Airplane Systems Flashcards
What is the main part of the airplane called?
Fuselage
The fuselage is the body of the airplane that houses the crew and cargo.
What does the preflight inspection involve?
Looking for dents, screws, damage, and fluids
Preflight checks are crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of the aircraft.
What are the components of the empennage?
Vertical stabilizer, rudder, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, trim
The empennage is the tail section of the aircraft, which stabilizes the airplane in flight.
What controls the pitch of an airplane?
Elevator
The elevator moves up and down to control the angle of ascent or descent.
How does the rudder assist in flying an airplane?
Gives yaw
The rudder helps steer the airplane on the ground and stabilizes it in the air.
What is the primary function of wings on an airplane?
Provide lift
The wings are designed to create lift as air flows over and under them.
What are flaps used for?
Reduces speed to allow for increased pitch
Flaps are located on the inside of the wing and help in managing the aircraft’s speed during takeoff and landing.
Where are ailerons located on an airplane?
Outside of wings
Ailerons are used for controlling the roll of the aircraft.
What is the purpose of landing gear?
Used to taxi and land
Landing gear supports the aircraft when on the ground.
What is a tricycle configuration in landing gear?
Nose wheel front
This configuration includes a front wheel and two rear wheels, providing stability during ground operations.
What does a shock absorber do in landing gear?
Absorbs shock on landing
The shock strut helps to cushion the aircraft when landing.
What is the function of a propeller?
Acts as a wing to produce thrust
The propeller generates the necessary thrust for the airplane to move forward.
Fill in the blank: The _______ controls the aircraft’s pitch.
Elevator
The elevator’s movement directly affects the aircraft’s angle of ascent or descent.
True or False: The rudder is used primarily for controlling roll.
False
The rudder is used for controlling yaw, while ailerons control roll.
What are the main components of the empennage?
Vertical stabilizer, rudder, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, trim
These parts work together to stabilize the aircraft in flight.
What is required inside aircraft and includes all checklists?
POH
POH stands for Pilot Operating Handbook.
What is the purpose of the preflight checklist?
To ensure nothing is forgotten
What should be done as part of the postflight procedures?
Walk around to ensure no damage
What are the three axes of aircraft movement?
- Roll (longitudinal, ailerons)
- Pitch (lateral, yoke)
- Yaw (vertical, rudder)
What effect does downward deflection of ailerons have?
Increases lift and increases adverse yaw opposite the turn
How is adverse yaw countered during a turn?
By rudder
What controls yaw in an aircraft?
Rudder
What controls pitch in an aircraft?
Stabilator, controlled by yoke
What is the effect of flaps on an aircraft?
Increases drag
What is the purpose of trim in an aircraft?
Alleviates pressure on yoke
What direction does the antiservo on an Archer move?
In the same direction as stabilator
What is the function of spoilers on an aircraft?
High drag, reduces lift
What are leading edge devices used for?
Attached to leading edge to increase lift
What does the powerplant do in an aircraft?
Converts chemical to mechanical energy
What is the function of the four-stroke cycle in aircraft engines?
- Intake: air/fuel drawn in
- Compression: mixture compressed
- Power: mixture ignited
- Exhaust: byproducts released
What does LHAND stand for in aircraft engines?
- Lycoming
- Horizontally opposed
- Air cooled
- Naturally aspirated
- Direct driven
What is the total capacity of the Archer fuel system?
50 gallons total, 48 useable
What types of fuel pumps are used in the Archer fuel system?
One engine driven pump and one electric
How often do you need to switch tanks in the Archer?
Every 30 minutes
How many sumps are there in the Archer fuel system?
3 sumps
What is the purpose of the hydraulic system in the Archer?
Used for wheel brakes
How does the hydraulic system engage the brakes?
Pushes fluid to brake struts which engages the brakes
What is the function of the shimmy dampener in the Archer?
To stop nose wheel shaking
What avionics systems are included in the Archer?
Garmin 450, 500, 1000
What does ADS-B out do?
Broadcasts location
What is the function of ADS-B in?
Receives location of traffic
What does the transponder do in the Archer?
Shows location to ATC
What is color coded in the airspeed indicator?
V. speeds
What does the airspeed indicator display?
Indicated airspeed with trend vector
What information does the attitude indicator provide?
Displays pitch attitude + bank degree
What does the altimeter display?
Altitude MSL with trend vector adjusted with altimeter setting
What does the heading indicator show?
Airplane heading, set to magnetic compass
What does the vertical speed indicator indicate?
Rate of climb or descent
What does the slip indicator show?
Rate of turn, shows if coordinated
What components are included in the Pitot static system?
ASI, VSI, altimeter
ASI stands for Airspeed Indicator, VSI stands for Vertical Speed Indicator.
How does air pressure change with altitude?
Air pressure decreases as altitude increases.
In which direction does pressure move?
Pressure moves from high to low.
What does the ASI measure?
RAM air through the Pitot tube compared to still air from the static port.
What does the altimeter measure?
Pressure from the static port based on the altimeter setting.
How is the VSI similar to the altimeter?
Both measure pressure but VSI has a calibrated leak for instantaneous change.
What are gyroscopics used for in aviation instruments?
Heading and attitude indicators.
How do gyroscopic instruments operate?
They are operated on a vacuum pump to crank the needles.
What does the heading indicator use for its function?
A rigid in-space gyroscope.
What does the turn coordinator sense?
Rate of roll and turn.
What principle does the turn coordinator operate on?
Precession.
What does the inclinometer depict?
Yaw.
How does the altimeter operate?
It uses rigidity in space and can fail during aerobatics.
What technology do glass displays use for instrument readings?
Magnetometer and outside air temperature probe.
What system replaces the Pitot-static system in modern aircraft?
Air Data Computer.
What system replaces gyroscopics in modern aviation?
Attitude Heading Reference System.
What is the function of magnetos in an aircraft?
Small generators that power spark plugs
Each magneto connects to four spark plugs.
What is the purpose of a propeller in an aircraft?
Produces thrust through two rotating wings
What are the two kinds of propellers?
Fixed and adjustable
Fixed propellers do not move and are better for either climb or cruise.
What is an adjustable propeller?
A propeller that can move, efficient for both climb and cruise
What are the components of the electrical system in an aircraft?
Alternator, battery, electrical system
The alternator powers the battery, which in turn powers the electrical system.
What is the voltage of the electrical system in the aircraft?
28 V system
What is the voltage of the battery in the aircraft?
24 V battery
What is the amperage rating of the alternator in the aircraft?
70 Amp alternator
What is the first step in the startup process of an aircraft?
Battery power started
What does the starter do in the startup process?
Rotates the flywheel, which rotates the crankshaft
What happens after the crankshaft rotates in the startup process?
Crankshaft rotates magnetos
What is the purpose of oil in an aircraft engine?
Lubricates and cleans the engine
What type of oil system does the Archer use?
Wet sump
What should be checked before flight regarding oil?
Check oil with dipstick
What happens if there is a loss of pressure and temperature gauges?
Emergency situation
What are the advantages of fuel injection in an aircraft?
No carb ice, better fuel flow
However, it can be harder to start hot and vapor lock is possible.
