FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine (Added Rating)

Under 14 CFR Part 63, what is the minimum class of FAA medical certificate required for an individual to exercise the privileges of a Flight Engineer certificate?

• ASecond-Class medical certificate
• BFirst-Class medical certificate
• CThird-Class medical certificate
• DBasicMed qualification

An applicant holding a Flight Engineer certificate with a Turbojet class rating applies to add a Reciprocating Engine class rating. According to 14 CFR § 63.35, what requirement must be met to obtain the added rating?

• APass the Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine (FER) knowledge test and complete a practic…
• BComplete 500 hours of flight engineer time in reciprocating aircraft without taking a kno…
• CRetake the entire Flight Engineer Basic (FEB) knowledge test along with a flight test in…
• DObtain a written endorsement from an airline chief pilot certifying 100 hours of simulato…

What is the recent experience requirement under 14 CFR § 63.35 for a Flight Engineer to act as a required flight crewmember on a reciprocating-engine aircraft in commercial operations?

• AAt least 50 hours of flight time as a flight engineer in that class of aircraft within th…
• BAt least 100 hours of flight engineer time within the preceding 12 calendar months, inclu…
• CAt least 24 hours of flight time in any aircraft type within the preceding 90 days
• DAt least 3 takeoff and landing cycles as flight engineer within the preceding 30 days

Upon request by an authorized representative of the Administrator or National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), when must a Flight Engineer present their certificate for inspection?

• AImmediately upon request when exercising the privileges of the certificate
• BWithin 15 business days following written notice sent by certified mail
• CAt the next scheduled annual proficiency evaluation
• DWithin 30 calendar days at the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

Under 14 CFR Part 121, what is the maximum allowable flight time for a Flight Engineer in any single calendar year?

• A1,000 flight hours
• B1,200 flight hours
• C800 flight hours
• D500 flight hours

What is the maximum duration for which a temporary Flight Engineer certificate issued by an FAA Inspector remains valid?

• A120 days
• B90 days
• C60 days
• D180 days

Within how many days must a certificated Flight Engineer notify the FAA Airman Certification Branch of a change in permanent mailing address?

• A30 days
• B14 days
• C60 days
• D90 days

According to 14 CFR § 91.529, when is a Flight Engineer required as part of the minimum flight crew on a large U.S.-registered civil aircraft?

• AWhen the type certificate of the aircraft requires a flight engineer, or for airplanes ce…
• BOn all multi-engine aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) carrying more…
• COnly when operating outside the contiguous United States on international oceanic routes
• DOn any aircraft with a maximum gross weight exceeding 12,500 pounds equipped with turbopr…

Under 14 CFR § 91.17, what is the maximum permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a Flight Engineer performing crew duties?

• ALess than 0.04 percent by weight
• BLess than 0.08 percent by weight
• CLess than 0.02 percent by weight
• DZero tolerance (0.00 percent) only if on international flights

An applicant fails the Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine knowledge test. According to 14 CFR § 63.19, what must the applicant do before re-testing?

• AWait 30 days from the date of failure, OR present an endorsement from an authorized instr…
• BWait a mandatory 60 days with no exceptions
• CSubmit a written appeal to the FAA Flight Standards District Office before rescheduling
• DComplete an additional 50 hours of flight simulator training endorsed by a ground instruc…

What is the minimum age required for the issuance of a Flight Engineer certificate under 14 CFR § 63.31?

• A21 years of age
• B18 years of age
• C23 years of age
• D25 years of age

Under 14 CFR Part 63, what is the duty of a Flight Engineer who develops a known physical deficiency that makes them unable to meet medical standards?

• AThey must not act as a flight engineer while that physical deficiency exists
• BThey may continue operating provided a qualified pilot monitors their duties
• CThey may operate for up to 30 days while awaiting a medical re-examination
• DThey must surrender their flight engineer certificate to the FAA within 48 hours

Which document authorizes a Flight Engineer candidate to take the FAA FER Knowledge Test?

• AProof of holding an airman certificate or completion of required training/experience unde…
• BA signed authorization letter from the FAA Administrator issued within the preceding 10 d…
• CA valid First-Class medical certificate stamped with 'Knowledge Test Approved'
• DA minimum of 1,000 logged flight hours as a pilot-in-command

What sanction may the FAA impose under 14 CFR § 63.20 for making a fraudulent or intentionally false entry in a logbook or record required for a Flight Engineer certificate?

• ASuspension or revocation of any airman certificate or rating held by that person
• BMandatory re-examination on ground subjects only within 60 days
• CA civil penalty fine of up to $500 per false entry without affecting certificates
• DSuspension of medical certificate privileges for a period not to exceed 30 days

What is the validity period of a flight instructor's endorsement certifying an applicant is prepared for the Flight Engineer practical test under 14 CFR § 63.37?

• A60 days
• B30 days
• C90 days
• D120 days

Under 14 CFR Part 121, how frequently must a Flight Engineer complete a proficiency check or approved simulator training program to maintain operational qualification?

• AWithin the preceding 12 calendar months
• BWithin the preceding 6 calendar months
• CWithin the preceding 24 calendar months
• DWithin the preceding 36 calendar months

Which crew member holds final authority for operational control and flight safety on an aircraft operating with a required Flight Engineer?

• APilot in Command (PIC)
• BFlight Engineer (FE)
• CSecond in Command (SIC)
• DAirline Operations Dispatcher

According to 14 CFR § 121.543, when must a Flight Engineer remain at their duty station with safety belt and shoulder harness fastened?

• ADuring takeoffs and landings, and during enroute flight unless absence is necessary for p…
• BContinuously throughout the entire flight without leaving the station for any reason
• COnly during takeoff, landing, and operation in severe turbulence
• DOnly when the aircraft is operating below 10,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL)

What are the three official class ratings that may be placed on an FAA Flight Engineer certificate under 14 CFR § 63.31?

• AReciprocating engine powered, Turbopropeller powered, and Turbojet powered
• BSingle-engine reciprocating, Multi-engine reciprocating, and Jet powered
• CLandplane, Seaplane, and Helicopter
• DClass I (Piston), Class II (Turbine), and Class III (Rocket)

Under 14 CFR § 121.329, what supplemental oxygen requirement applies to the flight deck crew on a pressurized aircraft operating at cabin pressure altitudes above 10,000 feet up to 12,000 feet?

• ASupplemental oxygen must be used continuously for that part of the flight at those altitu…
• BSupplemental oxygen must be used continuously by all flight crewmembers for the entire ti…
• CSupplemental oxygen is only required if the cabin altitude exceeds 14,000 feet MSL
• DOxygen masks must be worn and secured by both pilots and the flight engineer at all times…

In an unaugmented flight crew operating under Part 121 flag operations, what is the maximum scheduled flight time allowed for a Flight Engineer during any 24 consecutive hours?

• A8 hours
• B10 hours
• C12 hours
• D6 hours

What is the expiration policy for a permanent FAA Flight Engineer certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 63?

• AIt has no expiration date and remains valid unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked
• BIt expires every 24 calendar months and requires a biennial written renewal
• CIt expires concurrently with the airman's Second-Class medical certificate
• DIt expires 5 years from the date of initial issuance

Prior to flight, what maintenance documentation must the Flight Engineer inspect to ensure the aircraft is legally released for service under 14 CFR § 121.709?

• AThe signed Airworthiness Release or logbook entry by authorized maintenance personnel and…
• BThe engine manufacturer's original overhaul certificate issued at the factory
• CThe pilot's personal logbook showing completion of pre-flight ground school
• DThe airport manager's ramp inspection clearance form

Under 14 CFR § 121.549, what personal equipment must a Flight Engineer have readily available at their duty station during night operations?

• AAn operable flashlight
• BA portable handheld VHF radio
• CAn approved emergency signal flare
• DA spare set of headset cushions

What action must a Flight Engineer take if they observe a system operation or parameter that violates aircraft Operating Manual limitations during flight?

• AImmediately notify the Pilot in Command and take prescribed checklist actions to restore…
• BQuietly log the entry in the aircraft maintenance book after landing without disturbing t…
• CDeactivate the affected system circuit breaker immediately without consulting the pilots
• DDisregard the limitation if the aircraft is operating in cruise flight

In a double-row radial aircraft engine (such as the Pratt & Whitney R-2800), what is the structural function of the master rod and articulated rod assembly?

• AThe master rod connects one piston directly to the crankshaft crankpin, while articulated…
• BAll pistons connect directly to the crankpin via independent ball bearings to eliminate s…
• CArticulated rods transmit motion to the camshaft, while the master rod drives the oil pump
• DThe master rod drives the supercharger impeller, while articulated rods power the propell…

What is the primary aerodynamic and thermodynamic purpose of valve overlap (period when both intake and exhaust valves are simultaneously open) in high-power radial engines?

• ATo improve volumetric efficiency by using exhaust gas inertia to help draw in the fresh f…
• BTo prevent excess manifold pressure from entering the combustion chamber at low idle RPM
• CTo allow unburnt fuel to wash over the spark plug electrodes to prevent lead fouling
• DTo reduce engine compression ratio during high-speed cruise flight

What internal combustion phenomenon is characterized by instantaneous explosive combustion of the unburned end-gas charge ahead of the normal flame front in a high-power reciprocating engine cylinder?

• ADetonation
• BPre-ignition
• CAfterfiring
• DVapor lock

How does pre-ignition differ fundamentally from detonation in a large radial aircraft engine?

• APre-ignition is premature ignition of the charge before spark ignition occurs (caused by…
• BPre-ignition only occurs at idle RPM, while detonation only occurs during engine start
• CPre-ignition causes a sharp drop in cylinder head temperature, while detonation causes CH…
• DPre-ignition is caused exclusively by using high-octane fuel in low-compression engines

In a two-stage supercharged reciprocating engine, what defines the 'critical altitude' of the engine-supercharger combination?

• AThe maximum altitude at which a supercharger can maintain a specified maximum continuous…
• BThe altitude where engine power drops to exactly 50 percent of sea-level rated horsepower
• CThe minimum altitude at which high-blower ratio can be safely engaged without engine stall
• DThe pressure altitude at which the Anti-Detonation Injection (ADI) tank becomes empty

What is the primary function of the turbosupercharger wastegate assembly on a high-altitude reciprocating aircraft engine?

• ATo regulate the amount of exhaust gas directed through the turbine wheel, controlling com…
• BTo vent excess fuel vapor from the pressure carburetor back to the main fuel tanks
• CTo bypass high-pressure oil from the propeller governor back to the crankcase sump
• DTo inject cooling air into the exhaust manifold to prevent tailpipe fires

A turbosupercharged engine is rated at 45 inches Hg manifold pressure up to a critical altitude of 22,000 feet with the wastegate fully closed. What occurs to manifold pressure as the aircraft climbs from 22,000 feet to 26,000 feet at full throttle?

• AManifold pressure progressively decreases because ambient atmospheric density drops and t…
• BManifold pressure remains constant at 45 inches Hg because the automatic density controll…
• CManifold pressure increases rapidly due to decreased exhaust backpressure on the turbine
• DManifold pressure drops immediately to zero because the turbocharger compressor stalls

How does an increase in carburetor air temperature (CAT) affect the detonation threshold and maximum power output of a supercharged reciprocating engine?

• AHigher CAT decreases air density (reducing maximum power) and increases cylinder charge t…
• BHigher CAT increases air density, suppressing detonation and allowing higher manifold pre…
• CHigher CAT increases fuel volatility, eliminating the need for Anti-Detonation Injection…
• DHigher CAT has no impact on power output because supercharger speed automatically compens…

In a Bendix-Stromberg pressure injection carburetor, what force primary balances meter fuel flow against mass airflow into the engine?

• AAir metering force (venture suction vs impact pressure) balanced against fuel metering fo…
• BEngine oil pressure balanced against intake valve spring tension
• CExhaust backpressure balanced against manifold vacuum
• DElectrical solenoid current regulated by engine RPM

What is the primary composition and function of Anti-Detonation Injection (ADI) fluid used on high-output radial engines during takeoff power?

• AA mixture of 50% water, 50% methanol (plus corrosion inhibitor) that cools combustion cha…
• BPure kerosene injected into the induction system to enrich the fuel mixture during climb
• CA 90% ethylene glycol solution designed to prevent induction carburetor icing at altitude
• D100LL aviation gasoline mixed with engine oil to lubricate supercharger bearings

During ground taxiing and takeoff in hot ambient conditions, how should the cowl flaps of a large radial-engine transport aircraft be positioned?

• AFull OPEN for ground taxiing to maximize airflow; set to specified takeoff position (trai…
• BFull CLOSED during taxi to speed up engine warm-up, and full OPEN during takeoff
• CFull CLOSED for both taxi and takeoff to eliminate aerodynamic drag
• DPositioned automatically by propeller governor pressure without pilot intervention

Why is it mandatory for a Flight Engineer or ground crew to pull the propeller through by hand (or use starter bump procedure) prior to starting a radial engine that has been shut down for several hours?

• ATo detect and clear hydraulic lock caused by oil pooling in the lower inverted combustion…
• BTo prime the high-tension magneto coils with residual static electricity
• CTo check for propeller governor oil seal leakage into the nose case
• DTo purge residual fuel from the turbosupercharger turbine housing

When leaning the fuel-air mixture from Auto-Rich toward Peak EGT at cruise power, what is the expected response of Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT)?

• AEGT increases to a peak and then drops as mixture is leaned further; CHT increases to a m…
• BBoth EGT and CHT continuously decrease as mixture is leaned
• CEGT drops rapidly to zero while CHT spikes past redline limits immediately
• DEGT remains unchanged while CHT decreases proportionally with fuel flow

What engine operational condition causes valve float (valve flutter) in a large reciprocating engine?

• AEngine overspeed where valve spring tension is insufficient to keep cam followers in cont…
• BOperating at extremely lean mixture settings during low-power descent
• CExcessive oil pressure supplied to hydraulic valve lifters at idle
• DEngaging Anti-Detonation Injection (ADI) at low manifold pressure

What is the purpose of dynamic dampers installed on the crankshaft counterweights of heavy radial reciprocating engines?

• ATo absorb torsional vibrations caused by power impulses of the pistons, protecting the cr…
• BTo balance the weight of the supercharger impeller during high-speed blower shifts
• CTo provide hydraulic dampening for the propeller pitch change mechanism
• DTo store rotational energy for restarting engines in flight without starter motor engagem…

In large aircraft radial engines with dual ignition systems, why is dual ignition used rather than single ignition?

• ATo provide safety redundancy and improve combustion efficiency by igniting the fuel mixtu…
• BTo allow one spark plug to fire on intake stroke and the second on exhaust stroke
• CTo enable the engine to burn jet-A fuel alongside aviation gasoline
• DTo eliminate the need for magneto grounding switches during flight

What type of induction system icing can occur even in warm ambient temperatures (up to 70°F / 21°C) when relative humidity is high?

• ACarburetor fuel evaporation icing and throttle ice
• BImpact icing on wing leading edges
• CSupercharger turbine blade icing
• DExhaust pipe condensation icing

What is the primary cause of engine backfiring through the induction system in a large reciprocating engine?

• AAn excessively lean fuel-air mixture that burns slowly, remaining ignited until the intak…
• BAn excessively rich mixture burning in the tailpipe
• CHigh oil pressure supplying the valve rocker arms
• DOperating with cowl flaps set full open at high altitude

In flight engineering, what parameter does a Brake Mean Effective Pressure (BMEP) gauge directly measure and indicate to the Flight Engineer?

• AAverage effective pressure inside the cylinders during the power stroke, indicating engin…
• BHydraulic pressure inside the propeller feathering pump accumulator
• CTotal fuel pressure delivered by the engine-driven fuel pump to the carburetor
• DAmbient barometric pressure entering the supercharger intake duct

A radial engine producing power at 2,400 RPM displays a BMEP of 200 PSI at 32 inches Hg manifold pressure. Assuming RPM remains constant, if manifold pressure is increased to 36 inches Hg, what is the new estimated BMEP?

• A225 PSI
• B210 PSI
• C240 PSI
• D190 PSI

An aircraft engine produces 2,000 Brake Horsepower (BHP) with a Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) of 0.45 lbs/BHP/hr. What is the total fuel consumption rate for this engine in pounds per hour (lbs/hr) and gallons per hour (GPH) assuming standard AVGAS weight of 6.0 lbs/gal?

• A900 lbs/hr and 150 GPH
• B1,000 lbs/hr and 166 GPH
• C800 lbs/hr and 133 GPH
• D950 lbs/hr and 158 GPH

When shifting a two-speed internal supercharger from Low Blower to High Blower in flight, what proper control procedure must the Flight Engineer follow to prevent clutch damage?

• AReduce power/manifold pressure, move the blower control lever briskly from Low to High wi…
• BMove the lever extremely slowly over a 2-minute period while holding full takeoff power
• CShut down the engine completely before moving the blower control lever
• DIncrease engine RPM to maximum redline limit before shifting supercharger clutches