Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · Captain's Challenge
The Captain's Challenge.
Every evening, a harder question from the commercial, instrument and airline-level written exams. Only the best get this one. Each one answered, explained and cited, free. Tap your answer to see how you did.
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Capt. Mike: Here's that evening's Captain's Challenge. Tap your answer.
After a long idle descent, a pilot moves a turbofan's thrust lever abruptly to take-off thrust. The rapid acceleration makes the engine most susceptible to:
The answer
2A compressor stall, or surge
Explanation
Fuel added faster than the compressor can accelerate raises combustor pressure and drives the compressor blades toward excessive angle of attack, which can produce a compressor stall or surge. Fuel controls (and FADEC acceleration schedules) limit the rate of acceleration for this reason, and thrust levers should be advanced smoothly.
Memory tip: Slam the thrust lever → risk of compressor stall. Advance it smoothly.
Source
TP 13524E (Engines — handling procedures for turbo-jet engines)
Taught in: IATRA › Advanced AeronauticsThis question is from the IATRA course, which teaches every IATRA subject and drills it like this. Unlock all 6 chapters with their quizzes (90 questions), and 6 full-length IATRA mock exams.
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