Norway CPL Theory flashcards

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

CPL minimum flight hours

EASA Part-FCL requires 200 total flight hours including 100 as PIC, 20 cross-country PIC, and 5 night hours (3 dual) for CPL(A) issue.

Squawk 7700

Standard SSR code indicating a general emergency. ATC is alerted automatically; pilot should transmit MAYDAY on 121.5 MHz and follow emergency procedures.

SERA cruising levels

Magnetic track 000–179 uses odd thousands plus 500 ft; 180–359 uses even thousands plus 500 ft. Applies VFR above 3000 ft AMSL or 1000 ft AGL.

Holding position markings

Two solid and two dashed yellow lines across a taxiway. Aircraft stop at the solid-line side unless ATC has issued an explicit clearance to enter the runway.

Stoichiometric air/fuel ratio

Approximately 15:1 by mass for gasoline. Best power occurs near 12:1; best economy near 16–18:1. Mixture leaning adjusts this ratio with altitude.

Detonation cause

Uncontrolled explosive combustion after normal ignition, caused by over-lean mixture at high power, high CHT, low-octane fuel, or excessive manifold pressure.

Constant-speed propeller governor

Senses engine RPM and adjusts blade angle via oil pressure to maintain selected RPM. Loss of oil pressure typically drives blades to fine pitch or feather.

Series vs parallel circuits

Series: same current through all elements, voltages sum. Parallel: same voltage across elements, currents sum. Aircraft systems commonly use parallel for redundancy.

Altimeter subscale settings

Set QNH for altitude above MSL, QFE for height above reference, and QNE (1013.25 hPa) for flight levels above the transition altitude.

VSI lag and overshoot

Vertical speed indicator momentarily shows the reverse of the actual trend after abrupt pitch changes, due to lag in the static-pressure sensing mechanism.

Turn coordinator function

Displays rate of turn (yaw) and roll. The slip/skid ball indicates coordination, not bank angle; centred ball means balanced flight.

ANDS and UNOS

Northern Hemisphere magnetic compass errors: Acceleration produces a Northerly turn indication; Deceleration Southerly. Turning: Undershoot North, Overshoot South.

Moment and CG formula

Moment equals mass times arm. Centre of gravity equals total moment divided by total mass. Used to verify CG lies within the certified envelope.

Forward CG effects

Increases stall speed, lengthens takeoff run, raises stick forces, and improves longitudinal stability. May limit elevator authority for rotation and flare.

Aft CG effects

Reduces stall speed, shortens takeoff run, lightens stick forces, and degrades longitudinal stability. Risk of pitch-up in stall and difficult recovery.

Density altitude formula

Density altitude equals pressure altitude plus 120 times (OAT minus ISA temperature at that level). ISA lapse is 2 °C per 1000 ft.

Balanced field length

The runway length at which accelerate-stop distance equals accelerate-go distance. V1 is chosen to minimise this total distance.

Crosswind component

Crosswind equals wind speed times sine of the angle between wind and runway. Headwind equals wind speed times cosine of the same angle.

Contingency fuel

Per EU-OPS, 5 % of planned trip fuel or 5 minutes holding, whichever is greater, unless specific approval allows a different value.

Point of no return

Distance to PNR equals (fuel available × groundspeed out × groundspeed back) divided by (groundspeed out + groundspeed back).

Alternate required criteria

Required if destination forecast shows BKN/OVC below 2000 ft or visibility below 5 km at ETA ±1 h. Alternate must meet planning minima.

Time of useful consciousness

At FL350 approximately 30–60 seconds. Symptoms include euphoria, impaired judgement, cyanosis, and headache. Treat with 100 % oxygen and descent.

Somatogravic illusion

During acceleration, the otoliths signal a false pitch-up sensation; during deceleration, false pitch-down. Trust instruments in IMC to avoid disorientation.

Yerkes-Dodson curve

Arousal and performance relationship: moderate arousal optimises performance, while very high arousal degrades complex task performance such as flying.

ISA standard atmosphere

Sea level 15 °C, 1013.25 hPa, lapse rate 1.98 °C per 1000 ft up to the tropopause at 36 090 ft. Reference for performance calculations.

Cloud base estimate

Convective cloud base in feet approximately equals (surface temperature minus dewpoint in °C) multiplied by 400. Valid near the surface.

Cold front characteristics

Steep, fast-moving front with showery precipitation, gusty winds, and rapid visibility reduction. Often followed by cold, unstable air and cumuliform cloud.

Convergency formula

Convergency equals change of longitude times sine of mean latitude. Used on Mercator charts to convert between great-circle and rhumb-line tracks.

East is least rule

Magnetic heading equals true heading minus easterly variation, or plus westerly variation. Mnemonic: east is least, west is best.

VOR radial interpretation

Radials emanate FROM the station. With the CDI centred and TO indicated, the aircraft is on the selected radial inbound to the station.

ILS glideslope frequency

Glideslope transmits in the 329–335 MHz band, paired with the localiser. Typical path angle is 3°, giving about 300 ft per NM.

Engine failure after takeoff

Pitch for best glide, select a landing site within 30° of heading, do not turn back below 500 ft AGL, and complete emergency checklist.

Radio failure in IMC

Squawk 7600, follow last clearance, proceed per published lost-communications procedures, and land at the nearest suitable aerodrome.

Induced drag formula

Induced drag equals lift squared divided by (½ ρ V² π b² e). Reduces with higher aspect ratio and higher speed; dominates at low airspeed.

Critical angle of attack

Approximately 15° for most aerofoils. Stall occurs at this angle regardless of weight, bank, or airspeed; load factor raises stall speed.