Alex The Power Plant And Related Systems Check List Flashcards
Four-stroke operating cycle
Four-stroke operating cycle the continuous energy-creating process in all reciprocating airplane engines is referred to as the four-stroke operating cycle. The steps in this cycle are: the intake of the fuel/air mixture, the compression by the piston, the ignition and expansion of the gases, and the venting of the burned gases.
Tachometer
Engine speed for aircraft equiped with a fixed-pitch propeller is displayed on a tachometer in revolutions per minute (r.p.m.).
Constant-speed propeller
A constant-speed propeller is adjustable from the cockpit. A manifold pressure gauge is used on these types of airplanes to monitor engine output by displaying the pressure inside the engine in **inches of mercury (in. Hg) **
Carburetor function
The carburetor mixes incoming air with fuel and delivers it to the combustion chamber.
The operating principle of float-type carburetors
The operating principle of float-type carburetors is based on the difference in pressure at the venturi throat and the air inlet.
The fuel/air mixture
The fuel/air mixture can be adjusted from the cockpit with the mixture control.
Carburetor ice
Carburetor ice may be caused by fuel vaporization and decreasing air pressure in the venturi which causes a sharp temperature drop in the carburetor.
Carburetor ice is more likely to occur
Carburetor ice is more likely to occur when temperatures are below 21 degrees C (70 Degrees F) and relative humidity is above 80%. To combat the effects fo carburetor ice, engineswith float -type carburetors employ a carburetor heat system which is designed to eliminate ice by routing air across a heat source before it enters the carburetor.
Fuel injection system’s significant advantage
One of the most signicant advantages of the fuel injection system is the relative freedom from the formation on induction icing
Sea level performance can be obtained
Sea level performance can be obtained even at high altitudes using either a super-charging or a turbocharging system.
The ignition system is made up of
The ignition system is made up of magnetos, spark plugs, interconnecting wires, and the ignition switch.
Detonation occurs when
Detonation occurs when fuel in the cylinders explodes instead of burning smootly.
Preignition
Preignition is a result of the fuel/air mixture being ignited in advance of the normal timed ignition.
Fuel-pump and gravity-feed systems are similar except
Fuel-pump and gravity-feed systems are similar except the gravity system does not include engine-driven or electric boost pumps or fuel pressure gauges.
To help prevent moisture buildup
To help prevent moisture buildup it is a good practice to ensure that the airplane’s tanks are refueled following the last flight of the day.
A wet-sump system uses
A wet-sump system uses an oil pump to draw oil from the sump and route it to the engine. Oil system operation can be monitored by referring to the oil pressure and temperature guages.
Cooling air enters the engine compartment through
Cooling air enters the engine compartment through an inlet behind the propeller hub whereit is further directed to the hottest part of the engine by baffles.
Exhaust is normally directed out below the engine compartment through
Exhaust is normally directed out below the engine compartment through a muffler and tailpipe. Metal shrouds around the muffler capture heat which is used to defrost the windscreen and heat the cabin
**A fixed-pitch propeller uses a single blade angle which **
A fixed-pitch propeller uses a single blade angle which is selected on the basis of what is best for the primary function of the airplane.
A constant-speed propeller control permits
A constant-speed propeller control permits you to select a blade angle that is the most appropriate for the flight operation being conducted. The propeller control regulates engine r.p.m. as shown on the tachometer, while the trottle controlsengine power output, as indicated on the manifold pressure guauge.
With a constant-speed propeller, you should avoid
With a constant-speed propeller, you should avoid low r.p.m. settings with high manifold pressure.
When hand-propping an airplane, always ensure that
When hand-propping an airplane, always ensure that you have received instruction in the correct procedure, and a qualified pilot is at the controls.
Alternators produce
Alternators produce alternating current (AC) firstt, and then convert it to direct current (DC) for use in the airplane electrical system.
Ammeter functions
One type of ammeter reflects currnt flowing to or from the batterywhile the other type, called a loadmeter, simply displays the load placed on the alternator.
