Monthly Archive for September, 2009

The deadline for entries in the first AviatorApps app giveaway has passed, and the winners have been selected and are in the process of being notified.  The questions were intentionally written to be a bit tricky, and apparently it worked because far more incorrect answers were received than correct answers.   Ironically, while the winners will receive a code for a free copy of CoDeveloper’s PilotFAR, it’s the people who submitted incorrect answers that need it more.

So here they are; The questions, answers and and any additional explanation I felt was necessary.

1) For the general purpose of logging time, FAR ______ defines cross-country time as…

A) A flight including point of landing that was at least a straight-line distance of more than 50nm away from the point of departure.
B) A flight that includes a landing point other than the point of departure.
C) A flight that is least a straight-line distance of more than 50nm from the original point of departure.

Answer:  Far 61.1.b.3 defines cross-country time as  B) A flight that includes a landing point other than the point of departure.

What about the 50nm requirement?  Technically speaking, the 50nm requirement only comes into play when talking about the aeronautical experience requirements required for a private pilot certificate, a commercial pilot certificate, or an instrument rating (see  61.1.b.3.ii).   If you are flying to another airport 40nm away, you can still log it as cross-country time as it meets the general definition, you just won’t be able to count it as cross-country time when and if you apply for additional ratings.  Practically speaking, most people use 50nm as a threshold for logging cross-country flight, simply because it is easier to complete the 8710-1 form when applying for additional certificates or ratings, but again, don’t get the rating requirements confused with the general definition.

2) It is a beautiful VFR day without a cloud in the sky and you are planning on flying your friend to lunch at an airport 40nm away in a rented Cessna 172.  FAR ______  specifically requires you to carry pertinent aeronautical charts for your route of flight (i.e. sectional chart). 

Answer:  None… no FAR specifically requires you to carry current VFR charts for ASEL VFR operations (conducted under part 91). 

What about 91.103?  Yes, 91.103 requires you to be familiar with all aspects of the flight, but it doesn’t “specifically” say you need to carry current charts.    Before anybody goes and gets themselves all worked up, I am not saying you shouldn’t carry current charts (I always do), and I certainly wouldn’t want to have a debate or discussion with the FAA about the meaning of 91.103, but technically speaking the FARs do not require it.  Don’t believe me… then please read this article from the AOPA.

3) FAR 91.205 requires the aircraft’s anti-collision lights be turned on from the period of sunset to sunrise.  True or False?

Answer:  False.  The FAR that requires the lights be turned on from sunset to sunrise is 91.209.

Thank you to all that submitted an entry, and please be sure to stay tuned to the news feeds for more contests and give-aways in the very near future.