MCAA ATPL Theory Exam flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

V1

V1 is the takeoff decision speed. If an engine fails before V1, the takeoff should be rejected; after V1, the takeoff is continued.

VMC minima below 10,000 ft

In ICAO airspace below 10,000 ft AMSL, flight visibility must be at least 5 km with 1,500 m horizontal and 300 m vertical distance from cloud.

Semicircular rule

IFR cruising levels use magnetic track: 000° to 179° use odd flight levels, and 180° to 359° use even flight levels.

QNH

QNH is the altimeter subscale setting that makes the altimeter indicate aerodrome elevation when the aircraft is on the ground at that aerodrome.

Density altitude

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. High density altitude reduces engine power, propeller thrust and lift, increasing takeoff and landing distances.

Induced drag

Induced drag is the drag caused by lift generation, mainly wingtip vortices. It is largest at low speed and high angle of attack and decreases as speed increases.

Critical angle of attack

The critical angle of attack is the angle at which the wing stalls. It is a fixed value for a given wing and does not change with weight, speed or load factor.

Time of useful consciousness FL350

At FL350, time of useful consciousness is about 30 to 60 seconds after sudden decompression. Oxygen must be used immediately to avoid incapacitation.

Somatogravic illusion

A somatogravic illusion is a false sensation of pitching up during forward acceleration or pitching down during deceleration, caused by otolith stimulation.

ISA sea-level values

International Standard Atmosphere sea-level values are 15°C, 1013.25 hPa and density 1.225 kg/m³; the tropospheric lapse rate is about 2°C per 1,000 ft.

Clear ice

Clear ice is a transparent, heavy icing deposit formed by large supercooled water droplets. It adheres strongly, adds significant weight and distorts the aerofoil.

Radiation fog

Radiation fog forms over land on clear, calm nights when the surface cools rapidly and the air reaches its dew point. It usually dissipates after sunrise.

1-in-60 rule

The 1-in-60 rule states that a 1° angular error produces a 1 nautical mile offset after 60 nautical miles. It is used for heading and tracking corrections.

Magnetic variation

Magnetic variation is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a given place. East variation is added to true bearing to obtain magnetic bearing.

RAIM

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring is a GNSS function that checks satellite signals for consistency and warns the user when integrity cannot be assured.

Mayday

MAYDAY is the international radiotelephony distress signal, spoken three times. It indicates grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.

Transponder code 7600

Setting transponder code 7600 indicates a radio communication failure. The pilot should continue according to the lost-communication procedure and watch for light signals.

8.33 kHz channel spacing

8.33 kHz spacing divides the VHF band into narrower channels to increase capacity. It is standard in European airspace above specified levels.

Outflow valve

The outflow valve controls cabin pressure by regulating the rate at which air leaves the pressurized fuselage. It maintains the selected cabin altitude and differential pressure.

Bypass ratio

Bypass ratio is the mass flow of air through the fan duct divided by the mass flow through the engine core. High bypass ratios improve propulsive efficiency.

Carburettor icing

Carburettor icing occurs when fuel vaporisation and pressure reduction cool the venturi below freezing. It is most likely at 0–15°C with high humidity.

Transformer-rectifier unit

A transformer-rectifier unit converts alternating current to direct current at the required voltage, typically supplying 28 V DC aircraft buses from AC generators.

Altimeter temperature error

In colder than standard air, the altimeter over-reads: the aircraft is lower than indicated. In warmer air it under-reads. This is the high-to-low danger.

MEL

The Minimum Equipment List specifies equipment that may be inoperative for dispatch, subject to defined conditions and limitations. It is approved by the authority.

Sterile cockpit

The sterile cockpit rule forbids non-essential conversation and activity during taxi, takeoff, approach and landing to keep attention on flying and monitoring.

Load factor in level turn

In a level turn, load factor n equals 1 divided by the cosine of the bank angle. A 60° bank gives a load factor of 2.

Transponder code 7700

Transponder code 7700 indicates a general emergency. It should be selected when the aircraft is in immediate danger and requires priority assistance from air traffic control.

VOR

VOR is a VHF navigation aid transmitting radials in the 108.0–117.95 MHz band. The receiver indicates the magnetic bearing from the station.

Transition altitude

Transition altitude is the altitude at or below which the altimeter is set to QNH. Above it, the standard pressure setting of 1013.25 hPa is used.

Mach tuck

Mach tuck is a nose-down pitching tendency at high Mach number caused by rearward movement of the centre of pressure and shock-wave effects on the tailplane.

Runway holding position

A runway holding position marking consists of two solid and two dashed yellow lines. Do not cross the solid lines without ATC clearance.

PAN-PAN

PAN-PAN is the urgency signal, spoken three times. It indicates an urgent situation that does not yet require immediate distress assistance.