Airline Interview Question

[Steveair]

What is the "region of reverse command?" (back side of power curve?)

What is a PDP? (Something similar to a VDP?)

 

[greyhound]

Region of reverse command...

When you operate in the region of reverse command (AKA the backside of the power curve), More power is required to fly slower.

The reason is because at slower speeds you need a greater angle of attack to create enough lift to stay aloft, this produces more induced drag.

The induced drag must be overcome by "MORE" power due to the greater angle of attack required to fly slower.

Hope this helps....

 

[pilotmyf]

What is the "region of reverse command?" (back side of power curve?)

What is a PDP? (Something similar to a VDP?)

Are you sure you didn't cover this in any of your 1500 hours???????

 

[msuspartans24]

Are you sure you didn't cover this in any of your 1500 hours???????

Give the guy a break. I'm sure you know everything there is to know about aviation and flying given your TONS of flight time.

 

[Steveair]

Are you sure you didn't cover this in any of your 1500 hours???????

Only have heard it called the backside of the power curve.... thanks for the cynacism.

 

[Swerpipe]

Give the answer guys...

What is the "region of reverse command?" (back side of power curve?)

What is a PDP? (Something similar to a VDP?)

Don't know why when someone asks a question people can not just give it to them.

PDP=Planned descent point. On an instrument and even visual approach you decide the point at which you would leave the MDA or current altitude to start descent for landing. Usually, it is a DMe fix or distance from runway on the FMS. If you do not have the field or airport environment (on an instrument approach) in sight then you have a fairly good indication that you will have to go missed because you are passing the point at which desacent would have started with "normal maneuvers". Difference between the VDP and PDP is that the VDP is on the approach plate and you can not start descending unless you have passed it even with the field in sight. The PDP however, is determined and agreed upon by the flight crew so it is not mandatory or regulatory.

Back side of the power curve On the aircraft you are flying now, there is an airspeed in level flight at which you will consume the least amount of fuel as a function of time or best endurance speed. If you flew faster you would add power and cruise at a faster speed consuming more fuel. If you fly slower you would also require more power because you are flying at a larger angle of attack developing more induced drag. That is the back side of the power curve, from that best endurance speed to the stall speed. Speed is unstable on the back side of the power curve. Think about, you reduce power and now you required more power to fly slower. Normally (above the best endurance speed), you reduce power and then you settle at a lower airspeed(speed stable)

P.S. Ignore the Einsteins of the World that will insult others for asking questions. Many pilots will show you the power vs. speed graph but really fail to understand it.

 

[pilotmyf]

I will go on the record with an apology. I find a world full of negative thoughts and sarcasm the work of the devil. I will, in future post be more positive with slight undertone of glee. I will never doubt a fellow pilot with more hours, instead read their posts with awe and insight. We are all working together to achieve a higher goal- fellowship and understanding. For if it wasn't for us, the world would have to drive, or even walk to their respective places. I also see no need for us to hold ourselves to a standard in our respective positions--that would be exclusive instead of inclusive. I hope you all the best with my new facade of happiness and wish me well as I puke immediatly after posting this.
Later Chums and Chumettes(see, very inclusive)

Mr. Fighting the urge to vomit