Aircraft Instrument Systems

Question 1

A static check may be performed on a manifold pressure gauge by using what piece of information?

Answer 1

Current atmospheric pressure.

Question 2

What aircraft instrument can be used to check a manifold pressure gauge for propor indication?

Answer 2

The sensitive altimeter.

Question 3

Name several of the indication errors that may be found in altimeters.

Answer 3

Scale errors, hysteresis, friction, installation.

Question 4

What is the signal source in an electrical resistance-type temperature indicating system?

Answer 4

A temperature bulb or sensing element.

Question 5

What type of temperature sensing system is normally used to measure a turbine engine exhaust gas temperature?

Answer 5

A thermocouple-type system.

Question 6

What operating parameter is indicated by a tachometer?

Answer 6

Engine RPM (i.e., crankshaft or turbine rotor speed).

Question 7

What is the name of the effect that causes a gyro to respond to an applied force at a point 90 degrees further in the direction of rotation?

Answer 7

Gyroscopic precession.

Question 8

What are the three sources of power used to drive a gyroscopic turn indicator?

Answer 8

Air from a vacuum or pressure source, or an electric motor.

Question 9

What are two items that should be considered during inspection of a magnetic compass?

Answer 9

1. The fluid must be clear.
2. The housing must be full with no bubbles.
3. The card must be legible and the lubber line intact.
4. The compass should be properly calibrated.

Question 10

In what way do magnetic fields generated by electrical equipment and steel parts in the airplane affect a magnetic compass?

Answer 10

Stray magnetic fields deflect the compass from correct alignment with the earth’s magnetic field.

Question 11

Describe the basic operating concept of a synchro-type remote indicating system.

Answer 11

A remote transmitter electrically signals a receiver inside the instrument.

Question 12

What aircraft instruments are connected to the pitot-static system?

Answer 12

The altimeter, vertical speed indicator, airspeed, and Mach meter in high-performance jets.

Question 13

Why should you avoid cleaning obstructions from the sensing holes in a pitot-static system with a tool?

Answer 13

The holes are aerodynamically critical.

Question 14

After components in a pitot-static system have been replaced, what tests or inspections are required?

Answer 14

The static system leak test specified by FAR 91.411.

Question 15

What quantity is accurately measured by a capacitance-type fuel quantity indicating system?

Answer 15

The mass of the fuel.

Question 16

Who is authorized to apply the range markings to an instrument dial face?

Answer 16

The manufacturer or a certificated instrument repair station.

Question 17

What is the purpose of a slippage mark on an instrument glass?

Answer 17

To indicate if the glass has moved, which could cause incorrect range markings on an instrument that has the range markings painted on the glass.

Question 18

What references should be consulted to determine the proper range markings for aircraft instruments?

Answer 18

The aircraft maintenance manual, aircraft flight manual, Type Certificate Data Sheets or Aircraft Specifications.

Question 19

What is the meaning of a yellow arc on an aircraft instrument?

Answer 19

A caution or limited flight operations range.

Question 20

What is the reason for “swinging” a compass and how is it accomplished?

Answer 20

To compensate for deviations, caused by magnetic fields in the aircraft, by adjusting the compensating magnets.