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CL Studying > Electrical, Drive, and Fuel Systems > Flashcards

Electrical, Drive, and Fuel Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary purpose of the R22’s electrical system?

A

The R22’s electrical system powers all essential flight instruments, radios, lights, and systems needed for safe operation during day and night flights.

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2
Q

What are the main components of the R22’s electrical system?

A

The main components are a 12-volt battery, a 14-volt (60 amp) alternator, a voltage regulator, circuit breakers, and indicators like the ammeter.

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3
Q

What is the voltage and capacity of the R22’s battery?

A

The battery outputs 12 volts and has a 25 amp-hour capacity, meaning it can provide 25 amps for one hour or 1 amp for 25 hours.

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4
Q

What is an amp hour?

A

How long a battery can produce 1 amp / hour or how many amps a battery can produce in one hour.

A 25 amp-hour capacity means a battery can produce 1 amp for 25 hours OR 25 amps in 1 hour.

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5
Q

How long can the battery power essential systems during an alternator failure?

A

Approximately 30 minutes during night operations (minimal lighting) and around one hour during day operations (without position lights).

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6
Q

Where is the battery located, and how is it grounded?

A

The battery is located on the left side of the aircraft and grounded to both the engine and airframe via a braided ground strap, ensuring a consistent power flow.

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7
Q

What is grounding?

A

The process of connecting an electrical system to the ground with a wire to safely direct excess electricity away from people and property.

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8
Q

What is the voltage and current output of the alternator, and why is it slightly higher than the battery voltage?

A

The alternator produces 14 volts, slightly higher than the battery’s 12 volts, allowing it to recharge the battery effectively. It can supply up to 60 amps, meeting all electrical demands.

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9
Q

How would you identify an alternator failure?

A

The alternator light would turn on and the ammeter would produce a negative reading indicating the battery is pushing electrical energy, not charging.

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10
Q

What role do circuit breakers play in relation to the alternator?

A

Circuit breakers protect individual components by ‘popping’ open if excessive current is drawn, preventing overheating and potential fire hazards.

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11
Q

What is the primary power draw in the helicopter, and how does it affect battery life during alternator failure?

A

The landing light, with a 20-amp circuit breaker, is the largest power draw. Turning it off during an alternator failure can substantially extend battery life.

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12
Q

What is the function of the voltage regulator?

A

The voltage regulator maintains a steady 14-volt output from the alternator, keeping the battery charged and adjusting output according to electrical demand.

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13
Q

What should be checked regarding the voltage regulator during pre-flight?

A

Check the voltage regulator’s connections for signs of wear, loose connections, or overheating.

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14
Q

What does the ammeter indicate?

A

The ammeter shows the electrical system’s charging status. A positive reading indicates battery charging, while a negative reading signals an alternator failure and battery discharge.

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15
Q

What is a normal ammeter reading in flight?

A

A slightly positive reading is normal.

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16
Q

What is the role of the bus bar in the electrical system?

A

The bus bar is the primary power distribution point, supplying power to various systems. It can be powered by the battery or alternator.

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17
Q

How does the dual power source (battery and alternator) work?

A

The battery is used to activate the starter motor which turns over the engine. When the engine is running, the alternator is activated which powers the bus bar and charges the battery which also serves as a backup power source.

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18
Q

What is the ammeter shunt, and what does it do?

A

The ammeter shunt measures whether the battery is charging or discharging, helping monitor the electrical system’s status.

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19
Q

What is the purpose of circuit breakers?

A

Circuit breakers cut power if excess current flows, preventing electrical fires and protecting wiring and components.

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20
Q

What is the protocol for resetting a circuit breaker?

A

Only reset if it affects essential instrument / aircraft function. If possible, wait at least one minute before resetting. If it pops again, do not reset it a second time to avoid risking electrical fires.

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21
Q

What color and where are the position / navigation lights on the helicopter?

A

Position (navigation) lights are white on the tail, red on the left, and green on the right.

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22
Q

What is the function of the anti-collision light?

A

To enhance aircraft visibility and prevent collision; the anti-collision light (red strobe) on the tail cone should be turned on before the engine starts to alert individuals on the ground that the aircraft blade will begin spinning.

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23
Q

How are the landing lights configured?

A

There are two landing lights on the nose, angled differently for normal and steep approaches. During pre-flight, the clutch circuit breaker should be disengaged to test the lights without activating the clutch.

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24
Q

How do instrument and map lights function?

A

Instrument lights activate with the position lights and are controlled by a dimmer switch. The map light has a red lens to illuminate charts without affecting night vision.

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25
Q

How are the tachometers powered?

A

The rotor and engine tachometers have dual power sources: the bus bar (usually powered by the alternator) and direct battery power through the clutch switch, in case of alternator or master switch failure.

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26
Q

How is the clock powered?

A

The clock is wired directly to the battery, allowing it to keep time even when the master switch is off.

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27
Q

What is the difference between the Hobbs and Tach meters?

A

Hobbs meter: Measures total engine runtime, often used for pilot logbooks and billing.

Tach meter: Measures time based on RPM, providing a better estimate of actual engine wear, and is typically used for maintenance intervals.

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28
Q

How is the Hobbs powered?

A

The Hobbs is wired directly to battery, if there’s oil pressure registered in the battery, the Hobbs meter is tracking.

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29
Q

What happens when the master switch is turned on?

A

The master switch activates a relay that connects the battery to the bus bar, powering the entire system.

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30
Q

How does the alternator switch interact with the voltage regulator?

A

When the alternator switch is turned on, it prompts the voltage regulator to activate the alternator, providing primary power to the bus bar and charging the battery.

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31
Q

How is cabin heat generated and controlled?

A

A blower-driven system (on the left side of the aircraft) pulls air over the muffler shroud, heating it before it enters the cabin. Activating the cabin heat requires turning on the blower and pulling a control lever to open the airflow.

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32
Q

What are the ventilation options?

A

Fresh air enters through the cabin air vent in the nose and door vents. In warm weather, doors can be removed for extra ventilation.

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33
Q

What does the squirrel cage blower cool?

A

The cylinders, oil cooler, and alternator.

34
Q

Why should you monitor the ammeter during flight?

A

Regularly checking the ammeter helps detect any discharge issues early, indicating potential alternator failure.

35
Q

What should you check for during pre-flight related to the electrical system?

A

Inspect the alternator, battery, circuit breakers, and connections, ensuring all electrical components function correctly.

36
Q

What is the procedure for managing battery power in case of alternator failure?

A

Turn off non-essential equipment to extend battery life, especially critical during night or cross-country flights. This could include the position lights, landing lights, the heater, the GPS unit, etc. If failure occurs at nighttime, lights may need to be kept on, shortening span in which battery will last.

37
Q

What is the purpose of the tail cone’s monocoque structure?

A

The tail cone’s hollow monocoque structure, similar to a soda can, uses its skin to bear force, providing a strong but lightweight design.

38
Q

What is the function of the damper located on the tail cone?

A

The damper, located halfway down the tail cone, stabilizes the tail rotor drive shaft, reducing vibrations.

39
Q

How long is the tail rotor and what are its characteristics?

A

The tail rotor is 3’6” in diameter, asymmetrical, and preset with a coning angle.

40
Q

What does the delta hinge on the tail rotor do?

A

The delta hinge enables ‘pitch-flap coupling’ which prevents excessive flapping by changing blade pitch during flapping, allowing for a shorter drive shaft between the TR and tail cone.

41
Q

What rpm change does the tail rotor go through?

A

In the tail rotor gearbox, spiral bevel gears increase the RPM with a specific gear ratio (typically around 3:2). This gearing increases the rotational speed of the drive shaft’s input (e.g., 2264 RPM) to a faster speed at the tail rotor (e.g., 3396 RPM at 104%). They are splash lubricated.

42
Q

What is the main rotor’s diameter, and what type of rotor system does it use?

A

The main rotor has a diameter of 25’2” and uses a semi-rigid, underslung system that flaps and feathers to compensate for dissymmetry of lift.

43
Q

How does the coning hinge benefit the main rotor system?

A

The coning hinge reduces manufacturing costs for the rotor blades.

44
Q

What materials make up the main rotor blades?

A

The main rotor blades are symmetrical, with an aluminum honeycomb core, stainless steel spar, and stainless steel skin to reduce corrosion and erosion.

45
Q

How is the Main Rotor rpm altered?

A

The rotational energy is then transferred from the upper sheave to the main rotor gearbox. Inside the main rotor gearbox, spiral bevel gears reduce the RPM further with a ratio of approximately 11:47, or about 4.27:1. This final reduction brings the RPM down from around 2264 RPM at the gearbox input to the main rotor’s operational RPM, typically around 530 RPM (at 104%). They are splash lubricated.

46
Q

When is the rotor brake used, and what does it prevent?

A

The rotor brake is primarily engaged during shutdown to slow and stop the blades at a desired position. It also prevents the starter from operating if engaged, avoiding accidental start-up with the rotor blades locked.

47
Q

What is a clutch?

A

The function of a clutch is to engage and disengage the power between the engine and gearbox. A clutch thus provides an interruptible connection between two rotating shafts.

48
Q

What does the clutch do, and how does it operate?

A

The clutch engages/disengages the engine from the drive system using belt tension between the upper and lower sheaves. The system automatically maintains proper belt tension.

49
Q

How do the sheaves affect RPM from the engine to the transmission?

A

The upper and lower sheaves reduce the engine RPM from 2652 to 2264 RPM at 104%, creating an 0.8536:1 reduction ratio.

50
Q

Which of the sheaves move to increase / decrease belt tension?

A

The upper sheave.

51
Q

What is the sprag clutch, and why is it important?

A

The sprag (freewheeling) clutch allows auto-rotation by disconnecting the engine from the rotors if the engine fails, enabling the rotors to keep spinning.

52
Q

How is fuel delivered to the engine in the R22?

A

The R22’s fuel system is gravity-fed, so fuel flows from the tanks to the engine without a pump.

53
Q

What is the capacity and usable portion of the R22’s fuel tanks?

A

The total usable capacity is 16.9g in the main tank and 9.4g in the aux tank.

54
Q

When does the low fuel warning light come on and how much time is left?

A

With bladder style tanks, the light comes on when there is 1.5g remaining fuel, which equals approximately 10m of flight time.

55
Q

According to 91.151, helicopters must have enough fuel to get to their intended destination with 20m reserve fuel leftover. Where does this generally read on the fuel gauge in the R22?

A

With the aux on empty and the main tank at just over a ¼ tank, there is approximately 20m remaining.

56
Q

What is the total capacity of both tanks? What is the total usable capacity?

A

Total capacity = 28 gallons; usable capacity = 26.3 gallons.

57
Q

Why is it recommended to top off fuel tanks in cold weather?

A

Topping off reduces air in the tanks, helping prevent water vapor condensation and accumulation within the tanks.

58
Q

What are the components of the fuel system?

A

Tanks, lines, vents, shut off valve, strainer (gascolator), sump drains, crossfeed lines, primer if installed.

59
Q

What does higher octane mean in regards to aviation fuel?

A

The higher the number, the higher the octane which will provide a slower, more even burn. It relates to a fuel’s general stability and resistance to knocking / how much compression it can withstand.

60
Q

What is detonation? What causes it? What happens as a result of detonation?

A

Detonation is when gas burns at a faster rate than normal, even instantaneously as an explosion; this creates too much pressure within the cylinder and can cause structural damage and/or engine damage.

It is usually caused by using fuel at too low octane or too lean of fuel mixtures.

61
Q

Why do you need vents in the fuel tanks?

A

So that as fuel is directed into the carburetor, pressure doesn’t increase / remaining fuel doesn’t become compressed, within the fuel tanks preventing smooth flow of fuel.

62
Q

What is preignition in aircraft engines?

A

Preignition is the premature ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s cylinder, occurring before the spark plug normally ignites it. This happens when an excessively hot spot within the combustion chamber ignites the mixture too early, disrupting normal combustion timing.

63
Q

What causes preignition?

A

Common causes of preignition include:
- Overheated spark plugs that can ignite the mixture prematurely.
- Hot exhaust valves that generate enough heat to cause early combustion.
- Carbon deposits on cylinder components that create hot spots.
- Other hot spots in the cylinder, often due to high power settings or engine conditions, which ignite the mixture before the spark plug.

64
Q

What are the symptoms of preignition?

A

Symptoms of preignition include:
- Engine roughness, where the engine feels unsteady or rough.
- Loss of power due to disrupted combustion timing.
- Engine overheating, as preignition causes excessive heat buildup.
- Increased risk of detonation, where the fuel-air mixture explodes instead of burning smoothly, potentially causing significant engine damage.

65
Q

Why is preignition dangerous for aircraft engines?

A

Preignition can lead to excessive heat, rough engine operation, and power loss. If unaddressed, it may cause detonation, which can result in severe structural damage to the engine, compromising engine performance and safety.

66
Q

What do the various antennas on the aircraft look like and do?

A

VOR-
Comm-
Transponder-
GPS- shorter with a fatter, wider base.

67
Q

How much does a gallon of 100LL weigh?

A

6lbs per gallon (water is 8.4lbs / gal).

68
Q

What is the avgas burn rate?

A
69
Q

What are the consequences of excessive heat, rough engine operation, and power loss?

A

If unaddressed, it may cause detonation, which can result in severe structural damage to the engine, compromising engine performance and safety.

70
Q

What does a VOR antenna look like?

A

The appearance of the VOR antenna is not specified.

71
Q

What does a Comm antenna look like?

A

The appearance of the Comm antenna is not specified.

72
Q

What does a Transponder antenna look like?

A

The appearance of the Transponder antenna is not specified.

73
Q

What does a GPS antenna look like?

A

The GPS antenna is shorter with a fatter, wider base.

74
Q

How much does a gallon of 100LL weigh?

A

6 lbs per gallon

Water is 8.4 lbs / gal.

75
Q

What is the avgas burn rate?

A

100’ / second.

76
Q

What do the flex plates and yoke flanges do?

A

They allow the drive shaft to flex and move.

77
Q

What is the swash plate assembly?

A

The swashplate assembly consists of a rotating and stationary plate. It transfers control inputs from the cyclic and collects them into the rotor blades.

78
Q

What do the scissor links do on the Robinson helicopters?

A

They keep the stationary swashplate from rotating with the rotor, allowing the swashplate to move freely up and down and tilt in any direction, but not rotate around the mast.

79
Q

What happens during blade flapping?

A

The retreating blade flaps down, increasing its angle of attack (A of A), while the advancing blade flaps up, lowering its angle of attack.

80
Q

What does the underslung rotor system do?

A

It prevents the center of gravity (CG) of the rotor blades from moving during blade flapping, minimizing the coriolis effect.

81
Q

When must skid shoes be replaced?

A

When they are less than 1/16” thick.

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