Airplane Instrument, Engines and Systems Flashcards
What is the instrument that is checked while preflighting?
Compass
When does the magnetic compass give a reliable indication?
In straight and level unaccelerated flight
When does the magnetic compass indicate a turn to the north?
When accelerating on a east or west heading
When does the magnetic compass indicate a turn to the south?
When decelerating on a east or west heading
During your preflight inspection, you find the pitot tube blocked. What instrument(s) would be affected by this?
The airspeed indicator.
What instruments would be affected by a loss of vacuum?
Heading indicator and attitude
What should the vacuum gauge read under normal circumstances?
PA-28-181: 4.8 to 5.2
What instruments would be affected if your static sources were blocked?
Vertical Speed indicator and altitude indicator
What would cause your attitude indicator and heading indicator to fail?
Loss of vacuum
How much power does the engine have?
PA-28-181: 180 BHP Lycoming O-360-A4M
What is the total fuel capacity of the airplane?
PA-28-181: 50 gallons
How much usable fuel is on board?
PA-28-181: 48 gallons
What octane of fuel is used and what color is the fuel?
PA-28-181: 100 Low Lead; light blue
What are you looking for when checking fuel samples?
Correct color to verify the correct octane and any water bubbles or other types of contamination
How do the fuel tanks feed the engine?
PA-28-181:
The fuel is fed either from the left or right fuel tank as selected by the fuel selector valve in the cockpit. The fuel is pumped through the fuel strainer either by the electric, engine drive, or both fuel pumps. From there it is pumped into the carburetor where it is mixed with air and distributed to the cylinders.
How many fuel draining locations are on the airplne?
PA-28-181:
3; two under each wing and 1 in the engine
During preflight, you find a puddle of red fluid around on of the main tires, what does this indicate?
This is brake fluid and indicate a lead in the brake system.
What is the oil capacity of the airplane?
PA-28-181: 8 quarts
When should the oil be checked and what is the minimum amount of oil that must be in the airplane for flight?
PA-28-181:
The oil should be checked before each flight and have at least 6 quarts
What should you do if you find nicks in the propeller?
Cancel the flight and have the blades inspected by an A&P mechanic
How much magneto drop is allowed when running up teh engine?
PA-28-181: No more than 175 RPM drop on each magneto and no more than 50 RPM difference in between the two mags.
What should you do if the oil pressure goes to zero and the temperature starts to rise rapidly?
Land as soon as possible and investigate cause. Prepare for power off landing
What does it mean when after you have actuated the carburetor heat then the rpm drops and then rises on its own?
It means carburetor icing was present
What is the first thing you should do if the engine begins to lose rpm and run a little rough?
Engage carburetor heat
What is the first thing you should do if the engine should quit?
Trip for best glide speed 76 KIAS
Where does the cabin heat come from
The head coming from the engine exhaust
How much fuel does this airplane burn per hour in normal cruise?
PA-28-181: 9.5g/h at 65% power 117 kts
What voltage does the electrical system have?
PA-28-181: 28-volt
What should you do if your ammeter indicates an excessive rate of charge?
PA-28-181:
Alt switch ON
Bat switch Off
If alt load are reduced set electrical load to minimum and land as soon as practical
Else Alt switch off bat switch as required land as soon as possible. prepare for full electrical failure
What should you do if your ammeter indicate an insufficient rate of charge?
PA-28-181: Alt switch off Check Alt breaker Alt switch ON If power is not restored alt switch off reduce electrical load and land as soon as practical
What should you do if your low-voltage light illuminates
Check Ammeter to verify inop. alt
What is the gross weight of the airplane?
N168F: Empty weight 1,683.46lb + people + baggage + fuel = gross weight
What is the empty weight of the airplane?
N168F: 1,683.46
Where is the exact empty weight and the empty center of gravity found?
The aircraft W&B document inside the aircraft
What is the maximum ramp weight?
N168F: 2558.00lb
What is the maximum takeoff weight?
N168F: 2550.00lb
What is the maximum landing weight?
N168F: 2550.00lb
What is the maximum baggage weight?
N168F: 200lb
What is the normal cruise RPM?
PA-28-181: 2,430
What is the minimum octane that is to be used in the airplane?
PA-28-181: 100
When ground handling the airplane with a towbar, how much can the nose gear be turned right or left?
PA-28-181: 20 degres left/right of center
What kind of oil is used in the airplane?
PA-28-181:
SAE 20 - 50 depended on ambient temp.
As density altitude increases, what happens to performance?
Performance decreases
How much air pressure should be kept in the tires?
PA-28-181:
Nose Gear: 18 psi
Main Gear: 24 psi
How does carburetor ice form?
The pressure drop in the venturi causes the air to cool and draw heat away from the surrounding metal of the carburetor venturi. Ice can then collect on the cooled carburetor throat.
