1. In what flight condition must an aircraft be placed in order to spin?
A) Partially stalled with one wing low.
B) In a steep diving spiral.
C) Stalled.

2. How does frost affect the lifting surfaces of an airplane on takeoff?
A) Frost may prevent the airplane from becoming airborne at normal takeoff speed.
B) Frost will change the camber of the wing, increasing lift during takeoff.
C) Frost may cause the airplane to become airborne with a lower angle of attack at a lower indicated airspeed.

3. When must the battery in an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) be replaced (or recharged if the battery is rechargeable)?
A) After one-half the battery’s useful life.
B) During each annual and 100-hour inspection.
C) Every 24 calendar months.

4. To determine the expiration date of the last annual aircraft inspection, a person should refer to the
A) airworthiness certificate.
B) registration certificate.
C) aircraft maintenance records.

5. What is true altitude?
A) The vertical distance of the aircraft above sea level.
B) The vertical distance of the aircraft above the surface.
C) The height above the standard datum plane.

6. The angle of attack at which an airplane wing stalls will
A) increase if the center of gravity is moved forward.
B) change with an increase in gross weight.
C) remain the same regardless of gross weight.

7. Airport taxiway edge lights are identified at night by
A) white directional lights.
B) blue omnidirectional lights.
C) alternate red and green lights.

8. How does the wake turbulence vortex circulate around each wing tip?
A) Inward, upward, and around each tip.
B) Inward, upward, and counterclockwise.
C) Outward, upward, and around each tip.

Answers:

1. Answer C is correct. Prior to entering a spin the aircraft must first be in a stall. One wing will also be stalled to a greater extent than the other in a spin. Typically a spin is begun when a yawing moment is introduced, which begins to cause the rotation. That’s why instructors harp on keeping the ball centered. Without adverse yaw, a spin is impossible. (Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 4)

2. Answer A is correct. The frost may disrupt the airflow over the wing, increasing drag and keeping the aircraft from becoming airborne at normal takeoff speed. Answer B is incorrect because although ice and frost can change the shape of the airfoil, it will never increase lift. Answer C is incorrect because ice and frost may allow an airplane to fly at a higher indicated airspeed, but never lower. (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge page 4-23)

3. Answer A is correct. Emergency locator transmitter (ELT) batteries must be replaced after half of their useful life or when the ELT has been in use for more than one cumulative hour. Answer B is incorrect because the regulations require the ELT to be inspected on an annual basis, regardless of battery life. Answer C is incorrect because the regulations don’t specify an ELT inspection every 24 calendar months. (FAR 91.207)

4. Answer C is correct. After the inspection has been completed, a logbook entry will be made in the aircraft records before it is returned to service. Answers A and B are incorrect because neither certificate lists inspection history. (FAR Parts 43 and 91)

5. Answer A is correct. This is also known as the distance above mean sea level (msl), which allows aircraft to have a common reference for altitude. When the altimeter setting is correct, it is the altitude generally read off the altimeter. Answer B is incorrect because true altitude is measured in reference to sea level, not ground level. Answer C is incorrect because a datum is a reference point, and without more information it’s unclear which reference point is in question. (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 7)

6. Answer C is correct. A wing will always stall at the same angle of attack (critical angle of attack) despite airspeed, load factor, weight, or density altitude. The airspeed at which an airplane stalls will vary with weight and load factor, however, which makes answers A and B incorrect. (Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 4)

7. Answer B is correct. During low-visibility conditions and at night, the edges of taxiways are identified with blue lights. Answer A is incorrect because white directional lights are used to identify the edge of the runway. Answer C is incorrect because alternating red and green lights aren’t found at airports. (Aeronautical Information Manual Chapter 2-1-10)

8. Answer C is correct. The lower pressure on the top of the wing causes the vortices to flow outward, up and around each tip. Answers A and B are incorrect because vortices go outward, not inward. (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge page 13-16)