the nearest international airport
  4. Any frequency chosen at random by the pilot

Explanation

At uncontrolled aerodromes, pilots broadcast their position and intentions on the published aerodrome frequency so other traffic can build situational awareness, following a standard phraseology. The emergency frequency and international tower frequencies are not used for routine position reporting.

Question 29Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

A pilot holds a valid sport pilot licence but has not flown for a long period. Which requirement must be satisfied before carrying passengers?

  1. A passenger must sign a waiver accepting all risk
  2. Currency requirements in the licence rules must be met, including recent experience and proficiency Correct answer.
  3. The aircraft must be repainted in a standard scheme
  4. Only a new medical examination is needed

Explanation

Before carrying passengers the pilot must satisfy the recency and proficiency requirements set out in the licensing rules, which typically include recent flight experience and, where applicable, a proficiency check. A medical examination alone does not restore passenger-carrying privileges, and waivers or paint schemes have no legal effect on currency.

Question 30Air Law, Regulations and ATC Procedures applicable to aerodesport activity

During a flight in controlled airspace, a pilot receives an instruction that conflicts with a terrain avoidance warning from the aircraft's equipment. What is the correct course of action?

  1. Switch off the warning system to avoid distraction
  2. Continue on the cleared route and report the warning after landing
  3. Follow the avoidance warning first, then advise ATC of the deviation as soon as practicable Correct answer.
  4. Comply immediately with the ATC instruction and ignore the warning

Explanation

When an airborne avoidance system issues a warning, the pilot must give it priority over ATC instructions, because immediate safety of the flight prevails, and then inform ATC of the deviation as soon as workload permits. Ignoring or disabling the warning removes the last barrier against controlled flight into terrain.

Question 31Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

In a conventional light aircraft, what is the primary function of the empennage?

  1. To absorb the landing loads during touchdown
  2. To generate the majority of the lift required for flight
  3. To provide longitudinal and directional stability and control Correct answer.
  4. To house the fuel tanks and electrical batteries

Explanation

The empennage is the tail assembly, comprising the horizontal stabilizer with elevator and the vertical fin with rudder. It provides pitch and yaw stability and allows the pilot to control the aircraft about the lateral and vertical axes. Lift generation is the wing's job, and landing loads are absorbed by the landing gear and fuselage structure.

Question 32Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

Which structural component of a semi-monocoque wing carries the bending loads along the span?

  1. The spar or spars Correct answer.
  2. The navigation light fairings
  3. The fabric covering
  4. The inspection panels

Explanation

In semi-monocoque construction the spars act as the main longitudinal beams of the wing and resist bending moments, while the skin and stringers carry shear and torsional loads. Ribs maintain the aerofoil shape and transfer loads between skin and spars. Fairings and panels are non-primary items.

Question 33Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

A pilot moves the control column forward. What happens to the elevator and to the aircraft's pitch attitude?

  1. The elevator trailing edge moves up and the nose pitches down
  2. The elevator trailing edge moves down and the nose pitches down Correct answer.
  3. The elevator trailing edge moves up and the nose pitches up
  4. The elevator trailing edge moves down and the nose pitches up

Explanation

Forward movement of the column lowers the elevator trailing edge, increasing lift on the tailplane and pushing the tail up, so the nose pitches down. This is the standard arrangement giving natural pitch response to the pilot's push. The reverse coupling would be a non-standard or reversed control system.

Question 34Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

Why do some light aircraft use differential aileron deflection?

  1. To trim the aircraft in the pitch axis
  2. To increase the maximum rate of climb
  3. To reduce the landing gear retraction time
  4. To reduce the adverse yaw produced when ailerons are applied Correct answer.

Explanation

The downgoing aileron produces more drag than the upgoing one, and this asymmetric drag yaws the nose away from the turn, an effect called adverse yaw. Differential linkage makes the upgoing aileron deflect more than the downgoing one, balancing the drag and reducing the yaw. Pitch trim and climb performance are unrelated to aileron differential.

Question 35Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What is the purpose of a wing stall strip fitted ahead of the wing root leading edge?

  1. To ensure the wing root stalls before the wing tips Correct answer.
  2. To prevent ice formation on the leading edge
  3. To increase the wing's maximum lift coefficient
  4. To reduce drag in the cruise configuration

Explanation

A small triangular strip disturbs the airflow at the leading edge so that the local section reaches its critical angle of attack earlier. This makes the inboard wing stall first, preserving aileron effectiveness and warning the pilot while retaining roll control. It does not increase maximum lift and is not an anti-icing device.

Question 36Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

In a simple spring-tab trimming system, what does the trim tab on the elevator do when the pilot selects nose-down trim?

  1. It locks the elevator in the neutral position
  2. It deflects upward, creating a tail-up force that lowers the nose Correct answer.
  3. It moves together with the elevator without affecting trim
  4. It deflects so as to create a tail-down force that raises the nose

Explanation

The trim tab is a small surface at the trailing edge of the elevator. Deflecting it upward produces a downward aerodynamic force on the tail, which pitches the nose down and relieves the control force the pilot must hold. The tab therefore works by changing the tailplane load, not by locking the elevator.

Question 37Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What is the function of an aircraft's pitot-static system?

  1. To provide electrical power to the flight instruments
  2. To measure the aircraft's magnetic heading
  3. To supply total and static pressure to the pressure instruments Correct answer.
  4. To indicate the rate of turn about the vertical axis

Explanation

The pitot tube faces the airflow and supplies total (stagnation) pressure, while the static ports supply ambient static pressure. The airspeed indicator uses the difference between the two, and the altimeter and vertical speed indicator use static pressure alone. Heading, turn rate and electrical supply come from other systems.

Question 38Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

An aircraft climbs at a constant indicated airspeed while the outside air temperature remains constant. What happens to the true airspeed?

  1. It decreases because the air becomes denser
  2. It stays exactly equal to the indicated airspeed
  3. It increases because the air density decreases with altitude Correct answer.
  4. It becomes equal to the groundspeed

Explanation

Indicated airspeed depends on dynamic pressure, which for a given IAS falls as air density decreases with altitude. To maintain the same dynamic pressure at a lower density the aircraft must move faster through the air, so true airspeed exceeds indicated airspeed and the gap grows with altitude. Groundspeed also depends on wind, so it is not automatically equal to TAS.

Question 39Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What does the white arc on a light aircraft's airspeed indicator represent?

  1. The normal operating range, from VS1 to VNO
  2. The flap operating range, from VS0 to VFE Correct answer.
  3. The never-exceed speed and the caution range
  4. The maximum speed for landing gear extension

Explanation

The white arc is bounded below by VS0, the stall speed in the landing configuration, and above by VFE, the maximum speed with flaps extended. The green arc covers the normal range from VS1 to VNO, and the yellow arc is the caution range up to VNE. Gear limiting speeds are marked separately, often by a red or other dedicated line.

Question 40Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

An altimeter set to the local QNH reads 2500 ft on the ground at an airfield. What does this reading represent?

  1. The pressure altitude of the airfield
  2. The true altitude above mean sea level
  3. The height of the aircraft above the surface
  4. The elevation of the airfield above mean sea level Correct answer.

Explanation

With QNH set, the altimeter indicates elevation above mean sea level, so on the ground it shows the airfield elevation. Height above the surface would require QFE, and pressure altitude requires 1013.25 hPa to be set. True altitude differs from indicated altitude when temperature is non-standard.

Question 41Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What is the source of the indication on a vertical speed indicator?

  1. The difference between pitot pressure and static pressure
  2. A calibrated leak that responds to the rate of change of static pressure Correct answer.
  3. A direct measurement of acceleration along the vertical axis
  4. A gyroscope that senses pitch rate

Explanation

The VSI compares the static pressure in a capsule with the pressure in a surrounding case connected through a calibrated leak. When the aircraft climbs or descends, the case pressure lags the capsule pressure, and the resulting differential drives the needle to show the rate of climb or descent. It therefore responds to the rate of change of static pressure, not to acceleration or pitot pressure.

Question 42Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

During a coordinated turn, what does the turn coordinator's miniature aircraft primarily indicate?

  1. The aircraft's angle of attack
  2. The rate of roll about the longitudinal axis
  3. The aircraft's pitch attitude
  4. The rate of yaw and the coordination of the turn Correct answer.

Explanation

The turn coordinator uses a canted rate gyro so that its miniature aircraft responds to both yaw and roll, showing the rate of turn and, through the ball, whether the turn is coordinated. Slip or skid is shown by the inclinometer ball. It does not display pitch attitude or angle of attack.

Question 43Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

Why must a magnetic compass be read in level, steady flight when a reliable heading is required?

  1. Because it indicates true heading rather than magnetic heading
  2. Because it requires electrical power from the alternator
  3. Because it is affected by turning and acceleration errors Correct answer.
  4. Because it only works when the engine is running

Explanation

The magnetic compass is subject to turning errors, caused by dip, and acceleration errors, caused by the compass card's centre of gravity being below the pivot. These errors appear during turns and speed changes, so the compass is most reliable in straight, level, unaccelerated flight. It is a self-contained magnetic instrument needing no electrical supply.

Question 44Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What is the purpose of the suction (vacuum) system in a light aircraft with gyroscopic instruments?

  1. To spin the gyroscopes of the attitude and heading indicators Correct answer.
  2. To pressurise the cabin at altitude
  3. To inflate the pneumatic de-icing boots only
  4. To operate the hydraulic brakes

Explanation

Air drawn through the instrument cases by an engine-driven vacuum pump spins the gyro rotors of the attitude indicator and heading indicator. Adequate suction is essential because the gyroscopes lose rigidity if rotor speed falls. Cabin pressurisation, de-icing boots and brakes are served by entirely separate systems.

Question 45Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

In a four-stroke reciprocating engine, during which stroke is the intake valve open and the piston moving downward?

  1. Intake stroke Correct answer.
  2. Power stroke
  3. Compression stroke
  4. Exhaust stroke

Explanation

During the intake stroke the piston moves down with the intake valve open, drawing the fuel-air mixture into the cylinder. The compression stroke has both valves closed as the piston rises, the power stroke follows ignition with the piston descending, and the exhaust stroke expels gases through the open exhaust valve.

Question 46Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What is the function of the magneto in a spark-ignition aircraft engine?

  1. To regulate the fuel-air mixture strength
  2. To drive the propeller governor
  3. To generate the high-tension voltage that fires the spark plugs Correct answer.
  4. To cool the cylinder heads

Explanation

A magneto is a self-contained, engine-driven generator that produces high voltage for the spark plugs, so the ignition does not depend on the aircraft battery. Two magnetos are normally fitted so that each cylinder has two plugs, improving combustion and providing redundancy. Mixture, propeller governing and cooling are separate functions.

Question 47Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

During a magneto check, the engine speed drops noticeably when switching from BOTH to the left magneto, but there is no drop on the right magneto. What is the most likely cause?

  1. The right magneto is faulty
  2. The engine is running too lean
  3. The left magneto is faulty or its timing is incorrect Correct answer.
  4. The propeller is out of balance

Explanation

A normal magneto check produces a small, similar drop on each magneto alone. An excessive drop on one magneto indicates that the corresponding ignition circuit is weak or mistimed, here the left magneto. A missing drop on the other magneto suggests its circuit may be inoperative, but the abnormal drop described points to the left side.

Question 48Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What is carburettor icing most likely to occur in a light aircraft?

  1. Only when flying in visible precipitation
  2. Only when the outside air temperature is below -20 degrees Celsius
  3. Only at full throttle in cruise
  4. When temperature and humidity conditions allow ice to form in the venturi Correct answer.

Explanation

As air accelerates through the carburettor venturi its pressure and temperature fall, and fuel vaporisation further cools the mixture. Ice can therefore form at ambient temperatures well above freezing, typically in humid conditions between about -10 and +25 degrees Celsius. Visible moisture is not required, and the risk is greatest at reduced power settings.

Question 49Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What is the purpose of carburettor heat in a light aircraft?

  1. To increase engine power during takeoff
  2. To supply warm air to the carburettor to melt or prevent ice Correct answer.
  3. To reduce fuel consumption in the cruise
  4. To cool the fuel before it enters the float chamber

Explanation

Carburettor heat routes air through a shroud around the exhaust muffler before it reaches the carburettor, raising the air temperature and melting or preventing ice. Because warm air is less dense, applying carburettor heat typically causes a small power loss. It is therefore a de-icing and anti-icing control, not a performance enhancement.

Question 50Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe, systems, instruments, powerplants)

What does the red line on a manifold pressure gauge indicate in a normally aspirated engine?

  1. The idle manifold pressure
  2. The oil pressure limit
  3. The maximum allowable manifold pressure for continuous operation Correct answer.
  4. The pressure at which the fuel pump fails

Explanation

The red radial line marks the maximum manifold pressure permitted, which corresponds to the full-throttle limit for the engine and must not be exceeded in operation. Exceeding it can cause detonation and excessive cylinder pressures. Idle pressure is low, and oil pressure is shown on a separate gauge.