CARC CPL Theory flashcards
CARC CPL Theory · Build recall with a focused review session.
33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Class A airspace
- Controlled airspace in which only IFR flights are permitted; all aircraft require an ATC clearance and separation is provided to all flights.
- Class G airspace
- Uncontrolled airspace where both IFR and VFR flights may operate without ATC clearance; separation is the pilot's responsibility.
- Squawk 7700
- Transponder code signalling a general emergency; selected when the aircraft is in distress and requires immediate assistance from ATC.
- Right-of-way rule
- When two aircraft converge at the same level, the one on the right has right-of-way; head-on both turn right; the overtaken aircraft keeps right-of-way.
- Wing loading
- Aircraft weight divided by wing area; higher values increase stall speed and take-off distance but improve ride in turbulence.
- Aspect ratio
- Wing span squared divided by wing area; higher aspect ratio reduces induced drag and is typical of gliders and long-range aircraft.
- Carburettor icing
- Ice forming in the carburettor venturi, most likely between −5 °C and +15 °C with high humidity; causes power loss and rough running.
- Detonation
- Uncontrolled explosive combustion of the fuel-air charge after spark ignition; causes high cylinder head temperatures, power loss and possible engine damage.
- Pitot-static system
- System supplying static pressure to the altimeter, vertical speed indicator and airspeed indicator, and pitot (total) pressure to the airspeed indicator only.
- Density altitude
- Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature; high density altitude reduces engine power, lift and climb performance and lengthens take-off runs.
- Load factor in a turn
- Load factor equals one divided by the cosine of the bank angle; at 60 degrees bank it is 2 and stall speed rises by about 41 percent.
- Centre of gravity limits
- Forward limit increases stall speed and reduces elevator authority; aft limit reduces longitudinal stability and can cause uncontrollable pitch-up.
- Maximum range speed
- Speed near the best lift-to-drag ratio, giving the greatest distance per unit of fuel; maximum endurance occurs at minimum power speed.
- Moment calculation
- Each item's weight multiplied by its arm from the datum; total moment divided by total weight gives the centre of gravity position.
- Time of useful consciousness
- Period after loss of cabin pressure before a pilot becomes incapable; about 1 to 2 minutes at 25,000 ft and seconds at 40,000 ft.
- Hyperventilation
- Excessive breathing rate causing dizziness and tingling; treat by slowing breathing, and assume hypoxia if uncertain and use oxygen.
- Somatogravic illusion
- False sensation of pitching up during acceleration, causing the pilot to push forward; trust the instruments rather than body sensations.
- IMSAFE checklist
- Pre-flight self-assessment of Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue and Emotion/Eating to determine fitness to fly.
- DECIDE model
- Decision-making model: Detect the change, Estimate its effect, Choose an outcome, Identify actions, Do the actions, Evaluate the results.
- International Standard Atmosphere
- Sea level temperature 15 °C, pressure 1013.25 hPa, with a lapse rate of 1.98 °C per 1,000 ft up to the tropopause.
- QNH versus QFE
- QNH is pressure reduced to sea level and reads elevation on the ground; QFE is pressure at the aerodrome and reads zero on the ground.
- Radiation fog
- Fog forming on clear, calm nights as the ground cools the air to saturation; dissipates after sunrise as the surface warms.
- Freezing rain
- Rain falling from a warm layer into sub-freezing air; it indicates severe structural icing risk for aircraft flying through that layer.
- Wind veering with height
- In the Northern Hemisphere friction layer, wind direction turns clockwise with increasing altitude and speed increases toward the geostrophic value.
- 1 in 60 rule
- A lateral error of one nautical mile over a distance of 60 nautical miles corresponds to a track error of one degree.
- Magnetic variation
- Angular difference between true north and magnetic north; east variation is added to true bearing to obtain magnetic bearing.
- VOR radial
- Magnetic bearing from the VOR station to the aircraft; the receiver displays the selected radial and a left-right deviation indicator.
- ILS categories
- Category I has a 200 ft decision height, Category II 100 ft, and Category III allows lower or zero decision heights with automatic landing.
- Great circle
- Shortest path between two points on a sphere; its track changes continuously except along the equator or a meridian.
- MAYDAY call
- International distress signal transmitted three times, followed by callsign and nature of distress, used when in grave and imminent danger.
- PAN-PAN call
- International urgency signal transmitted three times, used for urgent situations that do not yet require immediate distress assistance.
- Radio failure code
- Squawk 7600 indicates communication failure; the pilot follows the last clearance, VMC rules if possible, and lands at a suitable aerodrome.
- Readback requirement
- Pilots must read back clearances, runway assignments, altimeter settings, headings, altitudes and frequencies to confirm correct understanding.