Ok is my instructor messing with me?

[100LL... Again!]

Upon reflection, I would say that the original question has value in this way:

It can generate "outside the box" thinking. It is an interesting brain teaser more than it is a valid question for evaluation of knowledge. Learning to think outside the box is a good skill to have in aviation, right?

If this question was aked on an oral, then it is a stupid question.

The measure of a question is whether or not the information can be used to enhance safety or efficiency.

For example, the gear pump in some aircraft is bi-directional (for the new folks, that means it spins one way for gear up, the other for gear down).

Why does this matter? Because once you move the gear handle and the pump begins operating, you should not change your mind and move the gear handle again until the gear cycle is complete (it can be hard on the pump).

So, it does not matter much that the pump is bi-directional, other than it helps you understand why once the gear handle is moved, the cycle must be allowed to finish.


Number of rivets? You are a total TOOL if you know this kind of crap. (unless you work at a regional where the toolish check airman with major insecurity issues asks this sort of thing).

 

[bobbysamd]

Number of rivets? You are a total TOOL if you know this kind of crap. (unless you work at a regional where the toolish check airman with major insecurity issues asks this sort of thing).

Or a Riddle tool, etc.

 

[Lead Sled]

What you need to know...

You need to know certain things to fly an airplane. You need to know certain things to build an airplane. Unfortunately, there are those who don't know the difference. It's really too bad when they happen to be in a position to evaluate your performance.

'Sled

 

[minitour]

You need to know certain things to fly an airplane. You need to know certain things to build an airplane. Unfortunately, there are those who don't know the difference. It's really too bad when they happen to be in a position to evaluate your performance.

'Sled

ain't that the truth!!!

 

[JAFI]

You need to know certain things to fly an airplane. You need to know certain things to build an airplane. Unfortunately, there are those who don't know the difference. It's really too bad when they happen to be in a position to evaluate your performance.

'Sled

Lead, Agreed. I think I still go back to intent. Is the question to improve, expand, or help the student learn or for the asker to demonstrate their "superior" knowledge. There are "little" people in positions of authority. My way of dealing with such a person to to think that I only have to deal with them a short time, they on the other hand, have to put up with themselves for a lifetime..... Also turnabout is fair play.

Bobby, we could start a thread of the most stupid aviation questions we have ever heard. I bet we could go on for days. If nothing else it will amuse the members of the board.

Let me start.

"What is the only part of this airplane you can eat?" I was asked this and almost bitch slapped the asker. His answer - "The bean" it is what he called the ball in the turn and slip indicator. It was such a stupid question I got up and left the table.


JAFI

 

[minitour]

Bobby, we could start a thread of the most stupid aviation questions we have ever heard. I bet we could go on for days. If nothing else it will amuse the members of the board.

Let me start.

"What is the only part of this airplane you can eat?" I was asked this and almost bitch slapped the asker. His answer - "The bean" it is what he called the ball in the turn and slip indicator. It was such a stupid question I got up and left the table.


JAFI

I thought you said a new thread?

 

[JAFI]

I thought you said a new thread?

So sue me.

 

[minitour]

So sue me.

Calm down chief, I wuz just screwin with ya....it's all good!

Of course, the American way would be to sue you...

but it's all good

-mini

 

[JAFI]

And I was just kidding also. I see you started the thread...


JAFI

 

[minitour]

And I was just kidding also. I see you started the thread...


JAFI

ah gacha...

Yeah, seemed like a good idea for a thread...I think you're right...should go on for a few weeks...

Hoping for some entertaining ones...

-mini

 

[A Squared]

But, hypertechnical discussions such as this border on the asinine.

Ummm, yeah, if you're taking it seriously. I would have hoped that the more perceptive would have noticed I wasn't being particularly serious about it. As you don't seem to be exhibiting any visible signs of a sense of humor, I'll explain: I wasn't being serious, I was joining in the spirit of silly technical questions. No, I don't think that knowing the lifters are hydraulic is important for flying an airplane.

However, you might notice that in regards the first question that started the thread, Jedi Nein pointed out a pretty good reason why understanding about the resevoir tank might be useful.

On the subject of fuel pumps, since you mentioned it I thought I'd ask; the throttle pump differs from the "carburetor pump" how?

(I even heard fuel injectors falling under the definition of fuel pump because they "pump" gas into the combustion chambers.)

That would be the position of somone who really doesn't understand the fuel system even slightly. The fuel injectors depend on pressure from the fuel pumps. They are no more pumps than the nozzle on your garden hose is a pump. Also, they don't deliver gas into the combustion chambers, they deliver it into the induction system, close to the intake valve. Sounds like your friends at riddle are talking out thier a$$es, in addition to being overly fond of minutiae

 

[bobbysamd]

Sounds like your friends at riddle are talking out thier a$$es, in addition to being overly fond of minutiae

You don't know the half of it.

 

[JediNein]

I got asked a silly technical question about an aircraft's fuel system on a not-so-recent checkride. I happened to know the answer because I'd worked on that particular system in a similar aircraft the previous weekend and had tried to use the checkride aircraft to compare. I asked the examiner if he was asking that question to me as a pilot or as a mechanic.

He got a little huffy, then said as a pilot.

I told him I had no friggin' idea, but my mechanic could find out.

He sat up, then said as a mechanic.

I asked exactly which mod to that system were we discussing. There are different versions for each year the aircraft was manufactured, and several after-market modifications. The aircraft I brought to the test was completely different than the one I'd worked on.

He grimaced, then asked a non-systems question.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[80/20]

Jedi Nein it sounds like you handeled this very well! I like to hear stories like that. It appears that your designee did not run the checkride as intended by the FAA. I start checkrides by briefing the candidate something like this:
“We will keep an informal working atmosphere to keep you relaxed so we can bring out your best performance. Our goal is to verify that you have enough practical knowledge to safely and competently exercise the privileges of the certificate. I will avoid trick questions. My questions and your answers should be short, clear, specific and easy to understand. Ask for clarification, before answering, if you are unsure of the meaning of a question.

You are not expected to give 100% correct answers to all my questions. I am looking for a broad practical understanding rather than highly detailed knowledge of component engineering design and construction.

You are expected to know memory items and limitations not marked in the cockpit. You may look at instrument markings, cockpit placards, non-memory checklists and manuals that are required to be in the cockpit. What I want to see is that you can make a diagnosis from cockpit indications and describe the situation based on this information”

The FAA has told me to focus on understanding of essential features of system design and how various systems interrelate and demonstrate such knowledge by interpreting cockpit indications and describing the condition of aircraft systems from these indications. I do this not only because the FAA has told me to but also because this will allow the instructors to focus on building a safe pilot. I encourage people to dive deep into systems and maintenance manuals but not at the expense of basic practical flying and cockpit trouble shooting. Let us face it the workload is very high when preparing for a checkride. We should allow students to focus on the basics and most important first that is to become a pilot - not an engineer. By the way – last year an FAA inspector told me that he stopped a designee because he was asking too many non relevant in-depth technical questions.

 

[nosehair]

I got asked a silly technical question about an aircraft's fuel system

...mmm, so, Jedi, give us the full benefit of your story....what was the question?