Section 5: Operations (35–45%)

The largest test section focuses on the pilot’s decision-making, fitness for flight, and communications.

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)

ADM is a systematic approach to consistently determine the best course of action.

• Hazardous Attitudes & Antidotes:
  • Anti-Authority: "Don't tell me." → Follow the rules.
  • Impulsivity: "Do it quickly." → Not so fast, think first.
  • Invulnerability: "It won't happen to me." → It could happen to me.
  • Macho: "I can do it." → Taking risks is foolish.
  • Resignation: "What's the use?" → I'm not helpless.

Preflight Checklists

• IMSAFE: Self-assessment for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion.
• PAVE: Preflight assessment of Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External Pressures.

Airport Operations and Phrasing

• Traffic Patterns: Standard patterns use left-hand turns. Runway numbers are based on magnetic headings (e.g., Runway 9 is 90°).
  • Example: "Left downwind for Runway 16" means the pilot is flying a heading of 340°.
• CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency): Used for self-announcing position at non-towered airports. Designated by a "C" in a solid circle on sectional charts.
• UNICOM: A frequency used to talk to airport staff for services like fuel.