Aircraft Systems Flashcards
The presence of carburetor ice in an aircraft equipped with a fixed-pitch propeller can be verified by applying carburetor heat and noting a (increase/decrease) in RPM and then a gradual (increase/decrease) in RPM.
decrease, increase
If the engine oil temperature and cylinder head temperature gauges have exceeded their normal operating range, or if the pilot suspects that the engine (with a fixed-pitch propeller) is detonating during climb-out, the pilot may have been operating with either too much ___ and the mixture set too ___, using fuel of too ___, or operating the engine with not enough ___ in it. Reducing the ___ and increasing ___, enriching the ___, or retarding the ___ will help cool an overheating engine.
Power
Lean
low a grade
oil
rate of climb
airspeed
fuel mixture
throttle
One purpose for using reciprocating engines is that they are
relatively simple and inexpensive to operate.
A precaution for the operation of an engine equipped with a constant-speed propeller is to avoid high
Manifold pressure settings with low RPM
How is engine operation controlled on an engine equipped with a constant speed propeller? Throttle controls ___ as registered on the ___ and the propeller control regulates __ via pitch adjustments to the propeller blades
Power output
Manifold pressure gauge
Engine rpm
How does the power plant and propeller work?
An aircraft engine, or powerplant, produces thrust to propel
an aircraft. Reciprocating engines and turboprop engines
work in combination with a propeller to produce thrust.
Turbojet and turbofan engines produce thrust by increasing
the velocity of air flowing through the engine. All of these
powerplants also drive the various systems that support the
operation of an aircraft.
Explain carburetor icing
The use of carburetor heat causes a decrease in engine power, sometimes up to 15 percent, because the heated air is less dense than the outside air that had been entering the engine. This enriches the mixture. When ice is present in an aircraft with a fixed-pitch propeller and carburetor heat is being used, there is a decrease in rpm, followed by a gradual increase in rpm as the ice melts. The engine also should run more smoothly after the ice has been removed. If ice is not present, the rpm decreases and then remains constant. When carburetor heat is used on an aircraft with a constant-speed propeller and ice is present, a decrease in the manifold pressure is noticed, followed by a gradual increase. If carburetor icing is not present, the gradual increase in manifold pressure is not apparent until the carburetor heat is turned off.
Partial or complete power loss related to the specific powerplant. (Carburetor engines)
Carburetor engines - if carb ice forms during flight, use carb heat to remove ice. Carb heat can be indicated by engine roughness or vibration. Carb icing very likely below 70º F and above 80% humidity. Carb icing is verified by turning on carb heat, RPM drop, then gradual RPM increase. If carb ice is not removed, partial or full power loss follows, altitude and airspeed will degrade. Once power loss is noticed, must apply full carb heat. This will further induce a power loss until carb icing is removed.
ELT ops, limits, testing requirements. How often to check? How often to replace battery?
Check every 12 months. Replace battery when >1 hour of usage, or <50% of battery left.
Aircraft Maintenance requirements acronym
AVIATES
A - Annual inspection
V - VOR check, required every 30 calendar days for IFR
I - 100 hr inspection
A - Altimeter, required every 24 calendar months + airworthiness directives
T - Transponder, required every 24 calendar months
E - ELT inspection, required every 12 calendar months
S - Static system inspection, required every 24 calendar months
Aircraft inspections, three types
Every aircraft is required to have an annual inspection. 100 hr inspection is required only for aircraft that are used for compensation for hire. A progressive inspection may be used in place of a 100 hr inspection.
14 CFR 91.409
Instrument and equipment requirements (3 sources)
91.9, POH requirements
91.509, flotation devices are required when ≥ 50nm from shore.
91.205, instrument and equipment requirements - A TOMATO FLAMES + FLAPS
A - Airspeed indicator
T - Tachometer, for each engine
O - Oil pressure gauge, for each engine
M - Manifold pressure, for each engine
A - Altimeter
T - Temperature gauge, for each liquid cooled engine
O - Oil temperature gauge, for each engine
F - Fuel gauge
L - Landing gear position indicator, if applicable
A - Anti-collission lights, for a/c certified after 3/11/96
M - Magnetic compass
E - ELT
S - Safety belts
For VFR @ night, FLAPS
F - Fuses
L - Landing lights
A - Anti collision lights
P - Position light
S - Source of power
Over water ops requirements
For a flight >30 min or >100 nm from shore, must carry radio equipment, two of each: transmitters, mics, headsets (or 1 headset + 1 speaker), independent receivers. Must carry at least 2 independent electronic nav units. A receiver that can double for comms and nav can be used in place of two separate units.
How does the FAA prescribe flight with inoperative equipment? How many methods exist for deferring maintenance?
The FAA has two acceptable methods of deferring maintenance on small rotorcraft, non-turbine powered airplanes, gliders, or lighter-than-air aircraft operated under part 91. Deferral provision of CFR part 91.213(d) and an FAA approved MEL. A MEL is a minimum equipment list. A MMEL is a master minimum equipment list, which gets issued by the FAA.
Deferral provision of CFR part 91.213(d) - widely used, simple, minimal paperwork. When inoperative equipment is discovered, the pilot may cancel the flight, obtain maintenance, or defer the item/equipment. Maintenance deferrals are not used for inflight malfunctions. If deferred, the pilot determines if the item is required by type design, 14 CFR, or ADs. If not, the deferral may be made. The item shall be deactivated or removed and an INOPERATIVE placard placed near the appropriate switch/control/indicator. If deactivation or removal requires maintenance (removal always will) it must be conducted by a certified technician and recorded in accordance with CFR part 43.
Minimum equipment list, issued via letter of authorization (LOA) from the FAA, becomes an additional requirement that operators must comply with. All maintenance deferrals must be accomplished in accordance with an MEL and an operator-generated procedures document. MEL is considered by the FAA to be a supplemental type certificate (STC) issued to an a/c by serial and registration number. Deferrals are done in accordance with the MEL. If an item is not in MEL, repairs are required, or a special permit must be obtained from the FSDO.
What does a transponder do? How does it work?
When sent a signal, also called an interrogator, the transponder will return an identifying signal. Can include location and an identifying signal. Reports pressure altitude to ATC. A/c can be assigned a four digit code with numbers 0-7, 4096 possible codes. ALT means you’re broadcasting pressure altitude info (Mode C function). ON is only broadcasting the 4 digit code. STBY does not relay info. IDENT will make your four digit code flash on the ATC screen.
