Aircraft Instruments

Exam 3, 56 Questions, 60 marks; time allowed 90 minutes

Q1 The pressure measured at the forward facing orifice of a pitot tube is the :

(a) total pressure plus static pressure.

(b) dynamic pressure.
(c) total pressure.
(d) static pressure. (1)

Q2 The altitude indicated on board an aircraft flying in an atmosphere where all

atmosphere layers below the aircraft are warm is:

(a) equal to the standard altitude.

(b) higher than the real altitude.
(c) the same as the real altitude.
(d) lower than the real altitude. (1)

Q3 The hysteresis error of an altimeter varies substantially with the:

(a) time passed at a given altitude.

(b) mach number of the aircraft.
(c) aircraft altitude.
(d) static temperature. (1)

Q4 The purpose of the vibrating device of an altimeter is to:

(a) allow damping of the measurement in the unit

(b) reduce the hysteresis effect
(c) reduce the effect of friction in the linkages
(d) inform the crew of a failure of the instrument (1)

Q5 With a pitot probe blocked due to ice build up, the aircraft airspeed indicator
will indicate in descent a :

(a) increasing speed.

(b) fluctuating speed.
(c) decreasing speed.
(d) constant speed. (1)

Q6 The limits of the white scale of an airspeed indicator are :

(a) VSI for the lower limit and VFE for the upper limit
(b) VSO for the lower limit and VLE for the upper limit
(c) VSI for the lower limit and VLE for the upper limit
(d) VSO for the lower limit and VFE for the upper limit (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.1

Q7 When climbing at a constant Mach number below the tropopause, in ISA
conditions, the Calibrated Airspeed (CAS) will:

(a) decrease
(b) increase at a linear rate
(c) remain constant
(d) increase at an exponential rate (1)

Q8 The operating principle of the vertical speed indicator (VSI) is based on the
measurement of the rate of change of:

(a) Kinetic pressure

(b) Static pressure
(c) Dynamic pressure
(d) Total pressure (1)

Q9 The advantages provided by an air data computer to indicate the altitude are:

1. Position/pressure error correction

2. Hysteresis error correction
3. Remote data transmission capability
4. Capability of operating as a conventional altimeter in the event of a failure

The combination of correct statements is :

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 2, 3, 4
(c) 1, 2, 3
(d) 1, 3, 4 (1)

Q10 At a constant calibrated airspeed (CAS), the Mach number:

(a) increases when the altitude increases

(b) decreases when the altitude increases
(c) remains unchanged when the outside temperature increases
(d) remains unchanged when the outside temperature decreases (1)

Q11 A laser gyro consists of:

(a) two moving cavities provided with mirrors

(b) a laser generating two light waves
(c) 2 electrodes (anodes+cathodes)
(d) a gyro with 2 degrees of freedom (1)

Q12 In the building principle of a gyroscope, the best efficiency is obtained

through the concentration of the mass :

(a) close to the axis and with a low rotation speed.

(b) on the periphery and with a high rotation speed.
(c) close to the axis and with a high rotation speed.
(d) on the periphery and with a low rotation speed. (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.2

Q13 For an aircraft flying a true track of 360° between the 005°S and 005°N
parallels, the precession error of the directional gyro due to apparent drift is
equal to:

(a) depends only on the aircraft's ground speed

(b) 0°/hour
(c) + 5°/hour
(d) - 5°/hour (1)

Q14 The heading information originating from the gyromagnetic compass flux
valve is sent to the:

(a) error detector.

(b) erector system.
(c) heading indicator.
(d) amplifier. (1)

Q15 When an aircraft has turned 360 degrees with a constant attitude and bank,
the pilot observes the following on a classic artificial horizon:

(a) too much nose-up and bank correct

(b) too much nose-up and bank too high
(c) attitude and bank correct
(d) too much nose-up and bank too low (1)

Q16 (For this question use Annex A)

The diagram representing a left turn with insufficient rudder is:

(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 1 (1)

Q17 In the Southern hemisphere, during deceleration following a landing in a

Westerly direction, the magnetic compass will indicate:

(a) no apparent turn.

(b) a heading fluctuating about 270°.
(c) an apparent turn to the North.
(d) an apparent turn to the South. (1)

Q18 A pilot wishes to turn right on to a southerly heading with 20° bank at a
latitude of 20° North. Using a direct reading compass, in order to achieve this
he must stop the turn on an approximate heading of:

(a) 150°
(b) 170°
(c) 190°
(d) 210° (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.3

Q19 The purpose of a compass swing is to attempt to coincide the indications of:

(a) compass north and the lubber line.

(b) compass north and magnetic north.
(c) compass north and true north.
(d) true north and magnetic north. (1)

Q20 When turning onto a northerly heading the rose of a magnetic compass tends
to "undershoot;" when turning onto a southerly heading it tends to
"overshoot":

1. these compass indications are less reliable in the northern hemisphere than
in the southern hemisphere.
2. these compass oscillations following a lateral gust are not identical if the
aircraft is heading north or south.
3. this behaviour is due to the mechanical construction of the compass.
4. this behaviour is a symptom of a badly swung compass.

The correct statements are :

(a) 2, 3, and 4.
(b) 1 and 3.
(c) 2 and 3.
(d) 1, 2, and 4. (1)

Q21 A radio altimeter can be defined as a:

(a) ground radio aid used to measure the true height of the aircraft
(b) ground radio aid used to measure the true altitude of the aircraft
(c) self-contained on-board aid used to measure the true height of the aircraft
(d) self-contained on-board aid used to measure the true altitude of the aircraft
(1)

Q22 In low altitude radio altimeters, the height measurement (above the ground) is
based upon:

(a) a triangular amplitude modulation wave, for which modulation phase shift
between transmitted and received waves after ground reflection is measured.
(b) a frequency modulation wave, for which the frequency variation between the
transmitted wave and the received wave after ground reflection is measured.
(c) a pulse transmission, for which time between transmission and reception is
measured on a circular scanning screen.
(d) a wave transmission, for which the frequency shift by DOPPLER effect after
ground reflection is measured. (1)

Q23 Modern low altitude radio altimeters emit waves in the following frequency
band:

(a) HF (High Frequency).

(b) UHF (Ultra High Frequency).
(c) SHF (Super High Frequency).
(d) VLF (Very Low Frequency). (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.4

Q24 The low-altitude radio altimeters used in precision approaches:

1. operate in the 1540-1660 MHz range.

2. are of the pulsed type.
3. are of the frequency modulation type.
4. have an operating range of 0 to 5000 ft.
5. have a precision of +/- 2 feet between 0 and 500 ft.

The combination of the correct statements is :

(a) 3, 5
(b) 3, 4
(c) 2, 3, 4
(d) 1, 2, 5 (1)

Q25 Flight Director Information supplied by an FD computer is presented in the

form of command bars on the following instrument:

(a) ADI Attitude Display Indicator.

(b) BDHI Bearing Distance Heading Indicator.
(c) RMI Radio Magnetic Indicator.
(d) HSI Horizontal Situation Indicator. (1)

Q26 The flight director indicates the:

(a) optimum path at the moment it is entered to reach a selected radial.

(b) path permitting reaching a selected radial in minimum time.
(c) path permitting reaching a selected radial over a minimum distance.
(d) optimum instantaneous path to reach selected radial. (1)

Q27 When an aircraft, operating in the VOR coupled mode, approaches the "cone
of confusion" over a VOR station, the roll channel of the autopilot:

(a) remains always coupled to the selected VOR radial.

(b) is temporarily disconnected.
(c) temporarily switches over to the heading mode.
(d) is damped by a trim input signal from the lateral trim system. (1)

Q28 Among the following functions of an autopilot, those related to the aeroplane
stabilization are:

1. pitch attitude holding

2. horizontal wing holding
3. displayed heading or inertial track holding
4. indicated airspeed or Mach number holding
5. yaw damping
6. VOR axis holding

The combination regrouping all the correct statements is:

(a) 2, 4, and 5.
(b) 1, 2 and 5.
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 6.
(d) 3, 4, 5 and 6. (2)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.5

Q29 The yaw damper indicator supplies the pilot with information regarding the:

(a) yaw damper action on the rudder

(b) rudder displacement by the rudder pedals
(c) yaw damper action only on the ground
(d) rudder position (1)

Q30 Which one of the following statements is true with regard to the operation of
a Mach trim system :

(a) It only operates above a pre-determined Mach number.

(b) It operates to counteract the larger than normal forward movements of the
wing centre of pressure at high subsonic airspeeds.
(c) It only operates when the autopilot is engaged.
(d) It operates over the full aircraft speed range. (1)

Q31 An aeroplane is in steady descent. The auto-throttle maintains a constant Mach

number. If the total temperature remains constant, the calibrated airspeed:
(a) (1)
(b) remains constant.
(c) decreases if the static temperature is lower than the standard temperature,
increases if above.
(d) increases.
(e) decreases. (1)

Q32 The two main sources of information used to calculate turbojet thrust are the:

(a) fan rotation speed (or N1) or the total pressure at the low pressure turbine
outlet.
(b) fan rotation speed (or N1) or the EPR (Engine Pressure Ratio).
(c) high pressure turbine rotation speed or the EPR (Engine Pressure Ratio).
(d) fan rotation speed (or N1) or the total pressure at the high pressure
compressor outlet. (1)

Q33 An aeroplane is in steady descent. The auto-throttle maintains a constant

calibrated airspeed. If the total temperature remains constant, the Mach
number :

(a) increases if the static temperature is lower than the standard temperature,
decreases if higher.
(b) decreases.
(c) increases.
(d) remains constant. (1)

Q34 In order to know in which mode the autothrottles are engaged, the crew will
check the :

(a) ND (Navigation Display).

(b) TCC (Thrust Control Computer).
(c) throttle position.
(d) PFD (Primary Flight Display) (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.6

Q35 The purpose of auto-throttle is:

(a) automatic shut down of one engine at too high temperature

(b) to deactivate manual throttles and transfer engine control to Auto Pilot
(c) to synchronize engines to avoid "yawing"
(d) to maintain constant engine power or aeroplane speed (1)

Q36 The automatic power control system (auto-throttle) of a transport airplane has
the following mode(s) :

1. capture and holding of speeds

2. capture and holding of Mach number
3. capture and holding of flight angle of attack
4. capture and holding of N1 or EPR (Engine Power Ratio)
5. capture and holding of flight paths

The combination regrouping all the correct statements is :

(a) 1, 2, 4
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5
(c) 2, 4
(d) 1, 4, 5 (2)

Q37 A transport aeroplane has to be equipped with an altitude warning device. This
system will warn the crew about:

1. getting close to the pre-selected altitude, during both climb and descent.
2. getting close to the pre-selected altitude, during climb only.
3. the loss of altitude during take-off or missed approach.
4. a wrong landing configuration.
5. a variation higher or lower than a pre-selected altitude.

The combination regrouping the correct statements is:

(a) 2
(b) 1, 3, 4
(c) 1, 5
(d) 3, 4 (2)

Q38 The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) generates the following
sound signal or signals when the aircraft is sinking after a take-off or a go-
around:

(a) WHOOP WHOOP PULL UP repetitive only

(b) DON'T SINK always followed by WHOOP WHOOP PULL UP
(c) DON'T SINK followed by WHOOP WHOOP PULL UP if the sink rate
overshoots a second level
(d) DON'T SINK repetitive only (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.7

Q39 The GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) is active for a height range
from:

(a) 50 ft to 5 000 ft measured by the radio altimeter.

(b) 50 ft to 2 500 ft measured by the radio altimeter.
(c) 0 ft to 2 500 ft measured by the radio altimeter.
(d) 0 ft to 5 000 ft measured by the radio altimeter. (1)

Q40 The GPWS calculator receives the following signals :

1. vertical speed
2. radio altimeter height
3. pressure altitude
4. glide-path deviation
5. gear and flaps position
6. angle of attack

The combination regrouping all the correct statements is :

(a) 2, 3, 4, 6
(b) 1, 2, 4, 5
(c) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
(d) 1, 2, 5, 6 (1)

Q41 The GPWS calculator is able to operate in the following modes:

1. excessive descent rate

2. excessive rate of terrain closure
3. excessive angle of attack
4. too high descent attitude
5. loss of altitude after take-off
6. abnormal gear/flaps configuration
7. excessive glide-path deviation

The combination regrouping all the correct statements is:

(a) 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
(b) 3, 4, 5, 6
(c) 2, 3, 5, 7
(d) 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 (2)

Q42 When the intruding aircraft is equipped with a transponder without altitude
reporting capability, the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) issues a:

(a) "traffic advisory" and horizontal "resolution advisory".

(b) "traffic advisory", vertical and horizontal "resolution advisory".
(c) "traffic advisory" only.
(d) "traffic advisory" and vertical "resolution advisory". (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.8

Q43 On a TCAS2 (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), a corrective "resolution
advisory" (RA) is a "resolution advisory":

(a) asking the pilot to modify effectively the vertical speed of his aircraft.
(b) which does not require any action from the pilot but on the contrary asks him
not to modify his current vertical speed rate.
(c) asking the pilot to modify the heading of his aircraft.
(d) asking the pilot to modify the speed of his aircraft. (1)

Q44 In the event of a conflict, the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) will
give information such as :

(a) turn left/turn right

(b) too low terrain
(c) glide slope
(d) climb/descent (1)

Q45 The main input data to the Stall Warning Annunciator System are:

1. Mach Meter indication

2. Angle of Attack
3. Indicate Airspeed (IAS)
4. Aircraft configuration (Flaps/Slats)

The combination regrouping all the correct statements is:

(a) 1, 4
(b) 1, 2
(c) 2, 4
(d) 2, 3 (1)

Q46 The angle of attack transmitter provides an electric signal varying with:

1. the angular position of a wind vane

2. the deviation between the airplane flight attitude and the path calculated by
the inertial unit
3. a probe differential pressure depending on the variation of the angle of attack

The combination regrouping all the correct statements is:

(a) 1, 2 and 3.
(b) 1.
(c) 2 and 3.
(d) 1 and 3. (1)

Q47 The flight data recorder must automatically stop data recording when the:

(a) landing gear is extended and locked.

(b) aeroplane clears the runway.
(c) aeroplane cannot any longer move by its own power.
(d) main gear shock strut compresses when touching the runway. (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.9

Q48 The flight data recorders must preserve the conversation and aural warnings
of the last:

(a) 48 hours of operation

(b) 30 minutes of operation
(c) 25 hours of operation
(d) flight (1)

Q49 The CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) includes:

1. a microphone
2. a recorder in compliance with the shock and fire resistance standards
3. an independent battery
4. a flight data recorder

The combination regrouping all the correct statements is:

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 2, 4
(c) 1, 2
(d) 1, 4 (1)

Q50 The "Bourdon tube" is used to measure:

(a) a flow rate.

(b) pressure.
(c) temperature.
(d) quantity. (1)

Q51 If a manifold pressure gauge consistently registers atmospheric pressure,

the cause is probably:

(a) leak in pressure gauge line.

(b) too high float level.
(c) fuel of too low volatility.
(d) ice in induction system. (1)

Q52 The yellow sector of the temperature gauge corresponds to:

(a) a frequent operating range.

(b) a forbidden operating range.
(c) an exceptional operating range.
(d) a normal operating range. (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.10

Q53 The signal supplied by a transmitter fitted with a 3-phase AC generator,
connected to RPM indicator, is:

(a) a DC voltage varying with the RPM; the indicator is a plain voltmeter with a
rev/min. scale
(b) an AC voltage, the frequency of which varies with the RPM; the indicator
converts the signal into square pulses which are then counted
(c) an AC voltage varying with the RPM; the indicator rectifies the signal via a
diode bridge and is provided with a voltmeter
(d) a three-phase voltage, the frequency of which varies with the RPM; the
indicator is provided with a motor which drives a magnetic tachometer (1)

Q54 A paddle-wheel placed in a the fuel circuit of a gas turbine engine initially
measures:

(a) volumetric flow by a tally of the impulses

(b) mass flow by a tally of the impulses
(c) volumetric flow by measure of a voltage proportional to the rotational speed
(d) mass flow by measure of a voltage proportional to the rotational speed (1)

Q55 The principle of capacitor gauges is based on:

(a) the variation of capacity by volumetric measurement exercised on the sensor

(b) the variation of flow and torque exercised in a supply line
(c) the variation in capacity of a condenser with the nature of the dielectric
(d) the current variation in a Wheatstone bridge (1)

Q56 Torque can be determined by measuring the:

(a) oil pressure at the fixed crown of an epicycloidal reducer of the main engine
gearbox.
(b) phase difference between 2 impulse tachometers attached to a transmission
shaft.
(c) frequency of an impulse tachometer attached to a transmission shaft.
(d) quantity of light passing through a rack-wheel attached to a transmission
shaft. (1)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.11

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Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.12

Annex A

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.13

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Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.14

 Aircraft Instruments

Exam 3, 56 Questions, 60 marks; time allowed 90 minutes

A B C D A B C D A B C D
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37
18 38
19 39
20 40

Name:

All questions worth 1 mark except questions 28, 36, 37 and 41, which carry 2 marks

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.15

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Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.16

Instruments Examination 3 – Answers

1. (c) 21. (c) 41. (d)

2. (d) 22. (b) 42. (c)
3. (a) 23. (c) 43. (a)
4. (c) 24. (a) 44. (d)
5. (c) 25. (a) 45. (c)
6. (d) 26. (d) 46. (d)
7. (a) 27. (c) 47. (c)
8. (b) 28. (b) 48. (b)
9. (c) 29. (a) 49. (c)
10. (a) 30. (a) 50. (b)
11. (b) 31. (c) 51. (a)
12. (b) 32. (b) 52. (c)
13. (b) 33. (b) 53. (d)
14. (a) 34. (d) 54. (a)
15. (c) 35. (d) 55. (c)
16. (c) 36. (a) 56. (a)
17. (c) 37. (c)
18. (d) 38. (d)
19. (b) 39. (b)
20. (c) 40. (b)

WORKED ANSWERS

Q1. Total (pitot) pressure = dynamic + static. Answer (c)

Q2. The same pressure will be found higher in the warm air so indicated will be lower
than real altitude. Answer (d)

Q3. Affects elasticity of the capsule. Answer (a)

Q4. Overcomes friction linkage and, therefore, lag. Answer (c)

Q5. Pressure in capsule fixed (by blockage); pressure in case increases in descent;
capsule compresses; readings decrease (PUD). Answer (c)

Q6. From stalling speed to flap extending speed. Answer (d)

Q7. Use the CTM graph. Answer (a)

Q8. What else ! Answer (b)

Q9. If it fails it fails but 1, 2 & 3 are OK. Answer (c)

Q10. Use the RTM graph again. However, this is a very dodgy question because (a), (c)
and (d) are all correct. We think they want (a) but if this comes up we want to
appeal it. Answer (a)

Q11. 2 anodes, 1 cathode, 2 light beams. Answer (b)

Q12. Increase speed x mass. Answer (b)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.17

Q13. Earth rate cancels out (N & S) and no transport wander travelling due North (only
East/West). Answer (b)

Q14. Error detector = signal selsyn. Answer (a)

Q15. Errors back to zero at 360º. Answer (c)

Q16. Needle on the left and kick the ball harder. Answer (c)

Q17. SAND: turn to South when Accelerate and North when Decelerate in southern
hemisphere going East/West. Answer (c)

Q18. For the northern hemisphere use UNOS; Under-turn through North, Over-turn
through South. Over-turn means turn through South for another 20º to 30º, n.b. 10º
is not enough. Answer (d)

Q19. Minimise deviation. Answer (b)

Q20. This is UNOS which applies in the northern hemisphere (ONUS for the southern
hemisphere) and has nothing to do with the accuracy of the compass swing.
Answer (c)

Q21. No kit on the ground. Answer (c)

Q22. FM. Answer (b)

Q23. 4,200 – 4,400 MHz. Answer (c)

Q24. FM, 4,200 – 4,400 MHz, up to 2,500 ft., +/- 2 ft up to 500 ft. Answer (a)

Q25. ADI (or PFD). Answer (a)

Q26. Always instantaneous optimum flight path. Answer (d)

Q27. Mode change on loss of signal. Answer (c)

Q28. Must do 1 and 2; 5 is next priority. 2, 4 and 6 are guidance functions, not
stabilization functions. Answer (b)

Q29. Tells you rudder is moving but not where rudder is. Answer (a)

Q30. Mach trim is only required at higher Mach numbers. Answer (a)

Q31. Use the RTM graph. Answer (c)

Q32. N1 and EPR are the normal measures of power output. Answer (b)

Q33. Use the RTM graph. Answer (b)

Q34. PFD or ADI. Answer (d)

Q35. Autothrottle will hold power or speed constant. Answer (d)

Q36. Autothrottle controls power and/or speed. Answer (a)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.18

Q37. Approaching or varying from selected altitude. Answer (c)

Q38. Mode 3. Answer (d)

Q39. Rad.alt. only goes up to 2,500 feet and GPWS cuts out below 50 feet. Answer (b)

Q40. All on the list except pressure altitude and angle of attack. Answer (b)

Q41. GPWS doesn’t measure or react to pitch. Answer (d)

Q42. Without relative altitude TCAS cannot establish a risk of collision so it is a TA only
Answer (c)

Q43. A corrective RA requires the pilot to climb or descend or change present rate of climb
or descent. Answer (a)

Q44. TCAS only gives vertical avoidance of other aircraft. (B) and (C) are GPWS
warnings. Answer (d)

Q45. Angle of attack and configuration are most important inputs. Answer (c)

Q46. Vane type and ADD probe. Answer (d)

Q47. JAR requirement. Answer (c)

Q48. CVR 30 minutes, FDR 25 hours. Answer (b)

Q49. 1 & 2 only. Answer (c)

Q50. Typically oil pressure. Answer (b)

Q51. Leaking to atmosphere. Answer (a)

Q52. Normally means you can go there but not for too long. Answer (c)

Q53. Very wordy; read carefully. Answer (d)

Q54. Best description. Answer (a)

Q55. Best description. Answer (c)

Q56. It is measuring the output ‘turning’ force. Answer (a)

Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.19

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Bristol Groundschool Instruments Exam 3.20