DGCA -ATPL - Oral -QBank

[Prop.Time]

An appeal to all those who have cleared/ appeared for the Oral part of the ATPL Examination which the Indian DGCA conducts from time to time :

Kindly take some time out, try to recollect and post a few questions here, that you were asked on that fateful day.

Could be anything ranging from a general idea as to how the session progressed to verbatim questions as barked out by the people on the panel.

---All in an effort to try an create a bank of questions, which could prove useful to the others in our fraternity.

[planeboy_777]

guys the ATPL orals have started today.
Please let us know the questions if able.

[addy1847]

NAV n Radio both
1. Diff between GPWS n EGPWS. KInd of warning EGPWS gives, how does it work
2. RNP, what exactly is that, RNP 1 better or RNP 10
3. GRID MORA on jepp chart
4. CANPA-Constant angle non precision approach
5. VOR, DVOR(Doppler VOR), NDB, which one would you prefer to use and why
6. Showed Chennai approach plate-Which type of approach is that-VOR
7. RADIO ALT
8. RVSM contingencies
9. ALL types of projections, if you are at equator which type of chart would you
use(projection type)
thse are the one i could remember as of now, will let you people know, if i could recollect more of them

[planeboy_777]

thanks a ton

[wings of fire]

Thanks addy.

@planeboy 777
Buddy I remember seeing your post in the indigo thread. You seems to have cleared your indigo exam. Could you please share the interview questions asked in the indigo interview.

[Uniform.]

hi guys.. i wonder why people are not putting questions over here.
Well had my radio-instru oral yesterday, this was my 1st attempt and question were very basic, may be they are easy on unemployed ones.. :E i have few doubts regarding the ques i was asked

1. What are ILS components
my answer was (a) glide slope (b) localiser (c) marker beacon and i explained the positioning, frequency band and few other details which they asked about these 3 components and then they asked about other components !!!! I have no idea what "other components" should have been told

2. Tied gyro
Here let me know what is the difference between "Degrees of freedom" and "Planes of freedom" because according to them there is nothing like "degrees" of freedom :rolleyes:

[LOFT]

Could be anything ranging from a general idea as to how the session progressed to verbatim questions as "barked" out by the people on the panel.

Let's be a little bit more responsible and show a little more respect towards the seniors on the panel.

:ok:

[LOFT]

I have no idea what "other components" should have been told

If they were referring it from a chart, I think they were talking about the dme. It's an imp part of an ils approach. For example g/s out, you need the dme and height cross check to shoot the approach.

[kiitos.patole]

I can think a couple of other components namely,
-Marker Locators(NDB co-located with the fan markers)
and Airborne equipment!(remember it is also very important because of the obvious reason..) :ok:

Cheers!

[Uniform.]

@ LOFT
may be they wanted "dme" only as after the ils questions, they did ask me if the marker beacons are necessary?.... and the DME came up

and what about the "degrees of freedom"?
this is what is mentioned in GSP. I agree "planes" of freedom is correct but "degrees" of freedom is also not wrong

[Uniform.]

@kiitos.patole
I did ask them if they wanted ground components or the aircraft but the reply was " Did i mention anything like ground or aircraft?? I am just asking about the ILS components" :uhoh:

[doubleactionjack]

@ Uniform. - At Which center did you give your Viva.... Bbay ?

[planeboy_777]

Approach lighting system,
Runway light system:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Uniform.]

@ doubleactionjack
yes. was that a guess?

[doubleactionjack]

Yup, It was a guess... :)

Gna be giving my Viva soon @ bbay

[Vikram singh]

q. How many satellites are required for RAIM?
q. What airspaces are there in India?
q. What is RVSM - what are the requirements for an aircraft to enter rvsm airspace?
q.What is RNP

[doubleactionjack]

Was this for radio aids or nav ?

[PEC]

q. How many satellites are required for RAIM?
q. What airspaces are there in India?
q. What is RVSM - what are the requirements for an aircraft to enter rvsm airspace?
q.What is RNP

The first Q comes under Radio Nav+ Instrumentation. The rest under Gen. Nav.

[doubleactionjack]

For RAIM - 6 Satellites Minimum
Indian Has Class - D - Airspace

Hope these are correct ?

[superdunkaroos]

For RAIM you require a minimum of 5 satellites, while assuming only FD.
For FDE you require 6.

[Capt.Morrgan]

Some radio aids ques that I got asked:
- compass errors (accel/decel)
- fms and it's interfaces
- irs construction, working, limitations, relation b/w time to align vs latitude
That's all I could think of.
-CM

[PEC]

q. How many satellites are required for RAIM?
5

q. What airspaces are there in India?
D,E,F,G

q. What is RVSM - what are the requirements for an aircraft to enter rvsm airspace?
2 X Altimetry Systems with Cross-coupled static ports + Icing protection
1 X SSR Transponder with auto-altitude reporting capability
1 X Automatic altitude Control System
1 X Automatic altitude alerting system

[gAMbl3]

RAIM FD - 5 satellites or 4 satellites + barometric altimeter (baro aiding)

FDE - 6 satellites or 5 + baro aiding

[IndAir967]

1. What are ILS components
my answer was (a) glide slope (b) localiser (c) marker beacon and i explained the positioning, frequency band and few other details which they asked about these 3 components and then they asked about other components !!!! I have no idea what "other components" should have been told


As per AI ops manual : The components of ILS : Localiser, Glide Path, Outer Marker, Middle Marker and Approach Lighting System.
:ok:

[Aviator09]

It was a combined oral for Gen. Navigation & Radio Aids-Instruments.
1.Requirements for aircraft to enter a RVSM Airspace.
2.Class of Airspace in India.
3.GPWS and EGPWS, Reasons for EGPWS that it gives us the warnings and alerts for terrain ahead also?
4.Hard Iron & Soft iron Magnetism ; What kind of magnetism will an aircraft acquire if it is hammered for a long time? ; EGPWS Mode 6.
5. For Navigation, lots of Jeppesen Charts questions were asked.
Colours for GRID MORA, Scale on Jepp. Chart, Approach plates -LOC approach(GS out).

[mike_sierra]

Radio/General navigation combined oral(previous attempt):

-pitot static instruments
-explain static pressure
-TAT>OAT, why?
-explain density error
-mach meter errors
-INS setting/faliures
-Radio altimeter errors
-TCAS TA,RA range
-what is a VOLMET?
-night effect
-sidereal day
-VOR errors
-VOR tracking problem
-VOR-DME co-location criteria
-Glide Slope coverage range
-what is P RNAV
-speed to be maintained when in a DME arc
-grid mora (colours on the chart)
-RL on a Mercator
-Vref speed categories
-converting climb gradient to RoC (the examiner was looking for a rule of thumb formula)

any further inputs on general nav will be appreciated

good luck!

[PEC]

what is a VOLMET?
That, during an ATPL Viva. Nice!

[mike_sierra]

That, during an ATPL Viva. Nice!

And you know what's better?
This was the 1st question to be asked :cool:

[doubleactionjack]

Woah thats a lot of Questions :confused:

TCAS TA,RA range - Forward Range for TCAS 2 = 40 Nm
Speed to be maintained in a DME arc = 230 KIAS

And also, from the previous post..

Magnetism Induced due to hammering = hard Iron Mag

Please do correct if i am wrong.

[vinodhloganathan]

Hi friends,

I gave the oral on the 9th.gave both navigation and radio aids.i was asked the following questions.it was quite basic.


1) what is cp
2)what is pnr
3)factors affecting cp and pnr
4)approach plates brief gaya airports approach and questins on the approach plate
5)what is coffins corner
6)what happens to TAS AND MACH NO AS U CLIMB IN THE SAME CAS
7)WHAT IS MACH CRIT SPEED
8)what is canpa
9)what is derived decision altitude
10)what is ils and its components
11)give a brief description on mercator,polar stereographic and lamberts charts
12)what is navigation
13)what is RNP
14)diff between ins and irs
15)how will u align a ins
16)what input errors will the ins system will accept
17)what is rnav

[bangalore]

simple problems but need an explanation for the following how to solve it..

1) aircraft requires headwind comp of at least 10knts and crosswind limit of 35knts. the angle between the wind direction is 60 deg. calculate maximum and min allowable wind speeds?

2) after take off you can accept upto 10knts of tail wind. the runway QDM is 047, the var is 17deg E and the atis gives wind direction 210 what is the max wind strength you can accept?

3) magnetic hdg 311 deg ,
drift 10deg left
relative bearing of NDB270
what is the magnetic bearing of NDB measured from the aircraft?

[airbuscopilot]

DGCA ATPL Orals are easy if you have studied through the syllabus given on the website.
They ask Basic questions to test your knowledge and understanding. Nothing in depth.
So i'd advice brush up on everything given in the syllabus.

[flight517]

i request people who appeared for the atpl oral to please come up with the topics asked in the oral today......thanks in advance

[nsk.air]

I have my orals on the 29th march. Guys please post the questions asked in orals for the ongoing session i.e 27 march to 04 april.

[draxis]

Here you go guys. hope it helps. Please do post up your questions after you are done too.

Questions
1) Jeppesson
(a) show on the approach plate the "symbol" for RVR transmissometer.
(b) how many RVR's are usually present along a runway?
(c) What is MEHT? (i believe it's Minimum Eye height over Threshold)
(d) what is OCA?

2) Radio Aids and Navigation
a) explain carrier wave? can a carrier wave carry information?
b) explain Side bands?. If carrier wave is 500 hz, what are the value of the side bands?
c) What do you know about NAT? (North Atlantic routes)
d) Explain how FMS plots it's position?
e) does FMS use great circle or rhumbline tracks?
f) ETOPS? What ETOPS req.s are 777's rated to? (ans they were looking for is 240)
g) difference between INS and IRS?
h) ACARS? , CPDLC? , FANS?, ADS-B? (Also the frequency bands they fall in)
i) What interface does crew use to use ACARS ? (fms etc)
j) difference between RNP and RNAV. What is ANP?
k) If an equipment fails, what do you do if you are flying an RNP route? (ans- advise atc to estabilish clearance)
l) What is Grivation? Where is grids used in navigation?
m) where are lambert's conformal charts used other than in aviation?
n) difference between doppler VOR and VOR?..why is doppler VOR better?
o) simple problems about deviation and variation and relative bearing
p) range of VHF- rx and tx height given
q) cp, pnr formulas
r) what is point of no continuance?
s) what is optical line of sight? (not sure about exact words- basically VHF line of sight)
t) some question regarding the position of a bear if he travels east south west north..what's his final position? This takes the cake :D
u) CANPA? CDFA?

All I can remember...good luck guys...Please post up your questions after you are done..:ok:

[flight517]

topics asked were
CANPA
Diff b/w ILS X & ILS Y
RVSM
RNP
ILS
DME
GPWS
INS, IRS, GPS

[nsk.air]

Working of a Servo Altimeter.
RNP/RNAV
ILS reference point
If the wavelength is 2 cm, what is the frequency?
Primary radar v/s secondary radar.
Working of weather radar.
How is cloud height calculated using weather radar?
Frequency band of SHF.
What is a BFO?

[PilotIndian737]

1. VEGT chart difference between ILS X and ILS Y?
2. Can you do ILS approach without Glideslope? Ans.-Yes
3. Jeppesen Enroute Chart -- asked me to find a place on the chart and asked some symbols on the chart
4. where are the standard paralles written on jeppesen enroute chart?
6. what is TODA and TORA?
7. What is the difference between Clearway and stopway?
8. what is variation and deviation?
9. RVSM weather obstruction criteria?
10. Difference between RNAV and RNP?
11. Grid Mora, MOCA, MORA?
:ok:
Thats all i can recall Guys!

[bayblade]

GSP mentions for RAIM you need 6 or more satellites, so how come people have mentioned 5 here. please explain.
whats FDE?

[manoj john]

i believe when it is 5 satellites for raim it is just FD which is fault detection of a satellite, n when it is 6 satellites it is FDE which is basically fault detection and removal of the fault satellite from its constellation..

[gAMbl3]

For RAIM you need 5 satellites or 4 satellites + baroaiding (barometric altitude information is linked to GPS) and for FDE (Failure detection and exclusion) you need 6 satellites for 5 satellites + baroaiding.

[manoj john]

in this thread some1 had said that there questioned asked about gaya approach, so can someone tell me if (APPROACH PLATES | Aviator Flight (http://aviatorflight.com/approach-plates/)) is a good site to refer these appraoches or are there any better sites that i refer for these approaches? and where do i look up for the symbols those are shown on approach plates...thnx

[bayblade]

@uniform,
check this India IFR charts [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums (http://www.pprune.org/archive/index.php/t-419356.html)
i hope it helps.

[Uniform.]

@bayblade
Thank you :)

[AviatorVette]

Great thread, whats the best way to prepare for radio aids orals? This will be my first attempt.

[silent_scream]

Greetings !

Slightly off topic, but has any one ever successfully tried getting their ATPL Oral exam dates changed ?

If yes, what is the procedure ?
Any input will be appreciated.
Thanks.

[am-rj-tbt]

So guys what was asked today updates please ....

[am-rj-tbt]

Ok mine was pathetic they got into charts and were like you need to know those jep charts very well
Navigation what of parallel of latitude what are thumb lines gc
Dint seem satisfied with answers
Then what is em waves define properly and all
What are vor errors
what is dead space
what is duct propogation I suppose
Not sure

Then free advise
Beta you have lots of time study more
We want to test in depth knowledge
You can pass written by fluke but here is different and all
I would guess I dint pass
So I think ill I have yo figure some way now :(

[manoj john]

either ways really appreciate your help...can u please tell me what all he asked u from jeppeson charts...
...really wishing to see more questions from all...

[KP747]

Hello fellow Aviators!

I am still trying to figure out what does the symbol right on top of an Approach plate stands for... It basically has a small globe with two wings on it. It is also not found on all approach plates and is similar to the symbol found along with 'magnetic north' indicator on the approach chart....

Any help would be highly appreciated!!

Cheers!! :ok:

[pushkraj]

hey guys ...
good to see some activity around here :sad:
i got my VIVA on 14 in mumbai keep on updating .... :ok:

n good airmanship :D

[manoj john]

@ KP747
if u see "NOT TO SCALE" below that globe with 2 wings....to my knowledge it just means that it is non conformal, that is not to be scaled.....this is generally seen in SIDs and STARs......

[manoj john]

Hey guys, i am really wishing to see more of jeppeson questions , exactly what all they ask and from which all charts, and definitely the remaining topcs as well...thanks guys..

[adgsunke]

Isnt it 220 Kts.
AIP states speed within 15 Nm of Air below 10000ft is 220

[manoj john]

i was assuming max speed below 10000ft is 250 kts, however i am nt sure on tht , so dnt go by me,,,

[gAMbl3]

DME ARC

Aircraft category--------Speed Range(kts)

A <91---------------------90/150
B 91/120 ---------------- 120/180
C 121/140----------------160/240
D 141/165----------------185/250
E 166/210----------------185/250

[manoj john]

a friend of mine gave his orals in mumabi 2 days back he was asked to derive the MEHT( minimum eye height over threshold)? he dint have any clue how to find tht, neither me, i am guessing some 1 in 60 rule applies where may b the angle might b 3degs, n add a 50ft, or smthng lyk tht...som1 who knws how to do this...please help...thanx

[adgsunke]

Started with basics questions on definition of Course, Track, Hdg

DME Arc - How to calculate the approx distance to touchdown

Approach Chart / STAR / SID
There was a chart that was for some airline / operator specific. Can some one help in finding out what all are the symbols used for various airlines / operators.

Lots of Mental DR questions gain time / speed reqd

Airspace Classifications- what about SAR in these air spaces- Need help on this

SLOP

Can someone tell about uncontrolled airspace. It is given at many places that in In India there are no uncontrolled air space. But I remember during RTR classes lots of time uncontrolled airspace was mentioned during routing.

where all other than aviation are Lambert charts used.

Given two longs on equator (Not diametrically opposite). What track to follow if they have to meet reciprocal at the poles. Anyone any idea on this.

RVSM reqmts - what are the figures for difference between the altimeters, Altitude hold / warning. DGCA CAR gives different figures on diff pages. Reqmt of TCAS-is it there or just recommended. The

Questions on notes on a Apch Chart. Don't answer without looking at the chart even if it is too obvious an answer. As far as I know, if the controller tells you to do something then it is understood that he is in control and doing so depending on the traffic But I think he expected me to look at the chart and readout the note.

ETOPS, who has to approve and why? Definition. Emphasis on nil winds and single engine cruise speeds. He kept hinting on what are the environmental factors that are affecting.

Answers and clarifications on the above will be appreciated.

[adgsunke]

Arent there any inputs from people appearing at Mumbai

[planeboy_777]

Minimum eye Height over threshold is the Threshold Crossing height from pilots eye to the ground (its a self explanatory definition but)
To put it in a simple way,


Aircraft like A320 have a minimum wheel clearance of 20 feet(from Wheel to threshold)....1

From pilots eye to wheel is know in the FCOM which is 24ft in A320.....2

MEHT is basically Point 1 + Point 2 which is 45 feet

if the MEHT/TCH is less than 45ft the aircraft will not have adequate clearance
hence the A320 in that case cannot use PAPI.

[gAMbl3]

DME Arc - How to calculate the approx distance to touchdown

If you are on a 15 DME arc on radial 300 and final approach course is 090 (along 270 radial) then approx distance to touchdown=length of DME arc + final approach distance = { [ 15 x (300-270) ] / 60 } + 15 = 22.5 nm

length of arc = (pi * r * theta ) / 180 = r * theta / 60 appox

[gAMbl3]

Airspace Classifications- what about SAR in these air spaces



CAR Section 9 Series E Part 1.


2.6 Classification of airspaces

2.6.1 ATS airspaces shall be classified and designated in accordance with the
following:

Class A. IFR flights only are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic
control service and are separated from each other.

Class B . IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all flights are provided with air
traffic control service and are separated from each other.

Class C. IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all flights are provided with air
traffic control service and IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and
from VFR flights. VFR flights are separated from IFR flights and receive traffic
information in respect of other VFR flights.

Class D. IFR and VFR flights are permitted and all flights are provided with air
traffic control service, IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and
receive traffic information in respect of VFR flights, VFR flights receive traffic
information in respect of all other flights.

Class E. IFR and VFR flights are permitted, IFR flights are provided with air
traffic control service and are separated from other IFR flights. All flights
receive traffic information as far as is practical. Class E shall not be used for
control zones.

Class F. IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all participating IFR flights receive
an air traffic advisory service and all flights receive flight information service if
requested.

Class G . IFR and VFR flights are permitted and receive flight information
service if requested.

2.6.2 Airspace classes have been classified in AIP India ENR 1.4.


Search and Rescue

AIP India 6th Edition Gen 3.6


2. Area of responsibility

2.1.The Search & Rescue service is responsible for entire India territory including territorial waters as well as airspace over high-seas encompassed by Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai FIRs.

[gAMbl3]

RVSM reqmts - what are the figures for difference between the altimeters, Altitude hold / warning. DGCA CAR gives different figures on diff pages. Reqmt of TCAS-is it there or just recommended.



8 AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS:

8.1 The aircraft shall be equipped to meet the following minimum equipment
for RVSM operations:

8.1.1 Two independent altitude measurement systems shall be installed.
Each system shall be composed of the following elements:
a) Cross-coupled static source/system, with ice protection if
located in areas subject to ice accretion;
b) Equipment for measuring static pressure sensed by the static
source, converting it to pressure altitude and displaying the
pressure altitude to the flight crew;
c) Equipment for providing a digitally encoded signal
corresponding to the displayed pressure altitude, for automatic
altitude reporting purposes;
d) Static source error correction (SSEC)/Position Error Correction
(PEC), if needed to meet the performance criteria of paras 3.3,
3.4 or 3.6 of Annexure II attached, as appropriate; and
e) Signals referenced to a pilot selected altitude for automatic
control and alerting. These signals will need to be derived from
altitude measurement system meeting the criteria of this CAR,
and in all cases, enabling the criteria of paras 8.1.3 and 8.2.6 to
be met.

8.1.2 One secondary surveillance radar transponder (meeting TSO C112
standards) with an altitude reporting system that can be connected
to the altitude measurement system in use for altitude keeping.

8.1.3 Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS II) (meeting TSO
C119b standards) to improve the safety level of flights operating
within RVSM airspace.

8.1.4 An altitude alerting system that alerts the crew aurally and visually if
displayed altitude deviates from the selected altitude by more than
± 300 feet (for aircraft for which application for type certification was
made on or before April 9, 1997) or ± 200 feet (for aircraft for which
application for type certification is made after April 9, 1997).

8.1.5 An automatic altitude control system shall be required which shall
be capable of controlling altitude within tolerance band of ± 15
metres (± 50 feet) about commanded altitude, when operated in the
altitude hold mode in straight and level flight under non turbulent,
non gust conditions.


ACAS II is required.

[gAMbl3]

Given two longs on equator (Not diametrically opposite). What track to follow if they have to meet reciprocal at the poles. Anyone any idea on this.

Say given longitudes are 070 E and 050 E. If you fly due north or south you will reach the north or south pole respectively. And at the poles all the longitudes (meridians and anti meridians) meet. So if you fly due north or south along any longitude you will meet the reciprocal of any longitude at the poles.

[adgsunke]

Wont in the above case the tracks meet at an angle of 20 deg (convergency) How do we make them meet at 180 deg to eachother. That was the question.

[adgsunke]

Question was what are the restrictions or considerations for SAR in these airspaces. I presume there should not be any restriction as when SAR is activated the entire airspace / traffic is adjusted to accommodate them Can anyone clarify this.

[adgsunke]

Refer

I am still trying to figure out what does the symbol right on top of an Approach plate stands for... It basically has a small globe with two wings on it. It is also not found on all approach plates and is similar to the symbol found along with 'magnetic north' indicator on the approach chart....

Any help would be highly appreciated!!


was the symbol similar to

Google Image Result for http://www.dae.mi.th/aero-update/image/iata_logo.jpg (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dae.mi.th/aero-update/image/iata_logo.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dae.mi.th/aero-update/list_of_aero-update_EN.htm&usg=__Wwyr08VXK4ToRhk4jbXT0jiXqsA=&h=291&w=400&sz=14&hl=en&start=24&sig2=zXR7fhCFbaUXQDfDZ_l4UQ&zoom=1&tbnid=KeU-P80NAOrbPM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=124&ei=odnaT5P2KMPjrAeZlNWlCQ&itbs=1)

Pl look at the top centre where the chart no. is written. If it is bold [ on the left instead of oval then it means that the chart is meant for some specific operator. Maybe the small globe with wings is for some operator. If a M is written on the right it means Metric scale.

Can someone give link to various operators ensigns. this was asked to me even last time. I thought it was Air India then but couldnt find out whom it belonged to.

[DGCA]

They have to follow any rhumb line track, in opposite directions: example, A is at 20E, B is at 50E, A should fly 330 and B should fly 030, if a is flying 300 then B should fly 060. they ll meet on reciprocal tracks at the pole.
Correct me if m wrong.

[adgsunke]

But if they are traveling Rhumbline tracks that are reciprocal then wont they end at the reciprocal poles instead of meeting at one pole (If at all the track reaches at the pole). Will any Rhumbline track ever reach a pole unless it is in a direction of 360 or 180 theoretically.
Aren't all directions to / from a pole either 360 or 180?

[DGCA]

they are not departing on the reciprocal tracks. They are departing on the equal and opposite angle from the 000 or 180 directions. and will meet up at poles, that too at reciprocal heading.

[manoj john]

@ greatdanemike, once the roll no is issued..then the attempt is counted no matter u give it or not...

[AviatorVette]

Hey guys gave my Radio Aids ATPL orals yesterday in Chennai.

First thing he did was pull out an IFR chart and asked me a few questions about symbols, etc. IFR plates, asked me lot of questions and then asked me how I would do a CANPA approach using the chart.

Questions asked were

AWR - principle and explain
Secondary Radar
Machmeter, why is it required, explain the functioning.
Compass errors
What is an ADC and how does it work ( inputs, outputs etc)
What is EPR and explain why it is used

[Pilot 19]

hey guys!
i had my oral today for radio as well as for nav......
its was pretty easy......quite general stuff.....in nav dey might ask u stuff frm projections, app plates, enroute charts......ETOPS for sure, min fuel reqired for jets, diff between alternate n suitable aerodrome, don't forget to do performance related topics sch as C.G position effects on range, wn shud u report ATC ( variation frm filed TAS, change in ETA at fix etc.).......effect of wt on glide .......a/s req for max glide), type of projection on enroute chart.....etc
Don't 4get to do performance n flt plannin que.

For radio...its pretty basics bt u shud be clear abt funda's......hw actually things work.......dey might ask u sumthin out of da box bt if u apply little logic u wud b able to ans dose! they won't cover mch abt auto systems, engine insruments n ol...!!

All da best to u guys!! :ok:

[bayblade]

for radio aids (in mumbai) they asked a few very basic things like the VHF communications range, ACRAS frequency, attenuation in the atmosphere, explain with diagram servo altimeter working, errors of altimeter, duct propagation and multi hop propagation.
@gamble thanks for your answers.:)

[am-rj-tbt]

hello guys
does anyone know about the jepp book which seems to be circulating which has stuff related to charts and plates etc.
where can we buy that or copy it or pdf

[manoj john]

Glossary Legends (http://www.scribd.com/doc/57086007/Glossary-Legends), this should help u fr the legend part

[manoj john]

ppl who gave their atpl orals on 18th and 19th, i have a request...please share the questions those were asked to u...i have my orals on 22nd...really appreciate if cud help me and others who are expecting like me...thnx

[avio_atul02]

@daniel after you clear your exam. the 1st oral attempt is mandatory and rest of the 2 attempts you can give in any session within 2 years.

[avio_atul02]

I am giving my 2rd attempt tomorrow at delhi center for gen nav.
any help regarding current questions what are examiners asking would be appreciated.

[aanubis]

Hi, I gave Radio Nav in oct 2011 attempt. But could not attend the 1st oral which is mandatory.
After that I did not apply for oral.
Now can I apply for oral or do I have to give exam again ?

[avio_atul02]

@annubis
you dont have to give written exam again coz u got 2 oral attempts left u can give them in any session but before oct 2013

[manoj john]

hello guys, ppl who r giving oral today please share the questions...i have my oral for radioaids n gen nav 2morow.......looking forwrd to see +Ve response..thnx

[avio_atul02]

Done with my oral today only gen nav
Asked me to locate isogonal lines,ifr and vfr airports,grid mora and its def.,locate symbol for route communication frequency in the enroute charts section.
Draw non standard holding pattern for 300 inbound and tell all three entry points.
Etops different categories 75,120 and 180.etops entry and exit point.
Terrestrial magnetism
where is papi light located left or right side tell from approach plate got confused in this ques.
Thats all i can recall

[bombayhues]

Gen Nav questions asked at Bombay today:
1. Explain RVSM. Is TCAS mandatory? If you were to fly from Bombay to London how would you find out which airspaces mandatorily require you to have TCAS?
2. Looking at the Sunrise/Sunset table in the Jepp Manual please get the sunrise time in Bombay for today? Is this time LMT, UTC, or IST? Please find the IST timing
3. Explain Grid MORA, Symbols - RVSM, FIR boundary, WX frequency, and Airspaces

[planeboy_777]

Congratulations to all those who cleared the Orals

[manoj john]

a question from aviation tire..
For a given set of ionospheric conditions, as the frequency of an HF signal is increased:
A) the size of the dead space increases due solely to the decreasing minimum skip distance.
B) the size of the dead space decreases because the surface wave coverage decreases, and the minimum skip distance decreases.
c) the size of the dead space increases due solely to the increasing minimum skip distance.
D) the size of the dead space increases because the surface wave coverage decreases, and the minimum skip distance increases.

the answer given is c is not D?

[bayblade]

answer is D.

[manoj john]

@bayblade, thnx

[avicon]

Once all the ATPL papers are cleared, including the Orals, how do we go about getting the Frozen ATPL licence from DGCA. Is there a fee to be paid? Will they issue a new ATPL book or is it simply endorsed on our CPL book.

[avicon]

If there is one book you would suggest to clear the written Nav and Radio Aids, what would it be.

Are the Keith Williams question bank books still relevant these days. Have question come from thes sets?

For Air Reg and Met, is it enough to study from the books published by Himalaya publications, available at the New English bookstore? Someone please advise.

[avicon]

Is it possible to give the Orals first and the written later?

[bayblade]

@avicon
your question regarding books has been addressed before. (zillions of times)

no you can't give the orals before the written.

as for the rest, i did not find any questions from keith william in the last radio aids paper. they weren't from oxford either but if your concepts are clear you need not worry.

i don't think dgca issues any thing as frozen ATPL or even recognizes this for the matter. i'm not very sure about this though, someone here can probably let us know.

[avicon]

Are the GSP books good enough?

[avicon]

Can I solely rely on the Himalaya books for Reg and Met?

[planeboy_777]

@bayblade

i don't think dgca issues any thing as frozen ATPL or even recognizes this for the matter. i'm not very sure about this though, someone here can probably let us know.

There is no such thing as Frozen ATPL issued by DGCA and nor the term Frozen ATPL mentioned in the CAR.
Written and orals + 1500hrs = ATPL licence -- Within 5 yrs

[avicon]

Well if a frozen ATPL is not recognised by the DGCA why is everyone with just a CPL and 200 hrs under their belts so eager to get the ATPL out of the way.

Isn't it better to clear the exams when you have a job in the airlines and have gained better understanding of the aspects of Navigation, radio aids etc than just rote-learn them now just for the sake of clearing the exams.

[bayblade]

thanks planeboy777

avicon, the reason people are clearing ATPL is because not only it keeps them closer to their theory subjects but also gets them a stronger hold over it. it also keeps you occupied if you don't have much to do:E

[bayblade]

just rote-learn them now just for the sake of clearing the exams.
ya well if you do just that, then you obviously don't pass the exam. fair.

[Uniform.]

Hi friends :)
Please suggest me some book to start off with the engines, both, the jet and props.
I started with THE OXFORD but that is too heavy to digest as of now, i need to understand the basics first and then go for in detail.

kindly advice few books...
Thank you

[Skyblade]

Oxford..it does look big but its written well..easy to understand..
GSP's are good but little hard to comprehend..

[pilotbaba]

Start with FROM THE GROUND UP & then move up to Flight without Formula written by A.C. kermode.....

That's what we used to read, when we started.......

Ground up even takes care of good 30-40% of questions in Technical exam...

[Uniform.]

thanks Skyblade, pilotbaba
I appreciate your reply, i dont really have those book but will try to get FROM THE GROUND UP, meanwhile you can suggest some more too ;)

[pilotbaba]

Buddy, you like to collect books. don't you???

Read these 2 books first, then if you need to read more, pls feel free to email me.... These 2 books will give you enough understanding of the subject....

Do a novel reading first time, just read it like a Fiction Story Novel, you can even think of it as a M&B if you like.....

2nd time, will be much better & 3rd time you will know & understand the concepts.......

OK here's the 3rd Book...... "Handling the big Jets"

[Uniform.]

@pilotbaba
I do like collecting books and READING them :D
I was asking for more names just to have options, like i said as of now will be reading "From the ground up".

[adgsunke]

(Bombay to London how would you find out which airspaces mandatorily require you to have TCAS)

During VIVA I was shown a Tab with all the Apch charts. Understand the same also has all the reqmts for entering any airspace.

Would like to know where to get this App / software. Can it be run on a Laptop / desktop?

[trips27]

Dear all,
Need question bank or tech details of Piper Seneca III for ATPL exams.
Thanks

[SCPL]

IN ATPL RadioAids & Inst'mnts ORALS:
Do they ask
1) Approach Charts, IFR Charts, etc..
2) Holding Pattern questions on entries etc..
3) Radio Aids & Instruments Regs. example: failure of radio comm. in VFR, IFR etc..

Please do post a reply.
Thank you.

[Prop.Time]

Yes SCPL, they do ask all of it. Though the radio-failure mumbo-jumbo is reserved for the dumbest of the dumb.

[GE90-115B]

Guys any one giving their VIVA this time ?? Would appreciate any questions being asked. Thanks.

[sparced16]

Orals starting from 27 August. Wishing all the candidates luck! :ok:
Please share the questions here. Thanks :)

[pilotbaba]

Hi Guys,

Did anyone appear today for Orals??

Pls share any questions

Thx in advance.

[GE90-115B]

Ok guys cleared my ATPL CG Viva ie. radio aids and nav together.

Questions asked:-

1. CPDLC !!! (That was the first question).

2. ADS/CPDLC what is the difference.

3. Charts (MEA, MOCA, MORA, Grid MORA)

4. What type of projection ? Where is the standard Parallels ?

5. Lamberts Conical Conformal - Explain in depth.

6. What is conformal ??

7. RVSM & Requirements.

8. ETOPS.

9. Mach Meter - A thorough Explanation.

10. ASI - Explain.

11. Wx Radar failure once airborne will you return ? Monsoon has been declared. :- Sir, if the Sig Wx Chart has any weather enroute, it would call for any immediate return, Under what conditions will you continue esp if its an QTA at the destination. Sir, if I will check the enroute wx for the total flight time to and back. If no significant Wx, I will go through my MEL. If my MEL says its an compulsory requirement then if the aerodrome is Isolated/Non Maintenance Equipped then I will turn back so that the airline can fix the equipment or provide an alternate option to the PAX.
(I could see in their reaction that this was my trump card question)

12. Low Visibility Procedures !!! GUYS FOR THE FIRST TIME ON PPRUNE.. This is being mentioned here. They are definitely asking LVP nowadays.
After answering their question, they smiled and said, this is not DGCA but the CAA where you are from :bored:.

13. CMV - Calculated Met Visib.

14. Slop.

Followed by an "ALL THE BEST" .

ps. guys I didnt use any books. Just used google to open websites and made my own notes which I can understand & this has helped me super big time. Had I studied from oxford or other books, I would have screwed it up. Thanks.

[pilotbaba]

@ GE90-115B

Did you clear the Oral exam in July Session?? How do you know you passed?? I am waiting for the result to be posted on the DGCA website but nothing so far.......

Pls advise where did you check the result for ATPL ORAL exam??

Thx

[GE90-115B]

1.Go to Udaan.nic.in
2. Login with ur User Name / Password.
3. Check your result.

[pilotbaba]

Thanks for the advise..

I checked & YES I passed.. Both NAV & RADIO AIDS Orals.....

Question asked:

1st question: what is your strongest topic??
Then followed by: personal details etc & then following:
Lambert properties
Transaverse mercator
Jeppeson chart
Performance questions
CP PNR questions
RVSM

RADIO AIDS
What is background?
What is your stringest topic?
Why should we pass you??
Then following:
DME
ILS
Transponder
INS IRS
GYROS

At the end, Best of for the future...

The examiners sounded tough but at the end, were decently fair in asking questions...

Anyone looking to pass, pls read the entire thread, no surprise questions were asked to anyone in my group..

[GE90-115B]

Congrats Pilot Baba + 1 point to add.

The questions being asked is directly in commensurate with your experience.

If you are actively flying, expect questions to be bit more technical.

For example if you are on the 777 .. you can expect an question such as explain North Atlantic Routes and MNPS and IRS Redundancy.

Questions for freshers are relatively straight forward and more simpler.

So it is advisable to clear your ATPL papers/ Viva at the earliest.

[Prop.Time]

The oral exams for the Oct-2012 attempt have started yesterday, i.e; the 26th of Nov 2012.
Anybody who has appeared for the same either for this attempt or the one immediately preceding this one, is urged to post some/all of the questions here.

[adgsunke]

Friends answers required on the following Nav Qs asked in Apr


There was a chart that was for some airline / operator specific. Can some one help in finding out what all are the symbols used for various airlines / operators.

Airspace Classifications- what about SAR in these air spaces-

Can someone tell about uncontrolled airspace. It is given at many places that in In India there are no uncontrolled air space. But I remember during RTR classes lots of time uncontrolled airspace was mentioned during routing.

where all other than aviation are Lambert charts used.

Given two longs on equator (Not diametrically opposite). What track to follow if they have to meet reciprocal at the poles. Anyone any idea on this.

Answers and clarifications on the above will be appreciated.

Some Info now

Questions on notes on a Apch Chart. Don't answer without looking at the chart even if it is too obvious an answer. As far as I know, if the controller tells you to do something then it is understood that he is in control and doing so depending on the traffic But I think he expected me to look at the chart and readout the note.

ETOPS, who has to approve and why? Definition. Emphasis on nil winds and single engine cruise speeds. He kept hinting on what are the environmental factors that are affecting.

[Sunny Raja]

Airspace Classifications- what about SAR in these air spaces- SAR in any airspace within a country is the responsibility of the country as per ICAO conventions. In India it is the resp of AAI

Can someone tell about uncontrolled airspace. All airspace marked with grey shade on the jepp is uncontrolled airspace.

where all other than aviation are Lambert charts used. - Well the mariners have been using it for ages before the aviators adopted it!

Given two longs on equator (Not diametrically opposite). What track to follow if they have to meet reciprocal at the poles -Now, thats a tricky one. I would have made them travel 090/270, but to meet reciprocal at the poles?!!!

[Sunny Raja]

ETOPS, who has to approve and why? Definition. Emphasis on nil winds and single engine cruise speeds. He kept hinting on what are the environmental factors that are affecting.
6.1 Procedure for seeking approval for ETOPS
Any operator requesting approval for extended range operations with twin engine aeroplanes should submit the request with the supporting data to the Regional Airworthiness office of DGCA at least three months prior to the proposed start of extended range operation with the specific airframe/engine combination. Each operator requesting approval to conduct extended range operations should have operational in service experience as given in para 4 appropriate to the operation proposed. This data shall include the details of compliance of modifications,
additions and changes in the maintenance practices, which were made to qualify the
aeroplane system for ETOPS operations. It should also be shown that an acceptable level of propulsion system reliability has been achieved in service by the world fleet for that particular airframe-engine combination. The operator must obtain sufficient maintenance and operations familiarity with the particular airframe engine combination in question before seeking approval. Each applicant/operator for extended range approval should show that the particular airframe/engine combination is sufficiently reliable. Systems required for extended range operations should be shown by the operator to be continuously maintained and operated at
levels of reliability appropriate for intended operation
Extended Range Operations approval of an aeroplane by the manufacturer/Regulatory Authority of the country of manufacture is normally reflected by a statement in the approved Aeroplane Flight Manual (AFM) / Type Certificate Data Sheet (TDS) or Supplemental Type Certificate(STC), which specifies the Configuration, Maintenance and Procedures (CMP) Standard requirements for suitability. The CMP standards shall be of latest revision. The
standards and its revisions may require priority actions to be implemented before the next ETOP flight and other actions to be implemented according to a schedule acceptable to DGCA.

[pushkraj]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks a lot for posting all the questions !! Really appreciate it ... got my viva for radio aids on 29th ,

Would like to know what all questions were asked in RADIO aids viva ...

Thanks in advance

HAPPY LANDINGS

[adgsunke]

Thanks Sunny

In SAR and Airspace classifications I presume they wanted to know the clearances / applicability of the airspace classifications for SAR

[Sam737]

Atpl Air Nav oct 2012
I am left with air nav atpl paper, appreared in oct 2012. Around 40 questions came from KW and Oxford gen nav collectively. Can anyone tell which book the rest of the questions taken from. Thanks...

[Maverick9966]

1) def of wavelength
2) calculate frequency, wavelength is 1.5 KM
3) draw and explain limacon
4) explain ILS
5) major draw back of ILS ( he wanted to here false glide slope interception)
6) can u do ILS approach without Outer marker
7) what should be your height at 3NM on 3deg glide slope
8) explain gyros
9) what is wonder in gyros

[Prop.Time]

1)Employment Status - Where? Hours on Type? Total Time etc.

Gen. Nav -
2)Whats the shape of the Earth?
3)Whats is Compression?
4)Define Lat & Long verbatim
5)Define GC & Rhumb Line
6)Define Nautical Mile & Convergency
7)Projections - Whats the best?
8)Tell me everything I should know about Lamberts - Construction, Definitions, Properties etc.
9)Jepp Charts - Definite grilling for about 10 mins on various Intricacies.
10)Whats Orthomorphism?
11)Whats Airway width on land and on water?
12)ETOPS - Quite a lot of questions there.

Radio Aids & Instrumentation -
1)Whats a wave? Whats a Radio Wave? How do I produce a radio wave?
2)A-B wave travels in 5 micro secs. Whats the dist. between A & B?
3)Describe RNAV
4)Define RNP
5)Difference between RNAV 1 & RNP-1?
6)GPS - Tell me everything about it.
7)Detail out the Errors in GPS.
8)What is RAIM?
9)IVSI - Draw and explain everything you know about it. Incl. errors.
10)What is a Gyro?
11)Properties of Gyros
12)What is Wander?
13) Explain Wander, its types, formulae to calc. Drift and Topple.
14) Formulae of Precession
15) Explain various types of Gyros.

Followed by - You've done well.Congratulations and all the best.:ok:

[manoj john]

hello guys , i have a quick question, when our a/c and other a/c both have tcas 2 and mode c( in 1 a/c) and mode s( in another a/c), it gives TA+RA, now when both the a/c have tcas2 and mode s, it gives complementary RA using the datalink system ..what does this mean? how does this differs from the 1st case, besides tht it inform the ground controller automatically. thanks in advance...

[livetokill22]

Please post the questions for this attempt here as well and what topics to study for delhi attempt.

[manoj john]

hello guys , for the RADIOAIDS &INST VIVA , do they ask difference between predictive windshear and reactive windshear to the non-typerated candidates?

[Pilot_]

I am appearing for ATPL viva jan session

Has anyone attended the viva from 18th march 2013 onwards at any of the centres across india mumbai, chennai, ?

ATPL Viva has also started in Delhi from 20 March 2013. Any one who attended these? Please submit DGCA ATPL oral viva questions on the forum for the later batches.

Please submit the questions being asked in viva on the forum ASAP

any changes in pattern any surprises?

thanx

[commercialpilot]

Hi guys any update about the questions being asked this time.

[dreamlinergo]

Viva results out.... Can be checked on udaan.nic.in . All d best.

[manoj john]

hello guys , can some1 suggest me where to look up on rnp in detail , cause i am preparing for the april atpl oral, i tried googling but not sure what answer will satisfy the dgca ppl, thanx in advance

[manoj john]

hey guys , can some tell me about RVSM contigencies, both due to the weather and due to equipment failure

[Sunny Raja]

when our a/c and other a/c both have tcas 2 and mode c( in 1 a/c) and mode s( in another a/c), it gives TA+RA, now when both the a/c have tcas2 and mode s, it gives complementary RA using the datalink system ..what does this mean? how does this differs from the 1st case, besides tht it inform the ground controller automatically.

It means that the TCAS of both the ac will give complimentary manouvering advice to both the ac so that there is no conflict. This is specially important where both the aircraft are at the same level and the warning has to be coordinated so that one climbs while the other descends

[Sunny Raja]

RVSM eqpt contingencies

Non availablity of two independent altitude measurement systems
AUTOPILOT failures causing inabilty of height hold
failure of altitude alert systems
TCAS failure
Transponder Mode C failure`

I am not aware of any weather contingencies

[Sunny Raja]

The DGCA circular on CANPA says that if no FAF is designated for a profile then to carry out CANPA there is aneed to create pseudo FAF with a 3 deg glidepath. My doubt is what distance do we create this pseudo FAF?

[ramsyindia]

Following questions were asked
1. SLOP
2. ASI errors
3. INS & IRS
4. Type of projection used on Jeppesen charts and where are the std Parallels mentioned
5. RVSM contingency procedures.
6. ETOPS Enroute alternate alternate Dispatch requirements.
7. ETOPS Adequate and Suitable Airfield.
8. Jeppesen Enroute charts & ILS app Charts (Why is the GS crossing Alt mentioned in briefing?)
9. Grid MORA definition
10. ILS Categories
11. which category of ILS is the DH refered to
12. Can a wrong coordinates be fed in to the INS and will the system accept?
13. What is the MDA/ DA and what are the actions at these points.
14. CANPA & CDFA
15. What is SSB and where is it used
16. selcal HOW DOES IT WORK
17. CPDLC
18. skip distance and that happens in which band
19. Explanation for symbols on charts
20. Identify RVSM way point on chart.http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/sowee.gif

[bhambri]

Anyone with this attempt's question for NAV from mumbai ??

[livetokill22]

Please post questions for Radio and Nav Oral for Delhi as well.
Thanks
Ajay

[Skyblade]

Thanks @ramsyindia:)

Anybody knows the answer to q nos 6 & 11?

[stiknruddr]

Diversion/ Enroute alternate airport means an airport at which an aircraft may land if a landing at
the intended airport is inadvisable. The aerodrome will be available and equipped with
necessary ancillary services such as ATC, sufficient lighting, communications, weather
reporting, navigation aids, emergency services etc.

(from DGCA CAR on etops)

For the ILS question the answer is cat 3

[livetokill22]

Doesn't the dispatch minimums for alternate depend upon the number of useable approaches available. ?


2 precision app. Ceiling 400' viz 1mile
1 precision app. Ceiling 600' viz 2miles
1 npa. ceiling 800' viz 2miles

[stiknruddr]

@livetokill
i have posted etops alternate requirements, not operating minima. i beleieve that was what was asked.

as far as ur doubt on alternate minima for ifr flt planning/dispatch, the figures u quote are applied in FAA/TC and are not icao procedure.
india doesnt actually specify alternate minima for airports. they specify aerodrome operating minima for each airport and i beleive the same are used for alternate planning. but im not 100% sure of the last bit. will try and confirm this with a professional dispatcher in one of the major airlines.

Now, coming to viva questions, sorry i have been a bit lazy.
had my vivas on 7th but posting the Qs now.

NAV
1. what is true north, magnetic north, compass north. diff b/w them all
2. define latt, long? what is prime meridian ?what is time zone?
3. which is more accurate dme-dme fix or gps fix?
4. explain rvsm. what is it? why is is needed? what are the eqpt reqd? below 290 is 1000 seperation, above 290 also 1000 ft, then why is it reduced, it is same..explain!
5. what is etops, explain in ur own words whatever u know abt it. categories?
6. explain canpa/cdfa in ur own words. how is it diff from normal non prec. approach?
7. define msa. show it in approach chart (he opens a random approach plate in the jeppesen binder lying in front of him). where is the highest obstacle in this approach chart?
8. tell me abt mora. which chart is it found on (enroute). what does it mean in terms of clearance.

RADIO AIDS
1. explain working of ndb. show me with diagrams. name all the errors. explain night effect error. explain whats happening inside the device at the loop antenna during night error. within what dist from ndb can night error be ignored?
2. explain ils. what are the antennas used. where are they located on the ground? where is the dme antenna placed if its ILS/DME installation. explain false glide slope. why does it happen. how do u avoid it? how will u know when flying ils approach if u r on false glide slope.
3. explain radar basic theory. types of radar (primary/secondary). example of primary (i said AWR). explain working and modes of awr. what is the frequency used? why? what are types of beams used? why? what is gain?

[Sunny Raja]

NAV

1. explain 1 in 60 rule, how will u apply it to get cross wind component on finals.
2. what projetion does jeppesen use? how many std parallels? where are they depicted on the chart?
3. What all types of boundaries are shown on the charts? symbols for these boundaries?Grid MORA- how is it calculated?
4. RNAV and RNP, definition and diffrence. RVSM contingency procedures. HOW much difference betn capt and co-pilot altimeter is permitted to continue rvsm? why rvsm?
5. Mass and Balance - what is BOW, its significance? what is MTOW, its significance?
6. whats CANPA? diff betn DA and MDA? whats DDA? why 50 ft is added, why not 60 or 40 ft? is it same for all ac, for lighter ac it should be less?

RADIO AIDS

1. whats duct propogation? which freq band?
2. Night effect of ndb - explain? how much range reduction takes place due to this?
3. INS-principle. Gyros -explain wander
4. SELCAL -explain
5. Auto-pilot principle of operation!!!
6. whats yaw damper?!!!
7. SSB? why is it required?
8. whats amplitude and freq modulation? Give some examples of where is it used?
9. diff betn VOR and DVOR? why is it called doppler? how is freq modulation used in DVOR?
10. why is machmeter preferred over TAS in high level navigation?
11. what SSR? diff betn mode a, c and s?
12. ASI errors, effect of diff blockages.

[Skyblade]

First of all they ask is tell us about urself? what have u done? if employed? where? etc. On the basis of this they decide which questions to ask. For a fresher they will mostly stick to theoretical questions from the book whereas for an experienced candidate, questions can range from basics to practical aspects of flying(eg one A320 pilot got asked where is the location of ELT in the cockpit?)

Next question which they seemed to be asking a lot of candidates is..Where is the syllabus for ATPL oral exam? (I said CAR..)


General Nav
1) Field limited TOW?
2)Climb limited TOW?
3)What is Climb gradient?
4) If flaps are used how would it affect the TOW?
He then got into enroute charts..Highlighted an area and told me to explain everything i could see in that area
5)definitions-Mea, Moca, Grid Mora
6)Can Moca be less than Grid Mora? (Yes because Moca is only for the width of the airway whereas Grid Mora is for the entire Grid)
7)Show RNAV waypoints, compulsory reporting points, flyover waypoints
8)Explain the difference between Lambert Conformal Conical Chart and Mercator Cylindrical Projection Chart?
9)What is constant of cone? why is it used and what is its significance?
10)In lamberts if scale reduces between std parallels and is least at the parallel of origin then why do we still use it?
11)You are the captain. You are doing an ETOPS flight. What will be your action if the weather at the alternate falls below the ETOPS minima?
case 1- You are just about to enter the ETOPS segment
case 2- You are in ETOPS segment
12) What is adequate aerodrome and suitable aerodrome?which is better?why?


Radio Aids and instruments
1)How is IRS different from INS?
2)What is ring laser gyro? Draw and explain.
3)What are the errors of artificial horizon? Which type of gyro is it
4)Which type of gyro is directional gyro?
5)ASI blockage readings in climb and descent?
6)Altimeter blockage readings in climb and descent?
7)Whats the relation between frequency and wavelength?
8)What happens to speed of light as we go up? (Remains constant)
9)What happens to speed of sound as we go up?
10)Which instrument gets affected because of this?
11)If Mach no is ratio of TAS/LSS then why doesnt it get affected?
12)In LSS=38.94*sq.rt (T in degree kelvin) why is T expressed in degrees kelvin?
13)Which component gets affected more due to low temp at high altitudes static pressure or dynamic pressure?
14)Explain the working of VOR? its limitations?
15)What is DVOR? how does it remove site error?
16)What is TCAS 2? what indications does it give?
17)What do you tell the ATC when you receive TCAS RA?
18)On what instrument do you get TCAS indications?
19)Tell me another SSR instrument onboard the aircraft? (ans. DME)
20)What are the errors of DME?
21)Which type of propagation does it use? Range given by which formula?
22) Overhead the beacon what range information will DME give?
23)Which instrument gets affected because of skywaves?How does it affect?
24)At night coverage of NDB increases or decreases? till what range? (ans. decreases. we can use it till 70nm)
25)What is Mcrit?
26)Why is Mach no used after a certain level in climb?
27)Can we determine at what altitude will the coffins corner be by looking at IAS?

[Skyblade]

hi everyone,
I had cleared my radio aids & instrument oral in april 2013 attempt but couldn't make it in nav.


The following questions were asked to me this time:-
1) What is latitude, longitude, rhumb line?
2) What is earth's compression?
3) What is orthomorphism?
4) What is convergency?formula?
5) Tell me everything you know about mercator and lambert projection? (explain everything construction, properties, shapes of rhumb line, G.C., scale variation etc)
6) What is transverse and oblique mercator?
7) What is GPS?
8) There was a VOR approach plate, was asked to brief him the approach.
What is the MSA, FAF?
MSA was 2600', he asked if coming inbound ATC clears you to descend to 2600' at 26nm would you descend?(I said yes i would descend as i am coming inbound i will enter the msa shortly. I dont know if its correct because technically msa clears obstacles uptill 25nm only :suspect:)
Tell me the missed approach procedure of this approach.
9) He took an enroute chart and asked me to locate a particular location (jodhpur) in the chart? (ans. locate it by opening the page where the page nos are written across the location name, eg. jodhpur pg7c etc they want to see you do this;))
And what are the standard parallels of this chart?

Thats it, you can go now:ok:

My last attempt at nav orals was pathetic, but this time it was good, hopefully, i will clear this time.:)

Thanks for reading.

[Johny Boy]

Skyblade

Fantastic and you have good memory to recollect questions :ok:

[Halfwayback]

Please take note that text speak (TXT SPK) is not tolerated on PPRune so please make your posts clearly in English otherwise they will continue to be deleted.

Many thanks in anticipation

Halfwayback
Moderator

[RNP5]

1) What is balanced field length? TODR=ASDR
2) What are the factors affecting TODR?
3) What is the MTOW for your aircraft?
4) For B737-800 and for A330, the TODR will remain the same or it is different?
5) What are the checks u do before entering EEP?
6) Why APU is mandatory? Is it a legal requirement?
7) What it does?
8) what procedure you follow in case of turbulence?
9) When you disconnect the thrust, what happens?
10) Does the MN is maintained? Or it keep changing?
11) why it is important to maintain the MN at a high altitude and not IAS?
12) what happens in case of IAS going up n down? What r ur actions?
13) what is ADC? From where does it gets input from? And where does the output go?
14) explain IRS?
15) MNPS airspace flying what RNP?
16) equipment a required for flying into MNPS airspace?
17) what is MN technic? Do we use in domestic airspace?
18) explain ILS glide path? How it works? explain how the a/c maintain the glide?
19) where is glide path located?
20) your a/c is approved for ht ILS category?
21) state ILS minima? For your a/c?
22) where you'll. find the minima for your a/c?
23) where will you find the ILS minima? Which document you'll look for?
23) what is CAR? How many sections are there?
24) If ILS fails what indication you will get?
25) what projections your enroute chart uses?
26) state important properties of enroute chart?
27) what do you mean by orthomorphic chart?
28) what is the upper limit of Lambert chart?
29) what is back course approach?
30) is your aircraft is approved for B/C?
31) what is special operations?

I could answer many of them, just hoping for the best results!!!

[srini19t]

Dear ATPL ASPIRANTS

ALL THOSE APPEARING FOR ATPL NAV VIVA IN CHENNAI IN JAN 14 PLEASE POST THE QUESTIONS.
MY VIVA IS ON 22 jan. I SHALL POST MINE ON 22 jan
Let's make it together:O

[MZS]

Questions asked on 24th Jan at Delhi

1.GPS PRINCIPLE OPERATION & ERROR
2. ALTIMETER
3.GPWS EGPWS
4. VOR/DOPPLER VOR GPS SECONDARY NAV AID

[aeroshooter]

:ugh:

Guys...appearing for ATPL Nav oral on 20th June 14. Please update questions from this attempt.

Thanks!!! :ok:

[critmach]

Hi all,
I appeared for Nav & Radio orals together on 16th June 2014 at MAA,answered almost 70% but failed both.

Here are the questions.
-errors of NDB,
- most sig error in DME
- diff between CVOR & DVOR
- define RVSM,what are the contingencies
- equipments needed for RVSM
- what is SLOP
- what is etops
- define etops entry point
- what is the diff between RNP1. & RNP 10
- what is improved climb?
- what are the departure segments
- define lda & balanced field length
- effect of take off roll in a sloped rwy.
- height of screen height for wet rwy
- lvto
- diff between IRS & INS
- how is aligning done
- what happens if wrong lat/long are put while aligning
-

[critmach]

Hello ATPL Aspirants!
Requesting all those appearing for ATPL VIVA at chennai (Aug-Sept 2014) to take the time & post questions asked in the viva as soon as possible.We all know how important it is to all of us.Good luck to all of us.
Happy landings.

[Flying738ng]

hello
was asked the following questions in del 08/09/14 (nav)
1. what cg position is better forward or aft
2. explain abt ALD, LDR.
3. explain convergency angle,
4. explaing rnp, rnav
5. wht is rnp 5
6. what are Q routes (ex mum-del)

[Flying738ng]

Atpl oral results out July session 2014

[Flying738ng]

There are new circulars on rnav on dgca website

[mackerz89]

Does anybody know, where i could find a Question and Answer bank for the DGCA?

[avl998]

guys just had my orals for the october attempt was giving radio and gen nav some of the questions that i could recollect are:-

RADIO
2)YOU HAVE A ENGINE FAILURE IN A 737 AFTER THAT U HAVE A RA ON YOUR TCAS ASKING YOU TO CLIMB, WHAT WILL BE YOUR NEXT ACTION?

I had told them that if aircraft in normal conditions i would have answered the above question but engine failure dont know sir , so then the answer they gave was U CHANGE YOUR AIRCRAFT MODE TO TA FROM RA THEN IT ONLY TELLS YOU "TRAFFIC TRAFFIC" AND FOR THE INTRUDER AIRCRAFT IT NOW KNOWS THAT U R NOT FOLLOWING YOUR RA ANYMORE AND HIS RA WILL COORDINATE WITH MY AIRCRAFT ACCORDINGLY...PHEW..

3)HOW DO YOU REDUCE ISO CLUTTER I AN AWR IN A MODERN AIRCRAFT ?
again didnt know much about it except its to do something with the swept gain , anyway so the answer to this is THERE IS A BUTTON THE PANEL WHICH SAYS GCS GROUND CLUTTER SUPRRESS.

4)WHAT IS SELCALL?
THIS ONE I BELIEVE MOST OF US HERE CAN ANSWER.

5)WHAT IS ELT406?
EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER BEACON TRANSMITTS ON 406MHZ FREQUNCY FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.

6)WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EGPWS AND GPWS TELL US ALL THE ALERTS , MODES AND WARNINGS ?
THIS IS A DIRECT QUESTION ITS DERE IN GSP AND OXFORD BOOKS ALSO REMEMBER TO TALK ABOUT MODE 7 WHICH GIVES REACTIVE WINDSHEAR.

7)DO YOU GET A PICTURE ON YOUR AWR RADAR SCREEN OF A WINDSHEAR?
I TOLD THEM WE GET AUDIO AND VISUAL ALERTS BUT NOT SURE OF A PICTURE ON THE AWR SCREEN.

8)ON GROUND CAN YOU SWITCH ON YOUR TCAS WHILE TAXING AND WHAT DOES IT GIVE TA OR RA?
I TOLD THEM NOT SURE SIR ABOUT SWITCHING IT ON GROUND , THE ANSWER IS YOU CAN SWITCH IT ON AND YOU GET ONLY TA.

THATS IT GUYS ALL THIS LASTED FOR ABT 10-15 MINS STUDY DEEP, IF YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF WELL THEY WILL CLEAR YOU. ALL THE BEST.

[spashalist17]

hi guys no ones posted any questions of latest viva on 9 mar 15

[hipratik2005]

I was asked about

rvsm.
Mnps
edto vs etops
holding patterns with speed and wind corrections
climb segments
rod calculations
atpl cross country requirement
enroute charts '
taxi charts '

thats all i recall.

[pilotOfeliz]

Hey..
Anyone appeared for ATPL orals in april attempt..
Please post the questions asked.

Cheers..:O:O

[ShivamSaxena]

hello,

I gave both, but cleared only Nav, there were two people on the panel. I was asked the following

MNPS: where do they exist, I had read only about NAT MNPS so told them Atlantic Ocean,but he wasn't satisfied

Difference between RNAV and RNP

In Dubai if we lose RVSM capability and are out of radar coverage how much will we have to deviate to get out of the airway? I don't know the answer to this one, please let me know. I said it should be 15nm but he said we will get into another airway.

Going from Bom to Cok out of radar coverage have to deviate 50nm due weather will we climb or descend?

Can we fly Anoli1A if we do not have gps?

Variation line in Jeppesen

If we have blocked AOA probes what do we do to ADR? A320 question

If we enter a speed lower than green dot in the fmgs will the aircraft decelerate?

On a 3 degree GP what is our height at 4.5 nm

What is the ROD on a 4 degree GP if GS is 120kt? I couldn't get this one either, please let me know

[Stryder_00]

are you a320 rated or flying, and is that the reason he asked you those questions?

[avl998]

i am not quite sure with the last question but i believe the answer to calculate rate of decent could be 800feet per minute
ROD= GP ANGLE MULTIPLY GROUND SPEED MULTIPLY 100 DIVIDE BY 60
HOPE IT HELPS.

[avl998]

this perhaps is the wrong thread to share , but had to discuss it guys before i go any further into it

This is regarding the concept called as frozen atpl , i dont understand the reason why the written and orals validity is 5 years and then if lapsed we go over it again already being competent enough to pass it once just because the flying requirements are not fulfilled in the particular time frame thats my main question here,

compare it with the west(USA and Europe) where you only pass and slog it out once and then whenever you fulfill the flying requirement you get it issued .

i dont see any good reason that why the papers should lapse , secondly i do know even in the airlines the co pilots are just about managing to finish the requirement in about 5 years time from the time of induction forget about the guys who are not employed yet.

So i did make an attempt to right it to concerned authority stil waiting for the response but let me know guys if this is making any sense , i just want a provision to be made something like the atpl frozen or may be the written validity could be renewed.

the advantages would be more qualified people in the market who just dont have the hours and the cpl guys would be motivated to study even further while they look for employment and the overall standards of theoretical knowledge would improve.This is not a selfish motive lot other guys in the flying and waiting to get hired will get effected.

[avl998]

this was the mail i had put in a couple of months back to the authorities:


Good Evening Sir, I am an Indian commercial pilot license holder, like many other fellow pilots I was also looking for a job just after finishing my training but I soon realized that there are not many jobs in the market for fresher's, finally sir the only way to get into the airlines is either i pass my ATPL papers with oral exams or go for a type rating to get some preference among others, since sir I was not financially stable I gave the atpl exams.
I passed my orals and my papers are valid for 5 years now just need to fulfill the flying requirements for issue of Atpl.
Sir now the problem comes that even pilots within the airlines and the ones without the airline jobs need to get the required flying hours which becomes challenging especially for the fresher's like me.
As sir there are a lot many cpl holders with papers passed but sir over the time most of us are not able to fulfill the flying hours within the time span and have to attempt everything again.
Therefore sir my only request to you is if in case pilots have passed the atpl papers and there validity is coming to an end if it can be renewed or if there could be a provision for frozen atpl issue, just like in Europe and USA, so that the pilots just need the required hours to issue the Atpl and don't have to pass orals again since there competency is already been checked once while passing the orals and the frozen atpl can be renewed.
From the pilots and airlines point of view also it could create a difference as it will become an added advantage for the airline and encouragement to the cpl holders also the training standard will also improve sir in terms of theoretical knowledge. Request you sir to give it a thought once.
WarmRegards
Sent by Outlook for Android

[cyrilroy21]

The FAA ATP written used to be valid only for 2 years . Since the ATP CTP program has come up and it became expensive to write the FAA ATP exam the validity has been extended to 5 years.

In Europe if its been more than 7 years since your IR expired then you have to give the ATP papers all over again.

[avl998]

Thanks cyril for the reply really appreciate , well reading the above lines looks like it's not worth the attempt I am making here. So be it then.

[Stryder_00]

any tricky questions do put them up, Please

[AviatorGNamaste]

1. 3 nm in on 3 deg ILS, what is your height.
2. Established on ILS , G/S goes out, what will you do?
3. Advantages of IRS
4. CP, PNR
5. Difference between RNAV and RNP approaches
6. How does aircraft maintain an RNP 0.5 approach/Track
7. Can IRS be aligned in air? And why?
8. What will you do if you loose IRS data in flight?
9. What is more accurate, DME approach or GPS approach?
10. How does FMS generate aircraft's position?

[INTERGLOBE]

Hello Guys

Can anyone share Nav Viva questions asked this time in Delhi.

Thanks

[aryen87]

JULY 2016, DELHI

GEN NAV
NAV
1) define FAF
2) SLOP
3) RRSM, what is RRSM- reduced runway separation minima
4) DDA, what is this ?
5) diff between RNAV 5 and RNAV 10, where it used and give example
6) enroute chart projection

Radio AIDS

Radio
1) what all instruments in your aircraft
2) what are advantages of MLS Over ILS
3) significance of outer marker
4) DVOR and VOR difference, why DVOR IS BETTER??
5) RVSM contingency, in case of instrument failure
6) what is RVSM
7) things to remember while entering from RVSM to non RVSM airspace
8) which all gyros are there name any two
9) DGI has which gyro
10) TSI has which gyro
11) GPWS all modes, how many are there in GPWS AND HOW MANY in EGPWS
12) What is mode 7, predictive or reactive ?
13) what is predictive wind shear
14) instruments for RVSM

[Onidaheights]

Any body pls update on viva questions latest oct session delhi

[sarvajanik_pilot]

Hi all.
Any updates on questions asked in Mumbai ATPL orals, April 2017..??

[removebeforeflight03]

anyone got some updated questions for DGCA ATPL VIVA , much appreciated .

[cap26052001]

Any one with the info on what kind of ATPL oral questions being asked in Delhi for july2017 session?

[captainjetman]

Radio Aids:
Duct Propagation
Frequency of Weather Radar / Transponder / DME
Components of ILS, Minimas of CAT 1,2&3

Navigation:
ICAO Max Holding speeds
Airspace requirements of Airspace A
Defintion of magnetic dip
Whats the final approach fix (x) called? Ans: Maltese cross
Climb segments/gradients
Approach charts in detail
Enroute charts find longest runway of particular airffield
Difference between RNP and RNAV
Difference between GMT and UTC, why is it called UTC
Which city does tropic of Cancer pass through in India Ans: Gandhinagar (gujarat)
Which city does Indian mean time longitude pass through And: Allahabad (UP)

[anirudh_rao]

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day and end of 2017!

What book(s)/ questionnaire(s) etc. would you recommend to pass the ALTP written? I have gotten mixed opinions about this; some recommending OXFORD and some others pointing me towards the Keith Williams question banks and Sahil Khurana notes.

Any help would be appreciated.

Best,
Anirudh

[Amit Karad]

:ok:An appeal to all those who have cleared/ appeared for the Oral part of the ATPL Examination which the Indian DGCA conducts from time to time :

Kindly take some time out, try to recollect and post a few questions here, that you were asked on that fateful day.

Could be anything ranging from a general idea as to how the session progressed to verbatim questions as barked out by the people on the panel.

---All in an effort to try an create a bank of questions, which could prove useful to the others in our fraternity.


Hello Aviators,

following are some of the ques asked in recently DGCA ATPL ORALS - JUNE 2018,
For Only CPL holders without type rating,


1. What is VMCA
2. What is VMCG
3. RVSM
4. EGPWS and GPWS differences
5. VOR and DVOR difference
6. Propogation
7. Modulation
8. Polarisation
9. What will be the ALTIMETER reading error on Static tube blockage
10. ISOGONAL
11. ISOBAR
12. SKIP DISTANCE
13. DEAD SPACE
14. TCAS
15. ILS components.

these are a FEW of many DGCA ques so I suggest do prepare these with other ques too.

thanks and All the Best ! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

-Amit Karad.

[palprthi]

Hi guys,

Can some one share questions asked in CHENNAI @june 2018 ?

Thanks in advance
Pavan.

[Bored_Aviator]

Anyone have any questions from the last july attempt ?

[CaptGalaxy]

Anyone have any questions from the last july attempt ?

Bored_Aviator or anyone who attempted the last viva sessions... Could you kindly payp questions that were asked?
Is there any change in pattern?

Thanks in advance

[DJ Flyboy]

Some of the questions I was asked in Radio Aids and Instrumentation:
1) Why is there a negative number indicated on the Radio Altimeter readout? What happens to this number at touch down and after strut compression?
2) What are the errors of Radio Altimeter?
3) What happens when you put the IRS switch to align and leave it there? why does it start flashing after sometime?
4) Advantages of IRS over INS
5) What are the limitations of IRS? What are the north and south latitude limitations? Why is the south latitude less than North?
6) If you are in 'Unsafe landing Configuration' and get an RA (resolution advisory) what would you do. [This was supposed to mean Unsafe terrain closure when not in landing config]
7) If you have an engine failure and notice an A/C on reciprocal heading at same level what will be your action?
8) What is the bypass ratio of your a/c?
9) What is the priority between Stall, Wind shear, GPWS, TCAS?
10) Explain the working of a conventional Mach Meter.
11) If static port is blocked, what would the ASI read in descent and why? What is the consequence of such a reading.

Some of the questions asked in Gen Navigation:
1) What is RNAV? What is RNP? What is PBN? What is the difference between RNAV and RNP?
2) Explain the basic workings of the GPS system. What is RAIM?
3) Explain the basic working of IRS?
4) What is a Nautical mile? How much is it in feet? How much is 1 km in feet?
5) In case of Nav accuracy down grade in RNP how will you be notified?
6) What is True/ Magnetic/ Compass North?
7) What is GAGAN?
8) Takeoff segments and requirements.
9) Jeppesen en route chart symbols.

These are all the questions I remember.
Would really appreciate the answers of Radio Aids questions: 1, 2, 3, 5 with references if possible.
Thanks & all the best.

[raghuflying]

Some of the questions I was asked in Radio Aids and Instrumentation:
1) Why is there a negative number indicated on the Radio Altimeter readout? What happens to this number at touch down and after strut compression?
2) What are the errors of Radio Altimeter?
3) What happens when you put the IRS switch to align and leave it there? why does it start flashing after sometime?
4) Advantages of IRS over INS
5) What are the limitations of IRS? What are the north and south latitude limitations? Why is the south latitude less than North?
6) If you are in 'Unsafe landing Configuration' and get an RA (resolution advisory) what would you do. [This was supposed to mean Unsafe terrain closure when not in landing config]
7) If you have an engine failure and notice an A/C on reciprocal heading at same level what will be your action?
8) What is the bypass ratio of your a/c?
9) What is the priority between Stall, Wind shear, GPWS, TCAS?
10) Explain the working of a conventional Mach Meter.
11) If static port is blocked, what would the ASI read in descent and why? What is the consequence of such a reading.

Some of the questions asked in Gen Navigation:
1) What is RNAV? What is RNP? What is PBN? What is the difference between RNAV and RNP?
2) Explain the basic workings of the GPS system. What is RAIM?
3) Explain the basic working of IRS?
4) What is a Nautical mile? How much is it in feet? How much is 1 km in feet?
5) In case of Nav accuracy down grade in RNP how will you be notified?
6) What is True/ Magnetic/ Compass North?
7) What is GAGAN?
8) Takeoff segments and requirements.
9) Jeppesen en route chart symbols.

These are all the questions I remember.
Would really appreciate the answers of Radio Aids questions: 1, 2, 3, 5 with references if possible.
Thanks & all the best.

1- is the residual height as RA is calibrated to read Zero on first contact of the lowest part of the undercarriage ie the wheels in extended condition.
after the strut is compressed that’s when u get th -ve value ie the residual height.
2. 3% error or +or- 1 feet which ever is higher. So 2450 to 33feet is 3% and below 33ft is 1ft.
3. IRS will align but it will not complete the alignment because there is no position entered. That’s why it’s flashing because of no present position.
5. Limitations north 70-85deg from 90W to 120w and above 85N 0 to 180E/W.
south 60 to 85 from 120 E to 160E and below 85s it’s 0 to 180 E/W
its higher because of the earths magnetic pole and the poles are not exactly opposite and these areas are magnetic cut out regions so irs will not give you magnetic heading.


Hope this is good enough was this in delhi oral..

[Raulehl]

Question I remember was:
What are the flight regions in India
Difference between QNH, QFE and QNE
What India's airports has CAT II landing approach
Flight duty times
Alcohol tolerance
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM ALTITUDE AN AIRPLANE CAN FLY???

[ruslan1]

Hi I had my orals for radio aids and these were the questions asked to me
1)What is apparent wander?
2) what is the difference between ins and irs3) explain ring laser gyro
4) errors in a compass
5) rvsm requirements
6) gpws questions?

All the best

[dobump]

Hi
Gave my radio aids viva in delhi nov 19 attempt. Questions asked were
1)what is dda
2)where can DME be located at an airfield
3)working principle of ILS & DME
4)questions on TCAS, radio alt and EGPWS.

Ppl were also asked about autoland2.

[dobump]

Am posting again after one full year. Amazing to see people not putting up questions asked to them. This time I appeared for nav orals in jan 21. I was asked the followingRvsm contigenciesRvsm requirementsAbove what ht is grid mora magenta and whyDifference between rnp and rnavTake off segmentsQuestions on approach chartsDifference between mora moca msaAnd gagan( don't know why they asked this)

[king_maker]

Hello, Questions for March 2021

1) Radio altimeter magnitude of error
2) SLOP
3) EDTO vs ETOPS
4) EDTO critical fuel
5) Suitable vs Adequate alternate
6) TCAS
7) TCAS version 7 vs old version
8) GPWS vs EGPWS

[idiotdiotic]

1.What is a stall? What will happen while I keep the elevator pulled back during a stall?
2.GPS3.Radio Altimeter, errors,how many radio alts do you think an aeroplane should have?
4.High speed taxi5.What is ADS? Describe ADS-C?6.I was asked about "squitter"
7.RNP,RNP alerting and monitoring8.Transmissiometer9.ILS10.RVR ILS cat II

​​​​​​

[siddhanta_alc]

Hello fellow pilots.
I am appearing for DGCA cpl exams this year and RTR as well. Is anyone on to the same thing ? Would like to connect with them for exchange and advice. Thanks .