1. One purpose of the dual ignition system on an aircraft engine is to provide for
A) improved engine performance.
B) uniform heat distribution.
C) balanced cylinder head pressure.

2. An electrical system failure (battery and alternator) occurs during flight. In this situation you would
A) experience avionics equipment failure.
B) probably experience failure of the engine ignition system, fuel gauges, aircraft lighting system, and avionics equipment.
C) probably experience engine failure due to the loss of the engine-driven fuel pump and also experience failure of the radio equipment, lights, and all instruments that require alternating current.

3. Risk management, as part of the aeronautical decision making (ADM) process, relies on which features to reduce the risks associated with each flight?
A) Application of stress management and risk element procedures.
B) Situational awareness, problem recognition, and good judgment.
C) The mental process of analyzing all information in a particular situation and making a timely decision on what action to take.

4. What is the antidote when a pilot has a hazardous attitude, such as “invulnerability”?
A) It will not happen to me.
B) It cannot be that bad.
C) It could happen to me.

5. How can you determine if another aircraft is on a collision course with your aircraft?
A) The other aircraft will always appear to get larger and closer at a rapid rate.
B) The nose of each aircraft is pointed at the same point in space.
C) There will be no apparent relative motion between your aircraft and the other aircraft.

6. Which technique should a pilot use to scan for traffic to the right and left during straight-and-level flight?
A) Systematically focus on different segments of the sky for short intervals.
B) Concentrate on relative movement detected in the peripheral vision area.
C) Continuous sweeping of the windshield from right to left.

Answers:

1. The correct answer is A. Magnetos use a permanent magnet and a coil of wire to produce electric power that is strong enough to jump a spark across the spark plug gap in each cylinder. Most general aviation airplanes have a two-magneto system utilizing two spark plugs in each cylinder to provide efficient combustion. An individual magneto powers one of the spark plugs in each cylinder, which enhances safety and reliability since one magneto is capable of providing adequate spark for engine operation in the event of a failure of the other magneto. Answers B and C are incorrect because neither heat distribution nor balanced cylinder head pressure are directly designed in the magneto system.

2. The correct answer is A. The avionics system (radios and navigation equipment) are completely dependent on electrical power. Answer B is incorrect because the engine ignition system creates electricity for the spark plugs independently with its magnetos. It is probable that the fuel gauges, lighting system, and avionics would not work during a full electrical system failure. Answer C is incorrect because the engine driven fuel pump is not dependent on electricity for its operation.

3. The correct answer is B. As defined in AC 60-22, aeronautical decision making is the part of the decision making process that relies on situational awareness, problem recognition, and good judgment to reduce risks associated with each flight. Answer A is incorrect because it does not include the important feature of maintaining situational awareness and exercising good judgment. Answer C is correct because it is actually defining “judgment” according the ADM advisory circular.

4. The correct answer is C. According to the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, invulnerability is the feeling that something bad will not occur to you, only other people. The antidote is to remind yourself that it can happen to you, and that you should avoid the risk. Answers A and B are incorrect because they only reinforce the feeling and attitude of invulnerability.

5. The correct answer is C. If you see an aircraft with no relative motion to you, take evasive action immediately to avoid a collision (see AIM 8-1-8). Answer A is incorrect because you will likely not notice the other aircraft getting closer and larger until it is too late to avoid a collision. Answer B is incorrect because this could describe two airplanes pointing in the same direction or on crossing courses that may not be a collision course.

6. The correct answer is A. While human vision can see for a range of more than 200 degrees, sharp focused vision occurs in a small centered area of the eye called the fovea. It can allow you to detect an airplane at a much greater distance than otherwise possible (see AIM 8-1-6). Answer B is incorrect because it recommends the use of the peripheral vision area of the eye, which cannot accurately detect aircraft at longer distances. Answer C is incorrect because it does not take advantage of the human eye’s strength in noticing relative motion. The proper technique is to focus on a small section of sky and watch for objects moving relative to its surrounding.