Aviation Knowledge Flashcards
6 cards from real SIFT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Aviation Knowledge flashcards as text
What is the 'phonetic alphabet' used in aviation radio communications?
Answer: NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...)
Aviation uses the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, etc.) to prevent confusion when spelling out letters over radio communications.
What does 'ceiling' mean in aviation weather?
Answer: The height of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer above ground level
In aviation weather, ceiling is the height above ground level of the lowest layer of clouds that is reported as broken (5/8 to 7/8 coverage) or overcast (8/8 coverage).
What is 'stall speed' and what causes a stall?
Answer: The minimum airspeed at which the wings can produce enough lift; a stall occurs when the critical angle of attack is exceeded
A stall occurs when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle (typically 15-20°), causing airflow to separate from the wing surface and lift to rapidly decrease, regardless of airspeed.
What does a transponder do in aviation?
Answer: Responds to radar interrogation signals with the aircraft's identity and altitude
A transponder automatically responds to secondary surveillance radar interrogations, broadcasting a 4-digit code (squawk code) and, with Mode C/S, the aircraft's altitude.
What does the 'E6B flight computer' help pilots calculate?
Answer: Wind correction angle, groundspeed, fuel consumption, true airspeed, and density altitude
The E6B flight computer (circular slide rule) allows pilots to calculate wind correction angles, groundspeed, true airspeed, time/distance/fuel, and density altitude.
What is 'hypoxia' and why is it a concern for aviators?
Answer: A condition of insufficient oxygen to the brain, causing impaired judgment and unconsciousness at altitude
Hypoxia is a deficiency of oxygen reaching body tissues, causing impaired judgment, euphoria, and eventual unconsciousness — particularly dangerous because victims often don't recognize their own impairment.