The Mountain Flying Test

Note: This test is based upon the contents of the AOPA video “Mountain Flying”, and FAA-P-8740-60, “Tips On Mountain Flying.”
  1. Light aircraft flight planning for flight over mountainous terrain requires much consideration. You can avoid some hazards in your planning by:
    1. being sure to use an aircraft with at least 200 horsepower
    2. delaying your trip when winds at altitude are reported in excess of 20 mph
    3. planning your route over populated areas and filing a flight plan
    4. planning to leave your departure airport no later than midday

  2. You are approaching an abrupt terrain change such as a high ridge or cliff, you should:
    1. fly around it to where the terrain is more level
    2. climb to at least 5,000 feet to cross
    3. climb to at least 10,000 to cross
    4. plan to approach the ridge at least 2,000 feet above the surface at a 450 angle

  3. Encountering severe turbulence, your first action should be:
    1. execute a 1800 turn
    2. reduce power and adjust pitch
    3. add power to avoid a stall
    4. hold the airplane straight and level

  4. Density altitude in mountainous country can be disastrous for the unwary. It is essential that the pilot:
    1. not carry more than half full fuel tanks
    2. limit flights to cooler days
    3. be prepared to fly in ground effect
    4. determine runway point-of-abort on takeoff and not change

  5. In mountainous country, the horizon is:
    1. at the base of the mountains
    2. at the crest of the highest peak
    3. at the crest of the lowest peak
    4. as marked on the sectional chart

  6. Many mountainous airstrips are one-way and do not permit a go-around on landing. In addition to sharpening your short-field skills before you go and familiarizing yourself with destination airports (preferably with a local pilot), some experienced mountain pilots say:
    1. don’t make power-off approaches
    2. avoid low turns in the pattern and low approaches
    3. lean a normally aspirated engine for maximum power
    4. because the horizon can be deceptive, watch your airspeed, altimeter and VSI

    Safe techniques requires you to observe…

    1. 1 and 4
    2. 1 and 3
    3. 1, 3, and 4
    4. 1, 2, 3, and 4

  7. Mountain waves can extend from 100 miles to as much as 700 miles to the lee of the mountain and their presence is usually marked by:
    1. winds blowing along the ridge at 15 knots or more and cumulonimbus clouds
    2. fractocumulus and moderate turbulence
    3. low stratus formations with steady light winds
    4. winds 25 kts or more blowing across a ridge and altocumulus standing lenticular (ACSL) clouds

  8. One of the most useful radio frequencies to monitor and use in mountainous country is:
    1. 123.6
    2. a flight service station through an RCO or VOR site
    3. Any ATIS
    4. 122.0

  9. Surface winds, as well as winds aloft, are critical in mountainous country because of the conditions they can indicate. Generally accepted maximum limits for experienced pilots are:
    1. 25 knots reported surface and 35 knots aloft
    2. winds aloft forecast at mountain top levels greater than 25 knots
    3. whatever the pilot is comfortable with
    4. 20 knots reported surface and 20 knots aloft enroute

  10. Knowledge, planning and skill, as in any flight, are vital to mountainous flying. The most critical element one can apply is:
    1. experience
    2. high number of flight hours logged
    3. multiple airman ratings
    4. judgment and setting personal limitations

  11. Knowledge, planning and skill, as in any flight, are vital to mountainous flying. The most critical element one can apply is:
    1. experience
    2. high number of flight hours logged
    3. multiple airman ratings
    4. judgment and setting personal limitations

  12. Knowledge, planning and skill, as in any flight, are vital to mountainous flying. The most critical element one can apply is:
    1. experience
    2. high number of flight hours logged
    3. multiple airman ratings
    4. judgment and setting personal limitations

  13. Knowledge, planning and skill, as in any flight, are vital to mountainous flying. The most critical element one can apply is:
    1. experience
    2. high number of flight hours logged
    3. multiple airman ratings
    4. judgment and setting personal limitations

  14. Knowledge, planning and skill, as in any flight, are vital to mountainous flying. The most critical element one can apply is:
    1. experience
    2. high number of flight hours logged
    3. multiple airman ratings
    4. judgment and setting personal limitations

  15. Knowledge, planning and skill, as in any flight, are vital to mountainous flying. The most critical element one can apply is:
    1. experience
    2. high number of flight hours logged
    3. multiple airman ratings
    4. judgment and setting personal limitations
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