General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

What is electrically heated in the airplane?

1. Wing leading edges and engine inlets

2. Cockpit windows and all probes

3. Fuel tanks only

4. Throttle controls

The correct answer is: Cockpit windows and all probes

The correct understanding highlights that cockpit windows and all probes are equipped with electric heating systems to prevent ice formation and provide clear visibility to the pilots. Ice accumulation on the cockpit windows can obscure vision and impair safe operation, particularly during conditions where moisture and freezing temperatures exist. Similarly, probes—such as pitot tubes and static ports—are vital for accurate readings of airspeed and altitude. Ice can obstruct these sensors, leading to erroneous data on the aircraft's performance. Therefore, the electric heating systems for cockpit windows and probes serve a crucial safety function by ensuring that these elements remain operational and free from ice buildup. Other options focus on components that are either not electrically heated or are incorrectly specified, such as fuel tanks which commonly rely on other methods of temperature control and do not have electric heating dedicated to preventing ice formation. Wing leading edges and engine inlets are critically heated in certain aircraft, but the inclusion of cockpit windows and probes is specifically notable for their importance in maintaining visibility and ensuring accurate instrument readings in flight. Throttle controls are not electrically heated as they do not require ice prevention due to their operational nature. This clarification emphasizes the importance of understanding which components in an aircraft utilize electrical heating for safety and efficiency.