SIFT Aviation Instruments and Cockpit Familiarization 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of the magnetic compass in the cockpit?

Accepted Answer

To provide a direct reading of magnetic heading without electrical power

Answer

To indicate the aircraft's rate of turn

Answer

To sense changes in atmospheric pressure for altitude

Answer

To measure the aircraft's bank angle

Question 2

During a turn to the north in the Northern Hemisphere, a magnetic compass will typically:

Accepted Answer

Overshoot — indicate past north before settling

Answer

Read accurately throughout the turn

Answer

Undershoot — stop short of north before settling

Answer

Remain fixed at the original heading

Question 3

Which instrument would a pilot check first to identify spatial disorientation (vestibular illusion) in IMC?

Accepted Answer

Attitude indicator

Answer

Magnetic compass

Answer

Airspeed indicator

Answer

Engine manifold pressure gauge

Question 4

An airspeed indicator marked with a yellow arc indicates:

Accepted Answer

Caution range — smooth air operations only

Answer

Normal operating range (caution speed)

Answer

Flap operating range

Answer

Never-exceed speed zone

Question 5

What does a red radial line on an airspeed indicator represent?

Accepted Answer

Never-exceed speed (Vne)

Answer

Maximum flap-extended speed (Vfe)

Answer

Best rate of climb speed (Vy)

Answer

Stall speed in landing configuration

Question 6

The vertical speed indicator (VSI) shows a pilot:

Accepted Answer

Rate of climb or descent in feet per minute

Answer

Current altitude above mean sea level

Answer

Airspeed in the vertical axis only

Answer

Distance to the nearest terrain

Question 7

If a pitot tube becomes blocked (e.g., by ice), which instrument is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Airspeed indicator

Answer

Altimeter

Answer

Attitude indicator

Answer

Magnetic compass