The reference cited in the question/answer was the Instrument Procedures Handbook, not that AC, and they actually quoted that section from the IPH in the explanation. Note that the IPH discussion covers three different conditions, but the question failed to provide sufficient information to determine which of the three conditions existed.
Here's the question and correct answer combined:
The wording of the question tells you no such thing. It fails to provide sufficient information to select from the three different ways to determine stabilized approach parameters by the methods in the referenced handbook. Simply omitting the information does not allow one to "assume" facts not in evidence. It's simply a badly framed question and should be fixed accordingly. And as I pointed out earlier, even if one were to assume it's a straight-in under IFR weather conditions, Answer C still isn't correct by the referenced handbook.
No, it would not. What would make it better is if they tell us which of he three conditions described in the IPH exist, and then give answers which match with the IPH"s recommendations. Say:
I think it tests your ability to parse information to cut through the fog for the true statement.
I didn't think that's what we were trying to test on the pilot and flight instructor written tests, just whether you know the material or not. We'll determine your ability to apply it to actual situations on the practical test.
As it turns out, the VERY first question I got on the real test was strikingly similar to the one in my OP, so I thought I’d report back on it. It read something like this (I'm a little uncertain about the altitude in answer A):
The related figure is below.
At first, I was ready to click on “C” because it sounded so close to the supposedly correct answer above. However, I ended up changing my mind and it turned out to be the right answer.
Unlike the test-prep question I struggled with, this one actually said “in IMC” so there was enough information to actually answer the question. And, given what I learned here, the answer was obviously B.
Just FYI. And, thanks for the help!
Except that correct answer (per the IPH) cannot be determined from the question alone, only by assuming facts not given, and that makes it a bad question.
Henning, when you actually get to be a CFI, maybe you'll be able to understand the issue. And good luck with your second attempt to pass that practical test.
This is about being able to answer the question even if you have no idea what it is about.
Interesting that this chart has THRE which is 35 feet lower than TDZE. Since TDZE is not shown (you must have inside info), the "minimum stabilized approach height" can only be based off airport elevation because THRE is an ICAO concept and not FAA's. You can read about it here :wink2:: http://www.askacfi.com/25045/tdze-and-runway-elevation-on-iap-plates-why-the-difference.htm
It isn't clear to me the information was available to the test-taker, so that leaves answer "B" the most correct. I doubt the test-authors are educated in the nuances of THRE vs. TDZE, much less testing that others are. Being on the cutting edge can get ya into trouble sometimes!
