121 Interview Questions – Questions 1–30
Question 1
What does Part 121 of the FAA regulations govern?
A. Private pilot operations
B. Scheduled air carrier and commercial airline operations
C. Ultralight aircraft operations
D. Military flight operations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Part 121 regulates airline operations for scheduled commercial carriers, covering training, flight
rules, and operational standards.
Question 2
During a Part 121 interview, a candidate is asked: What is a sterile cockpit?
A. No talking below 10,000 ft except for operational duties
B. Cabin cleaning procedure
C. Pre-flight briefing for passengers
D. Autopilot usage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Sterile cockpit rule ensures focus on critical tasks during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Question 3
Which of the following is required under Part 121 for crew members?
A. Annual recurrent training and check rides
B. Weekly crew parties
C. Optional safety briefings
D. Unregulated schedules
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Part 121 mandates training, proficiency checks, and recurrent evaluations to ensure safety
compliance.
Question 4
A common Part 121 interview trap:
A. Knowing CRM principles
B. Understanding FAR 121 duty/rest requirements
C. Confusing Part 91 private operations with Part 121
D. Understanding SOPs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Candidates often mix private vs. airline regulations, a frequent interview mistake.
Question 5
What is CRM (Crew Resource Management)?
A. Managing passenger reservations
B. Using all available resources (human, technical, procedural) for safe operations
C. Managing cargo only
D. Cabin crew meal planning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
CRM emphasizes teamwork, communication, and decision-making to prevent accidents.
Question 6
Under Part 121, what is the maximum flight duty period for a captain?
A. 8 hours
B. Varies based on FAR 121 limits, duty start time, and number of segments
C. 24 hours
D. Unlimited
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Flight duty limits depend on FAR 121 regulations, number of sectors, and start times to prevent
fatigue.
, Question 7
Which is a common interview question regarding emergency procedures?
A. How would you handle engine failure on approach?
B. What is your favorite airline meal?
C. How do you manage seat assignments?
D. How to clean the cockpit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Airlines test candidates on emergency handling and SOP adherence.
Question 8
What does FAR 121.533 cover?
A. Takeoff and landing minimums for IFR operations
B. Cabin pressurization
C. Cargo handling
D. Maintenance procedures
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Part 121.533 specifies minimum weather conditions and visibility for IFR departures and landings.
Question 9
A candidate is asked: What is an MEL?
A. Minimum Equipment List for dispatch with inoperative systems
B. Maximum Engine Limit
C. Manual Entry Log
D. Main Electrical Line
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
MEL allows flight with certain equipment inoperative, following airline and regulatory limits.
Question 10
During Part 121 operations, what is dispatch release?
A. Clearance for flight after review of weather, fuel, and MEL
B. Engine start procedure
C. Passenger boarding sequence
D. Cabin service schedule