FAA General Oral Exam Questions and
Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What is the purpose of a pitot tube in an aircraft?
✔✔ It measures airspeed by sensing dynamic and static pressure differences.
Why is it important to perform a weight and balance check before flight?
✔✔ To ensure the aircraft remains stable and controllable throughout the flight.
What happens if water contamination is found in aviation fuel?
✔✔ The fuel must be drained, and the source of contamination must be identified and corrected.
Why do aircraft use alternators instead of generators?
✔✔ Alternators provide a more stable electrical output at lower RPMs.
What is the function of a magneto in an aircraft engine?
✔✔ It generates electrical energy to power the spark plugs independently of the battery.
1
,Why should a mechanic inspect an aircraft tire for flat spots?
✔✔ Flat spots can cause vibration during takeoff and landing, potentially leading to failure.
What is the main advantage of using a tricycle landing gear?
✔✔ It provides better stability and visibility during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
How does humidity affect aircraft performance?
✔✔ High humidity reduces air density, leading to decreased engine power and lift.
What could happen if an aircraft is operated with an out-of-limit center of gravity?
✔✔ It may become uncontrollable, especially during takeoff and landing.
Why are composite materials used in modern aircraft construction?
✔✔ They reduce weight while maintaining strength and resistance to corrosion.
What is the function of a static wick on an aircraft?
✔✔ It dissipates static electricity to prevent radio interference.
2
,Why is it necessary to sump fuel tanks before flight?
✔✔ To check for and remove any water or debris that could cause engine issues.
How does carburetor ice form?
✔✔ It forms when moisture in the air freezes inside the carburetor due to rapid cooling.
Why is it important to check control surface hinges during a preflight inspection?
✔✔ Loose or damaged hinges can lead to loss of control during flight.
What is the purpose of vortex generators on an aircraft wing?
✔✔ They improve airflow over the wing, reducing drag and increasing control effectiveness.
How does an aircraft’s angle of attack affect lift?
✔✔ A higher angle of attack increases lift up to a critical point before causing a stall.
Why do aircraft engines have cowl flaps?
✔✔ They help regulate engine temperature by controlling airflow around the engine.
3
, What is the function of an ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)?
✔✔ It transmits a distress signal to help locate an aircraft after an accident.
Why must aircraft electrical systems be properly grounded?
✔✔ To prevent electrical malfunctions and reduce the risk of static discharge.
What could cause an aircraft engine to run rough at idle?
✔✔ Fouled spark plugs, improper fuel mixture, or water contamination in the fuel.
Why is proper torque sequencing important when installing aircraft components?
✔✔ It ensures even distribution of pressure, preventing warping or damage.
How does a stall warning system alert the pilot?
✔✔ It activates a horn, light, or stick shaker to warn of an impending stall.
What is the effect of an overloaded aircraft on takeoff distance?
✔✔ It increases the takeoff roll and reduces climb performance.
4
Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What is the purpose of a pitot tube in an aircraft?
✔✔ It measures airspeed by sensing dynamic and static pressure differences.
Why is it important to perform a weight and balance check before flight?
✔✔ To ensure the aircraft remains stable and controllable throughout the flight.
What happens if water contamination is found in aviation fuel?
✔✔ The fuel must be drained, and the source of contamination must be identified and corrected.
Why do aircraft use alternators instead of generators?
✔✔ Alternators provide a more stable electrical output at lower RPMs.
What is the function of a magneto in an aircraft engine?
✔✔ It generates electrical energy to power the spark plugs independently of the battery.
1
,Why should a mechanic inspect an aircraft tire for flat spots?
✔✔ Flat spots can cause vibration during takeoff and landing, potentially leading to failure.
What is the main advantage of using a tricycle landing gear?
✔✔ It provides better stability and visibility during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
How does humidity affect aircraft performance?
✔✔ High humidity reduces air density, leading to decreased engine power and lift.
What could happen if an aircraft is operated with an out-of-limit center of gravity?
✔✔ It may become uncontrollable, especially during takeoff and landing.
Why are composite materials used in modern aircraft construction?
✔✔ They reduce weight while maintaining strength and resistance to corrosion.
What is the function of a static wick on an aircraft?
✔✔ It dissipates static electricity to prevent radio interference.
2
,Why is it necessary to sump fuel tanks before flight?
✔✔ To check for and remove any water or debris that could cause engine issues.
How does carburetor ice form?
✔✔ It forms when moisture in the air freezes inside the carburetor due to rapid cooling.
Why is it important to check control surface hinges during a preflight inspection?
✔✔ Loose or damaged hinges can lead to loss of control during flight.
What is the purpose of vortex generators on an aircraft wing?
✔✔ They improve airflow over the wing, reducing drag and increasing control effectiveness.
How does an aircraft’s angle of attack affect lift?
✔✔ A higher angle of attack increases lift up to a critical point before causing a stall.
Why do aircraft engines have cowl flaps?
✔✔ They help regulate engine temperature by controlling airflow around the engine.
3
, What is the function of an ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)?
✔✔ It transmits a distress signal to help locate an aircraft after an accident.
Why must aircraft electrical systems be properly grounded?
✔✔ To prevent electrical malfunctions and reduce the risk of static discharge.
What could cause an aircraft engine to run rough at idle?
✔✔ Fouled spark plugs, improper fuel mixture, or water contamination in the fuel.
Why is proper torque sequencing important when installing aircraft components?
✔✔ It ensures even distribution of pressure, preventing warping or damage.
How does a stall warning system alert the pilot?
✔✔ It activates a horn, light, or stick shaker to warn of an impending stall.
What is the effect of an overloaded aircraft on takeoff distance?
✔✔ It increases the takeoff roll and reduces climb performance.
4
