FAA Ground School Practice Test

If a pilot notices a malfunction in flight instrumentation, what is the correct procedure?

1. Continue the flight and log the issue afterwards

2. Immediately notify relevant authorities upon landing

3. Perform a troubleshooting process in-flight

4. Ignore if instruments are functioning intermittently

The correct answer is: Immediately notify relevant authorities upon landing

When a pilot observes a malfunction in flight instrumentation, the appropriate procedure is to immediately notify relevant authorities upon landing. This action is crucial because it ensures that the malfunction is documented and addressed by maintenance personnel. Instrumentation issues can significantly impact the safety and operation of the aircraft, so addressing these problems swiftly helps to prevent potential hazards. Notifying authorities after landing allows for a proper investigation into the malfunction, ensuring that the issue doesn't compromise future flights. This step is essential for maintaining safety standards within aviation operations and for keeping accurate records of aircraft conditions. In contrast to notifying authorities immediately after landing, other options involve inadequate responses to the situation. Continuing the flight without addressing the malfunction could lead to dangerous situations, especially if the malfunction worsens. Performing in-flight troubleshooting is typically not feasible or recommended under these circumstances, as it can distract the pilot from other critical flight duties and lead to further complications. Ignoring intermittent instrument issues can severely compromise flight safety, as they may lead to a complete failure or misinterpretation of vital flight data.