How do you manage unstable approach criteria under pressure?

Define hard gates in advance, monitor trend, and execute go-around discipline when criteria fail.

How do you decide between holding and diversion in worsening weather?

Recalculate margin, set a hard decision point, and communicate early with ATC and crew.

Describe a case of automation mode confusion and recovery.

Show trigger detection, cross-check, mode correction, and CRM workload split.

Flight Operations

Operational decision-making and SOP-based questions.

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Topic question bank: Flight Operations

Questions and Answers

General Flight Operations

What is RVSM?

RVSM stands for Reduced Vertical Separation Minima . It refers to the airspace between FL290 and FL410, where aircraft are separated by 1000 feet vertically, reduced from the previous 2000 feet of separation. RVSM offers two key benefits: 1. Increased airspace capacity . 2. More efficient flight operations, as aircraft are more likely to fly closer to their optimum altitude. Above RVSM airspace (e.g., FL430), vertical separation is increased back to 2000 feet due to reduced altimeter accuracy . Requirements for operating in RVSM airspace: Autopilot engaged . Two independent altimeter sources that meet RVSM standards (i.e., for both Captain and First Officer). Transponder must transmit Mode C information (altitude). Altitude alert warning system, which sounds a chime in the cockpit when approaching the cleared level or deviating from it. Altitude hold system that automatically maintains the assigned altitude (e.g., Altitude Hold mode). Note : The maximum altimeter difference between the Captain’s and First Officer’s displays is 200 feet for RVSM operations. If any of these requirements are not met, flying within RVSM airspace is not allowed. For example, if the autopilot fails while cruising at FL370, you must request a level lower than FL290 for continued cruise.

Define MEL.

MEL stands for Minimum Equipment List . It is an operator-specific document that lists equipment or systems that may be inoperative for a flight to be dispatched, provided specific conditions and operational or maintenance procedures are followed as described in the MEL. Key points: - The MEL is based on the MMEL (Master MEL) but can be more restrictive, never less. - If an item is not listed in the MEL, it means the aircraft cannot be dispatched with that item inoperative. - The MEL is not a list of what must be operative, but rather what may be inoperative under certain conditions. Note: For example, you may dispatch with an inoperative APU if procedures allow. However, critical systems like an engine will not appear in the MEL, as dispatch is never allowed with such items inoperative.

What is the minimum amount of block fuel required for a given flight? (Basic fuel scheme)

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How does NADP 1 and NADP 2 affect noise in areas near the airport?

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Explain the difference between range and endurance.

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Define Long Range Cruise speed.

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Which of these two speeds results in higher fuel burn for jet aircraft: Maximum Range Cruise speed or Maximum Endurance speed?

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What effect does wind have on aircraft’s maximum range?

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Define Flight Level

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Explain the semi-circular rule.

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Which altitude deviation is considered a level bust?

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What considerations should you take into account if the autopilot fails while cruising at FL380 in RVSM airspace?

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What is the appropriate phraseology to notify ATC when RVSM capability is restored?

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Define ETOPS.

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Define MSA.

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Define Route MORA.

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Define Grid MORA.

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Define MEA.

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Define MOCA.

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What are the two types of instrument approaches?

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What are the two types of procedure turns?

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What distinguishes height from altitude?

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Define OCA(H).

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Define DA.

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Define MDA.

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What can be the danger of performing a circling approach at a TERPS-standard airport?

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Define Missed Approach Point.

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If the cloud ceiling is reported as OVC 300 ft, and the minimums for a CAT I approach are a 500 ft DA (250 ft DH), is the cloud ceiling above or below the required minimums?

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Define RVR.

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Define CMV.

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When is it permitted to use Converted Meteorological Visibility (CMV)?

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Define approach ban.

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What are the operating minima for CAT I, CAT II and CAT III approaches?

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You're performing a CAT I ILS approach at an airport with an elevation of 300 ft. The Decision Altitude (DA) is 500 ft, and the required RVR is 550 m. ATC reports a ceiling of 120 ft and an RVR of 600 m. Are you allowed to continue the approach?

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If the landing minima are based on RVR but the TAF provides only visibility, can Converted Meteorological Visibility (CMV) be applied?

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What are the maximum duty period limits defined by EASA?

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What are the EASA maximum flight time limitations?

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How many cabin crew are required on an aircraft?

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When should you make a minimum fuel call?

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Define MMEL.

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Explain the difference between MEL and MMEL.

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Define CDL.

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Up until what point is the aircraft constrained by the MEL?

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Low Visibility Operations

What are the visual cues required during a CAT II approach? During a CAT III approach?

The visual cues required during CAT II and CAT III approaches depend on the type of system used and whether a decision height (DH) is applied. Approach Type Visual References Required at DH CAT II - At least three consecutive lights must be clearly visible and identifiable. - A lateral visual element is also required. - If a HUD or equivalent system is used down to touchdown, the lateral element is not needed. CAT III (fail-passive or HUD-based) - A segment of at least three consecutive lights must be visible and identifiable. CAT III (fail-operational or hybrid system with DH) - At least one runway centerline light must be visible and maintained. CAT III (no DH) - No visual reference is required prior to touchdown. Note: The required three consecutive lights may consist of: - Approach lighting system centreline lights - Touchdown zone (TDZ) lights - Runway centreline lights - Runway edge lights - Or any combination of the above The lateral visual element may be: - An approach lighting crossbar - The runway threshold - Or a barrette of the touchdown zone lighting

Approach Type	Visual References Required at DH
CAT II	- At least three consecutive lights must be clearly visible and identifiable. - A lateral visual element is also required. - If a HUD or equivalent system is used down to touchdown, the lateral element is not needed.
CAT III (fail-passive or HUD-based)	- A segment of at least three consecutive lights must be visible and identifiable.
CAT III (fail-operational or hybrid system with DH)	- At least one runway centerline light must be visible and maintained.
CAT III (no DH)	- No visual reference is required prior to touchdown.

During a CAT III approach, if three RVR values are reported (touchdown, midpoint, and rollout), are they all considered controlling?

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Define alert height.

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What is considered a low visibility takeoff.

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In case of a low visibility takeoff, should minimum RVR be achieved for all thirds of the runway (i.e. touchdown, midpoint and stopend)

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Planning minima

Under what conditions is a destination alternate not required according to EASA rules?

A destination alternate is not required in the following situations: The flight is planned to land at an approved isolated aerodrome, or The total flight time is 6 hours or less, and the destination meets all of the following conditions: It has at least two separate and usable runways Within \pm1 hour of the estimated time of arrival (ETA), the forecasted weather includes: A cloud ceiling of at least 2000 ft, or circling height + 500 ft, whichever is higher A visibility of 5 km or more Note: This is often remembered as the 3-2-1 rule, where: - 3 statute miles = about 5 km visibility - 2 = 2000 ft ceiling - 1 = 1 hour window around ETA Important: Operators using the basic fuel scheme (without variations) are not permitted to dispatch a flight without selecting a destination alternate, even if all the above conditions are met.

Can an airport with only RNP approaches be selected as a destination alternate aerodrome?

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Can an airport with only RNP approaches be selected as a take-off alternate aerodrome?

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What is the minimum alternate fuel required for a flight to an approved isolated aerodrome with no destination alternate? (Jet aircraft)

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When are two destination alternates required?

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What are the destination alternate planning minima?

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When must a takeoff alternate be designated?

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Cold Weather Ops

What distinguishes de-icing from anti-icing procedures?

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What are the four types of de/anti-icing fluid?

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Define the Lowest Operational Use Temperature (LOUT).

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Reviewed by Lucas, airline pilot and instructor.