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NCAA Namibia PPL Theory study materials
NCAA Namibia PPL Theory study resources

NCAA Namibia PPL Theory practice questions

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Question 1Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

Under the Namibia Civil Aviation Act, which body is empowered to make civil aviation regulations and to issue air operator certificates?

  1. The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, acting through its Director of Civil Aviation Correct answer.
  2. The Windhoek municipal airport committee
  3. The Namibian Air Force operations command
  4. The Ministry of Works and Transport's road transport inspectorate

Explanation

The Namibia Civil Aviation Act establishes the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority as the regulator, and the Director of Civil Aviation exercises the regulatory and certification powers, including the issue of air operator certificates. The other bodies listed have no statutory role in civil aviation regulation.

Question 2Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

For a private pilot licence issued in Namibia, which document class certifies that the holder meets the medical fitness standard required to exercise the licence privileges?

  1. A general practitioner's sick note
  2. A valid class 1 medical certificate
  3. A company occupational health clearance
  4. A valid class 2 medical certificate Correct answer.

Explanation

Private pilot licence privileges require the holder to hold a current class 2 medical certificate issued or validated in accordance with the Namibian medical requirements. A class 1 certificate is the higher commercial standard, while informal notes and occupational clearances are not aviation medical certificates.

Question 3Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot plans a flight under visual flight rules and wants to know the minimum flight visibility required for a VFR flight at a low altitude in controlled airspace. Which publication is the primary source for this requirement in Namibia?

  1. The aircraft flight manual limitations section
  2. The pilot's personal logbook endorsements
  3. The Namibian civil aviation regulations on rules of the air Correct answer.
  4. The aerodrome's published landing fees schedule

Explanation

Minimum flight visibility and distance-from-cloud criteria for VFR flight are set out in the Namibian civil aviation regulations dealing with rules of the air, which adopt ICAO Annex 2 standards. The flight manual covers aircraft limitations, not airspace weather minima.

Question 4Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

In Namibia, what is the normal period of validity of a private pilot licence for a holder under 40 years of age, subject to the licence remaining current?

  1. It remains valid indefinitely with no renewal
  2. It is valid for 10 years from the date of issue Correct answer.
  3. It expires at the end of each calendar year
  4. It is valid for 5 years from the date of issue

Explanation

Namibian licensing requirements follow the common ICAO practice of issuing a private pilot licence with a validity period of ten years for holders under 40, after which renewal is required. The shorter periods and indefinite validity are not consistent with that standard.

Question 5Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

What is the purpose of the certificate of registration issued for a Namibian-registered aircraft?

  1. It records the aircraft's airworthiness status and maintenance release
  2. It authorises the operator to conduct commercial air transport
  3. It identifies the aircraft and establishes its nationality and registration marks Correct answer.
  4. It confirms the pilot's competency for the aircraft type

Explanation

The certificate of registration is the document that records the aircraft on the national register and establishes its nationality and registration marks. Airworthiness, operating authorisation and pilot competency are covered by separate documents.

Question 6Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

Which of the following documents must be carried on board a Namibian private aircraft on an international flight?

  1. The aircraft maintenance workshop's internal quality manual
  2. The operator's fuel supplier invoices
  3. The certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness and crew licences Correct answer.
  4. The pilot's secondary school certificates

Explanation

International flights require the aircraft's registration and airworthiness certificates together with the crew licences to be carried on board, in line with the documents listed in the Namibian regulations and ICAO Annex 6. Internal manuals, invoices and academic records are not carriage documents.

Question 7Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

When two aircraft are approaching head-on or nearly head-on and there is risk of collision, what does the Namibian rules of the air require each pilot to do?

  1. The lower aircraft climbs and the higher aircraft descends
  2. Both maintain heading and reduce speed
  3. Both alter course to the left
  4. Both alter course to the right Correct answer.

Explanation

The collision avoidance rules require each aircraft to alter heading to the right when meeting head-on, so that the aircraft pass port side to port side. Altering left or changing level in this situation would increase the risk of collision.

Question 8Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

What does an aircraft's certificate of airworthiness confirm to a pilot before flight?

  1. That the aerodrome of departure meets rescue and firefighting requirements
  2. That the pilot has completed the required number of hours
  3. That the aircraft conforms to an approved type design and is maintained in an airworthy condition Correct answer.
  4. That the aircraft is insured for the planned route

Explanation

The certificate of airworthiness confirms that the aircraft conforms to an approved type design and is maintained in accordance with the approved maintenance programme so that it remains airworthy. Insurance, pilot experience and aerodrome services are separate matters.

Question 9Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A private pilot intends to carry passengers on a flight from Windhoek to a nearby private strip. Under Namibian regulations, which condition must be satisfied for the flight to be lawful as a private operation?

  1. The pilot must hold a commercial pilot licence
  2. The aircraft must be operated under an air operator certificate
  3. The passengers must sign a liability waiver before boarding
  4. The flight must be conducted without remuneration or hire for the aircraft or pilot Correct answer.

Explanation

A private pilot licence permits the carriage of passengers only where the flight is not conducted for remuneration or hire, whether for the aircraft or the pilot. Commercial operations require a commercial licence and an air operator certificate, and a waiver does not convert a commercial flight into a private one.

Question 10Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot's class 2 medical certificate lapses while the licence remains otherwise valid. What is the effect on the pilot's privilege to act as pilot-in-command of a private aircraft?

  1. The pilot may not exercise the privileges of the licence until a valid medical certificate is held Correct answer.
  2. The pilot may fly only with another pilot on board
  3. The pilot may fly solo but not carry passengers
  4. The pilot may continue until the next scheduled licence renewal

Explanation

The privileges of a pilot licence may be exercised only while the holder meets the medical fitness requirement, so a lapsed class 2 certificate suspends the privilege to act as pilot-in-command. There is no partial privilege allowing solo flight or flight with another pilot on board.

Question 11Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

An aircraft is being overtaken by another aircraft. Under the rules of the air applied in Namibia, which aircraft has the right of way and what must the overtaking aircraft do?

  1. The faster aircraft always has right of way regardless of position
  2. The overtaking aircraft has right of way and the other aircraft must give way
  3. The aircraft being overtaken has right of way and the overtaking aircraft must keep clear Correct answer.
  4. Both aircraft must alter course to the right simultaneously

Explanation

The aircraft being overtaken has the right of way, and the overtaking aircraft must keep well clear by altering heading to the right until entirely past and clear. Speed alone does not confer right of way, and simultaneous turns by both aircraft are not required.

Question 12Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot discovers before departure that a required instrument or equipment item listed in the aircraft's minimum equipment list is unserviceable and is not covered by an approved deferral. What is the correct regulatory position?

  1. The aircraft may depart if the pilot records the defect in the technical log
  2. The aircraft may depart if the flight remains within Namibian airspace
  3. The aircraft may depart provided the flight is conducted in daylight
  4. The aircraft must not depart until the defect is rectified or an approved deferral is in place Correct answer.

Explanation

Where an item required for the intended flight is unserviceable and no approved deferral under the minimum equipment list applies, the aircraft is not airworthy for that flight and must not depart. Recording the defect or restricting the route or time of day does not substitute for an approved deferral.

Question 13Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

Which of the following best describes the role of the Namibian civil aviation regulations with respect to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices?

  1. They give effect to ICAO standards within the national legal framework, with any differences notified Correct answer.
  2. They are advisory guidance with no legal force
  3. They replace ICAO standards entirely with purely national rules
  4. They apply only to foreign aircraft operating into Namibia

Explanation

As an ICAO contracting state, Namibia implements the standards through its national civil aviation regulations, and any differences from ICAO provisions are notified to ICAO. The regulations are legally binding and apply to Namibian and, where relevant, foreign aircraft.

Question 14Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

An accident occurs involving a Namibian-registered aircraft. Which body is responsible for conducting the safety investigation under the Namibian civil aviation framework?

  1. The aerodrome operator where the accident occurred
  2. The aircraft operator's safety department
  3. The insurance company's loss adjuster
  4. The accident investigation authority established under the civil aviation framework Correct answer.

Explanation

Safety investigations are conducted by the designated accident investigation authority, which operates independently of the regulator and the operator in order to determine causes and prevent recurrence. Operators, insurers and aerodrome operators may provide information but do not conduct the statutory investigation.

Question 15Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

Before operating into an aerodrome with an unlicensed or private status, what should the pilot-in-command confirm regarding the flight?

  1. That the aerodrome has a control tower in operation
  2. That performance, obstacle and surface information is adequate for the intended aircraft and that the operation is permitted Correct answer.
  3. That the aerodrome charges the same fees as a licensed international airport
  4. That the aerodrome is listed in a commercial airline timetable

Explanation

For an unlicensed or private aerodrome the pilot-in-command must satisfy themselves that the available information on runway length, surface, obstacles and performance is sufficient for a safe operation and that the use of the site is permitted. A control tower, airline timetable listing or fee parity is not a regulatory requirement.

Question 16Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

What is the significance of the aircraft's nationality mark and registration mark combination displayed on a Namibian aircraft?

  1. It certifies the aircraft's maintenance release status
  2. It records the aircraft's radio station licence number
  3. It uniquely identifies the aircraft and shows the state of registry Correct answer.
  4. It indicates the aircraft's maximum take-off mass category

Explanation

The nationality mark identifies the state of registry and, combined with the registration mark, uniquely identifies the individual aircraft, in accordance with the Namibian marking requirements. Mass category, maintenance status and radio licensing are recorded elsewhere.

Question 17Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot holds a Namibian PPL and wishes to add a night rating. What is the general regulatory requirement before the privilege may be exercised?

  1. Completion of the required night flight training and demonstration of competence, with the rating entered on the licence Correct answer.
  2. A minimum of 500 total flying hours
  3. Approval from the aircraft's insurer
  4. A class 1 medical certificate

Explanation

A night rating requires the specified dual and solo night flight training and a demonstration of the required competencies before the rating is endorsed on the licence. High total hours, a class 1 medical or insurer approval are not the regulatory basis for the rating.

Question 18Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot is planning a flight and the destination aerodrome forecast indicates conditions below the required minima at the expected time of arrival. What does the applicable Namibian operating requirement demand of the pilot?

  1. The flight may depart if the pilot has previously landed at the destination
  2. The flight may depart only if sufficient fuel is carried to proceed to a suitable alternate Correct answer.
  3. The flight may depart if the pilot intends to hold overhead the destination
  4. The flight may depart if the aircraft is equipped with a GPS receiver

Explanation

Where the destination forecast does not meet the required planning minima, the flight must be planned with an alternate aerodrome and sufficient fuel to reach it. Holding overhead, carrying a GPS receiver or previous experience at the destination does not satisfy the planning requirement.

Question 19Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

Under the Namibian regulations, which of the following is a condition for a pilot to log flight time as pilot-in-command?

  1. The pilot paid an equal share of the operating costs
  2. The pilot was the sole manipulator of the controls for the whole flight
  3. The pilot occupied a passenger seat with the controls in reach
  4. The pilot was designated as pilot-in-command for the flight and acted in that capacity Correct answer.

Explanation

Flight time may be logged as pilot-in-command where the pilot is designated as pilot-in-command for the flight and acts in that capacity, which for a private flight means being responsible for the aircraft throughout. Manipulating the controls alone, sitting near the controls or sharing costs does not establish pilot-in-command status.

Question 20Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

What is the primary purpose of the Namibian regulations governing the carriage of dangerous goods by air?

  1. To permit any dangerous goods to be carried on passenger flights without restriction
  2. To maximise the commercial revenue of cargo operators
  3. To transfer responsibility for dangerous goods entirely to the shipper
  4. To ensure dangerous goods are safely classified, packed, marked, labelled and carried in accordance with technical instructions Correct answer.

Explanation

The dangerous goods requirements implement the ICAO Technical Instructions so that hazardous items are correctly classified, packed, marked, labelled, documented and stowed, protecting the aircraft and occupants. They are safety rules, not revenue measures, and responsibility is shared between shipper, operator and crew.

Question 21Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

An aircraft on approach experiences a radio communication failure in controlled airspace under VFR conditions. What is the standard action required of the pilot under the rules of the air?

  1. Continue to the destination, land and report the failure to air traffic control without delay Correct answer.
  2. Circle the aerodrome indefinitely until radio contact is restored
  3. Descend immediately below controlled airspace and proceed visually without further action
  4. Return to the departure aerodrome and shut down the aircraft without notifying anyone

Explanation

In visual meteorological conditions a pilot experiencing communication failure should continue the flight in accordance with the applicable rules, maintain a lookout, land as soon as practicable and report the failure to air traffic control promptly. Circling indefinitely, descending without coordination or departing without notification are not the prescribed responses.

Question 22Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot operating a Namibian-registered aircraft is asked by the regulator to produce the aircraft technical log and maintenance records. What is the regulatory basis for this request?

  1. Records need only be produced after an accident has occurred
  2. Records may be replaced by a verbal assurance from the maintenance organisation
  3. Records may be withheld because they are the operator's commercial property
  4. The regulator has authority to inspect and require production of records to verify continuing airworthiness Correct answer.

Explanation

The Director of Civil Aviation has the authority to inspect aircraft, documents and records in order to verify continuing airworthiness and compliance. Records cannot be withheld on grounds of ownership, are not limited to post-accident situations, and a verbal assurance does not replace the required records.

Question 23Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

Two aircraft are converging at approximately the same level, one approaching from the right of the other. Which aircraft has the right of way under the rules of the air?

  1. The aircraft that first established radio contact with air traffic control
  2. The aircraft approaching from the right Correct answer.
  3. The aircraft with the higher maximum take-off mass
  4. The aircraft that is faster

Explanation

When two aircraft converge at approximately the same level, the aircraft that has the other on its right must give way, so the aircraft approaching from the right has the right of way. Speed, mass and radio contact order do not determine right of way.

Question 24Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A licensed pilot is convicted of an offence involving the operation of an aircraft while impaired. What is the most likely regulatory consequence for the licence?

  1. The licence may be suspended or revoked by the Director of Civil Aviation in addition to any court penalty Correct answer.
  2. The pilot is required only to complete an additional medical examination
  3. No consequence, since the offence is dealt with only by the courts
  4. The licence is automatically converted to a student pilot licence

Explanation

The Director of Civil Aviation may suspend, revoke or vary a licence where the holder is shown not to be a fit and proper person or to have breached the regulations, and this is separate from any criminal penalty imposed by a court. Conversion of the licence or a medical examination alone does not reflect the regulatory sanction available.

Question 25Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot intends to operate an aircraft that has been modified by the installation of non-standard equipment. What must be established before the aircraft may be flown?

  1. That the modification is visually inspected by the pilot before each flight
  2. That the modification is approved and the aircraft remains in conformity with its approved type design or an approved change Correct answer.
  3. That the modification was carried out by any licensed engineer without documentation
  4. That the modification is recorded only in the pilot's logbook

Explanation

Any modification must be approved and incorporated so that the aircraft continues to conform to its approved type design or an approved change to it, with the associated documentation and weight and balance revision. Undocumented work, a logbook note or a pre-flight visual check does not establish approval.

Question 26Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

Under the Namibian civil aviation framework, which document establishes the primary statutory basis for regulating civil aviation and gives effect to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention)?

  1. The operator's maintenance control manual
  2. The Namibian Civil Aviation Act Correct answer.
  3. The Air Navigation Regulations alone
  4. The aircraft's certificate of registration

Explanation

The Namibian Civil Aviation Act is the principal statute that empowers the State to regulate civil aviation and to give effect to Namibia's obligations under the Chicago Convention. The regulations are subordinate instruments made under that Act, and aircraft documents or company manuals are not sources of statutory authority.

Question 27Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A Namibian PPL holder wants to exercise the privileges of the licence. Which combination of conditions must generally be satisfied for the licence to be valid for flight?

  1. A current medical certificate plus a commercial pilot licence
  2. A valid radio licence and a current passport
  3. Only a valid type rating on the aircraft, with medical currency deferred to the operator
  4. A current medical certificate appropriate to the licence and a valid rating for the aircraft being flown Correct answer.

Explanation

A licence is only exercisable when the holder meets both medical fitness requirements and holds the appropriate aircraft rating for the flight. Losing either element means the privileges cannot lawfully be exercised even if the licence booklet itself remains unexpired.

Question 28Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot plans a flight and the aircraft's minimum equipment list permits dispatch with a particular instrument inoperative, subject to specified conditions. What is the pilot's correct course of action under the Namibian regulations?

  1. Dispatch is permitted only if the stated conditions and any operational limitations in the list are complied with Correct answer.
  2. Dispatch is permitted because any item on the minimum equipment list may be ignored at the pilot's discretion
  3. Dispatch is permitted provided the flight is conducted at night
  4. Dispatch is prohibited in all cases until the item is repaired

Explanation

A minimum equipment list allows operation with specified items inoperative only when the associated conditions and limitations are met. The pilot must verify that those conditions can be satisfied for the planned flight before departure, otherwise the aircraft is unairworthy for that flight.

Question 29Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

An incident occurs during flight and the pilot must decide whether it is reportable to the Namibian authorities. Which principle best guides that decision?

  1. Reporting is made only to the aircraft manufacturer, not to the State
  2. Reporting is voluntary and may be omitted if the pilot considers the event minor
  3. Only occurrences that cause injury or structural damage ever require a report
  4. Reportable occurrences are those defined in the regulations, and the pilot must report within the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner Correct answer.

Explanation

The regulations define which occurrences are reportable and set out the time limits and method of notification. The pilot's personal view of severity does not displace that defined list, and reports go to the State authority rather than solely to a manufacturer.

Question 30Air Law (Namibia Civil Aviation Act and Regulations)

A pilot is unsure whether a particular activity falls within the privileges of a Namibian PPL. Which approach best reflects how the regulations are to be interpreted?

  1. The activity is permitted if the aircraft owner gives written consent
  2. The activity is permitted only if it falls within the privileges expressly conferred, with anything beyond those privileges requiring an additional rating or licence Correct answer.
  3. The activity is permitted whenever the pilot holds a valid medical certificate
  4. The activity is permitted if another pilot on board holds a higher licence

Explanation

Aviation licensing is permissive: a pilot may exercise only the privileges expressly attached to the licence held, and anything outside them requires the appropriate additional licence or rating. Consent from an owner or the presence of a more qualified pilot does not extend the privileges of the licence holder.

Question 31Aircraft General Knowledge

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

  1. To carry the engine mount and nose landing gear
  2. To house the fuel tanks and wing spar carry-through
  3. To provide pitch and yaw stability and control Correct answer.
  4. To generate most of the aircraft's lift

Explanation

The empennage is the tail assembly, comprising the horizontal stabiliser with elevator and the vertical fin with rudder. It provides longitudinal (pitch) and directional (yaw) stability and control rather than lift or fuel storage. Lift is generated mainly by the wing, and the engine mount and tanks are located elsewhere.

Question 32Aircraft General Knowledge

Which control surface on a light aeroplane is used to control roll about the longitudinal axis?

  1. The elevator
  2. The rudder
  3. The ailerons Correct answer.
  4. The flaps

Explanation

Ailerons are hinged at the trailing edge of each wing and move in opposite directions to produce differential lift and hence roll about the longitudinal axis. The elevator controls pitch about the lateral axis and the rudder controls yaw about the normal axis. Flaps increase lift and drag for takeoff and landing but are not primary roll controls.

Question 33Aircraft General Knowledge

What is the purpose of dihedral angle in a wing design?

  1. To improve longitudinal stability
  2. To provide lateral stability in a sideslip Correct answer.
  3. To increase the stalling angle of attack
  4. To reduce induced drag at high speed

Explanation

Dihedral is the upward angle of the wings from the root to the tip. In a sideslip, the lower wing meets the airflow at a higher effective angle of attack and produces more lift, creating a rolling moment that tends to level the wings. This provides positive lateral (roll) stability.

Question 34Aircraft General Knowledge

A pilot notices the aircraft tends to return to its original pitch attitude after a small disturbance with the controls free. This indicates positive stability about which axis?

  1. The lateral axis Correct answer.
  2. The longitudinal axis
  3. The vertical axis
  4. The normal axis

Explanation

Pitch is rotation about the lateral (transverse) axis, running from wingtip to wingtip. A tendency to return to the trimmed pitch attitude after a disturbance is positive longitudinal stability. Roll stability acts about the longitudinal axis and yaw stability about the normal axis.

Question 35Aircraft General Knowledge

Which of the following best describes the function of a carburettor heat control in a piston engine?

  1. It heats the oil to improve lubrication at start-up
  2. It warms the fuel before it enters the float chamber
  3. It supplies heated air to the venturi to prevent or clear carburettor icing Correct answer.
  4. It cools the induction air to increase charge density

Explanation

Carburettor heat directs air over an exhaust-heated muff around the carburettor, warming the induction air. This prevents ice forming in the venturi and can melt ice that has already formed. It does not heat the fuel itself or cool the charge, and oil heating is a separate system.

Question 36Aircraft General Knowledge

During a magneto check, the engine runs rough when the ignition switch is selected to the LEFT magneto position. What is the most likely cause?

  1. A faulty vacuum pump
  2. A blocked fuel vent
  3. A fault in the left magneto or its harness
  4. A fault in the right magneto or its harness Correct answer.

Explanation

When the LEFT position is selected, the left magneto is earthed out and the engine runs on the right magneto alone. Rough running therefore indicates a problem with the right magneto or its ignition leads. The left magneto is not being tested in that selection.

Question 37Aircraft General Knowledge

What is the purpose of the mixture control in a piston engine aircraft?

  1. To control the propeller pitch
  2. To adjust the ratio of fuel to air entering the engine Correct answer.
  3. To regulate the oil pressure
  4. To set the engine idle speed

Explanation

The mixture control adjusts the fuel-to-air ratio in the carburettor or fuel injection unit. Leaning the mixture as altitude increases compensates for decreasing air density and improves efficiency. Idle speed is set by the throttle stop, propeller pitch by the propeller control, and oil pressure by the oil system.

Question 38Aircraft General Knowledge

Which instrument indicates the rotational speed of the engine crankshaft?

  1. The manifold pressure gauge
  2. The tachometer Correct answer.
  3. The altimeter
  4. The airspeed indicator

Explanation

The tachometer displays engine crankshaft speed, usually in revolutions per minute. It is used to set takeoff, climb and cruise power. The manifold pressure gauge indicates induction pressure in inches of mercury, while the airspeed indicator and altimeter are flight instruments.

Question 39Aircraft General Knowledge

A fixed-pitch propeller is described as having a fine pitch. What effect does this have compared with a coarse pitch?

  1. Higher blade angle, better cruise efficiency
  2. Lower blade angle, better acceleration and climb performance Correct answer.
  3. Higher blade angle, shorter takeoff roll
  4. Lower blade angle, higher top speed

Explanation

Fine pitch means a small blade angle, so each revolution advances the propeller a shorter distance. This allows the engine to reach higher RPM and produce good acceleration and climb performance. Coarse pitch has a larger blade angle and favours cruise speed.

Question 40Aircraft General Knowledge

What is the function of a constant-speed propeller governor?

  1. To synchronise the engine with the magnetos
  2. To maintain a selected engine RPM by varying blade angle Correct answer.
  3. To limit manifold pressure during descent
  4. To feather the propeller automatically at shutdown

Explanation

The governor senses engine RPM and adjusts oil pressure to the propeller hub to change blade angle. If RPM tends to rise, blade angle increases to load the engine; if RPM falls, blade angle decreases. This maintains the RPM selected by the pilot.

Question 41Aircraft General Knowledge

Which of the following is a primary flight control?

  1. The trim tab
  2. The elevator Correct answer.
  3. The flap
  4. The spoiler

Explanation

Primary flight controls are the elevator, ailerons and rudder, which control pitch, roll and yaw respectively. Trim tabs, flaps and spoilers are secondary or auxiliary controls that modify the aircraft's configuration or reduce control forces.

Question 42Aircraft General Knowledge

What is the purpose of an aircraft's static dischargers (static wicks)?

  1. To reduce drag at the wingtips
  2. To improve radio reception range
  3. To reduce static electricity build-up and discharge it safely into the atmosphere Correct answer.
  4. To provide a lightning path to the ground

Explanation

Static dischargers are small pointed devices on trailing edges that bleed off accumulated static charge. This prevents interference with radio communications caused by corona discharge. They are not a lightning protection path and do not reduce drag or improve reception.

Question 43Aircraft General Knowledge

An aircraft electrical system uses a 12-volt battery and a 60-ampere alternator. What does the ammeter indicate during normal flight?

  1. The engine RPM
  2. The battery voltage
  3. The current flowing into or out of the battery Correct answer.
  4. The alternator field resistance

Explanation

The ammeter shows the current flow in the electrical system, typically indicating whether the battery is being charged or discharged. A positive reading shows charging current from the alternator; a negative reading shows discharge. Voltage is shown by a separate voltmeter.

Question 44Aircraft General Knowledge

What is the primary purpose of the aircraft's hydraulic system on a light training aeroplane?

  1. To provide fuel to the engine
  2. To operate landing gear, flaps or brakes where fitted Correct answer.
  3. To cool the engine during climb
  4. To pressurise the cabin at altitude

Explanation

Hydraulic systems transmit force through an incompressible fluid to operate components such as retractable landing gear, flaps and brakes. Cabin pressurisation, engine cooling and fuel delivery are handled by separate systems.

Question 45Aircraft General Knowledge

The pitot-static system supplies pressure to which of the following instruments?

  1. The tachometer and fuel gauge
  2. The turn coordinator and heading indicator
  3. The altimeter, airspeed indicator and vertical speed indicator Correct answer.
  4. The oil pressure and oil temperature gauges

Explanation

The altimeter, airspeed indicator and vertical speed indicator all use static pressure, and the airspeed indicator also uses pitot (total) pressure. Gyroscopic instruments such as the turn coordinator and heading indicator are driven by vacuum or electricity. Engine gauges are independent of the pitot-static system.

Question 46Aircraft General Knowledge

If the pitot tube becomes blocked by ice during climb while the static port remains clear, what will the airspeed indicator show?

  1. Zero airspeed
  2. A steadily decreasing airspeed
  3. A constant airspeed regardless of actual speed
  4. A steadily increasing airspeed Correct answer.

Explanation

With a blocked pitot, total pressure in the pitot line remains fixed at the value when the blockage occurred. As the aircraft climbs, static pressure falls, so the indicated difference between pitot and static pressure increases. The airspeed indicator therefore reads progressively higher, acting like an altimeter.

Question 47Aircraft General Knowledge

What does the altimeter indicate when set to the local QNH?

  1. Height above the aerodrome
  2. Height above mean sea level Correct answer.
  3. Height above the aircraft
  4. Height above the transition level

Explanation

With QNH set, the altimeter indicates altitude above mean sea level at the aircraft's position. QFE gives height above the aerodrome reference point, and QNE (standard pressure) is used above the transition altitude. Height above the aircraft is not a meaningful altimeter reading.

Question 48Aircraft General Knowledge

Which of the following describes the effect of a headwind on the takeoff ground roll of a light aeroplane?

  1. It increases the ground roll
  2. It decreases the ground roll Correct answer.
  3. It increases the rate of climb only
  4. It has no effect on ground roll

Explanation

A headwind provides a component of airspeed before the aircraft begins its ground roll. The aircraft reaches flying speed at a lower ground speed, so the ground roll and takeoff distance are reduced. A tailwind has the opposite effect.

Question 49Aircraft General Knowledge

What is meant by the centre of gravity (CG) of an aircraft?

  1. The point where all aerodynamic forces act
  2. The point where the engine thrust is applied
  3. The point through which the total weight of the aircraft acts Correct answer.
  4. The geometric centre of the wing

Explanation

The centre of gravity is the point through which the total weight of the aircraft acts. Its position relative to the aerodynamic centre determines longitudinal stability and control. The centre of pressure is where the resultant aerodynamic force acts, and it moves with angle of attack.

Question 50Aircraft General Knowledge

An aircraft is loaded such that its CG is behind the aft limit. What is the most significant consequence?

  1. An increased rate of climb
  2. Increased longitudinal stability and heavier control forces
  3. Reduced longitudinal stability and possible loss of control Correct answer.
  4. A reduced stalling speed

Explanation

Moving the CG aft reduces the restoring moment about the lateral axis, decreasing longitudinal stability and lightening elevator forces. Beyond the aft limit, stability can become negative and the aircraft may be uncontrollable in pitch. Stall speed and climb performance are not improved by an aft CG.