SIFT SIFT Aviation Regulations and Airspace Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a transponder Mode C in aviation?
- To transmit only the aircraft's identification code
- To provide ATC with the aircraft's altitude in addition to its position (Correct answer)
- To encrypt communication between pilot and ATC
- To broadcast emergency distress signals automatically
Correct answer: To provide ATC with the aircraft's altitude in addition to its position
Mode C transponders automatically encode and transmit the aircraft's pressure altitude along with its squawk code, giving ATC both position and altitude data.
Question 2: What squawk code should a pilot set when experiencing radio failure?
- 7500
- 7600 (Correct answer)
- 7700
- 1200
Correct answer: 7600
Squawk 7600 is the universal code for radio failure (NORDO), alerting ATC that the aircraft has lost communication capability.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct right-of-way rule for two aircraft approaching head-on?
- The heavier aircraft has right of way
- Both aircraft must turn right (Correct answer)
- The aircraft at lower altitude has right of way
- The aircraft with the higher squawk code yields
Correct answer: Both aircraft must turn right
FAA regulations state that when two aircraft are approaching head-on, both pilots must turn right to avoid each other.
Question 4: What does 'IFR' stand for and when is it required?
- Instrument Flight Rules; required when flying at night
- Instrument Flight Rules; required when weather conditions fall below VFR minimums (Correct answer)
- Integrated Flight Regulations; required above 18,000 feet
- International Flight Rules; required for overseas flights
Correct answer: Instrument Flight Rules; required when weather conditions fall below VFR minimums
IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) applies when weather conditions drop below VFR minimums, requiring pilots to rely on instruments and ATC guidance.
Question 5: What is the meaning of a steady red light signal from an airport control tower to an aircraft in flight?
- Clear to land
- Give way to other aircraft and continue circling (Correct answer)
- Land immediately — emergency in progress
- Airport is closed
Correct answer: Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
A steady red light signal to an aircraft in flight means 'give way to other aircraft and continue circling,' indicating the pilot should not land yet.
Question 6: What is the maximum speed below 10,000 feet MSL in US airspace (unless otherwise authorized)?
- 200 knots indicated airspeed
- 250 knots indicated airspeed (Correct answer)
- 300 knots indicated airspeed
- 175 knots indicated airspeed
Correct answer: 250 knots indicated airspeed
FAR 91.117 limits all aircraft to 250 knots indicated airspeed below 10,000 feet MSL in US airspace, unless a higher speed is specifically authorized.
SIFT SIFT Aviation Regulations and Airspace Questions and Answers 2
What is the purpose of a transponder Mode C in aviation?