Operation Of Systems Flashcards
How does the vacuum system operate? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
An engine-driven vacuum pump provides suction which pulls air from the instrument case.
pressure entering the case is directed against rotor vanes to turn the rotor (gyro) at high speed
Air is drawn into the instrument through a filter from the cockpit and eventually vented outside.
What does the mixture control do? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Hide Answer
It regulates the fuel-to-air ratio.
What are the limitations of the vertical speed indicator? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
The VSI is not accurate until the aircraft is stabilized.
There’s a 6-9 second lag
How does the heading indicator operate? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
The operation of the heading indicator depends upon the principle of rigidity in space. … As the instrument case and the aircraft revolve around the vertical axis of the gyro, the card provides clear and accurate heading information.
What instruments operate off of the pitot/static system? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15
Altimeter, Vertical Speed, and Airspeed Indicator.
Define and state how you would determine the following altitudes. (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Absolute altitude Indicated altitude Pressure altitude True altitude Density altitude
Absolute altitude — the vertical distance of an aircraft above the terrain. Indicated altitude — the altitude read directly from the altimeter (uncorrected) after it is set to the current altimeter setting. Pressure altitude — the altitude when the altimeter setting window is adjusted to 29.92. Pressure altitude is used for computer solutions to determine density altitude, true altitude, true airspeed, etc. True altitude — the true vertical distance of the aircraft above sea level. Airport, terrain, and obstacle elevations found on aeronautical charts are true altitudes. Density altitude — pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature variations. Directly related to an aircraft’s takeoff, climb, and landing performance.
What are the limitations of an attitude indicator? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
The pitch and bank limits depend upon the make and model of the instrument.
What is the limitation of the airspeed indicator? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15)
The airspeed indicator is subject to proper flow of air in the pitot/static system.
What are the limitations of the heading indicator? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
If pitch or bank limit is exceeded, the instrument will tumble or spill and will give incorrect indications until reset.
What action should be taken if the ammeter indicates a continuous discharge while in flight?
The alternator has quit producing a charge, so the alternator circuit breaker should be checked and reset if necessary. If this does not correct the problem, the following should be accomplished:
a. The alternator should be turned off; pull the circuit breaker (the field circuit will continue to draw power from the battery).
b. All electrical equipment not essential to flight should be turned off (the battery is now the only source of electrical power).
c. The flight should be terminated and a landing made as soon as possible.
What are the four main control surfaces and what are their functions? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Elevators — The elevators control the movement of the airplane about its lateral axis. This motion is called pitch.
Ailerons — The ailerons control the airplane’s movement about its longitudinal axis. This motion is called roll.
Rudder — The rudder controls movement of the airplane about its vertical axis. This motion is called yaw.
Trim Tabs — Trim tabs are labor-saving devices that enable the pilot to release manual pressure on the primary control.
During a cross-country flight you notice that the oil pressure is low, but the oil temperature is normal. What is the problem and what action should be taken?
Land at the nearest airport. We have insufficient oil
What is the function of a magnetometer? (FAA-H-8083-6)
A magnetometer is a device that measures the strength of the earth’s magnetic field to determine aircraft heading; it provides this information digitally to the AHRS, which then sends it to the PFD.
Define the terms “anti-icing equipment” and “deicing equipment” and state several examples of each. (FAA-H-8083-3; FAA-H-8083-25)
Anti-icing equipment — prevents ice from forming on certain protected surfaces. Examples
heated pitot tubes and static ports
carburetor heat
heated fuel vents
propeller blades with electro-thermal boots
heated windshields.
Deicing equipment — removes ice that has already formed on protected surfaces. It is generally limited to pneumatic boots on the wing and tail leading edges.
How are the various flight controls operated? (AFM)
The flight control surfaces are manually actuated through mechanical linkage.
A control wheel actuates the ailerons and elevator, and rudder/brake pedals actuate the rudder.
What will the turn indicator indicate when the aircraft is in a “skidding” or a “slipping” turn? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
Slip — The ball in the tube will be on the inside of the turn; not enough rate of turn for the amount of bank. Skid — The ball in the tube will be to the outside of the turn; too much rate of turn for the amount of bank.
How does the aircraft cabin heat work? (AFM)
Fresh air, heated by an exhaust shroud, is directed to the cabin through a series of ducts.
How does the turn coordinator operate? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15)
The turn part of the instrument uses precession to indicate direction and approximate rate of turn.
The slip/skid indicator is a liquid-filled tube with a ball that reacts to centrifugal force and gravity.
What type of ignition system does your airplane have? (AFM)
Starter - fly wheel- crankshaft - magnetos - spark plugs - cylinder
Engine ignition is provided by two engine-driven magnetos, and two spark plugs per cylinder.
The ignition system is completely independent of the aircraft electrical system. The magnetos are engine-driven self-contained units supplying electrical current without using an external source of current.
Extra: Before the magnetos produce current, the magnetos must be actuated, as the engine crankshaft is rotated by some other means. To accomplish this, the aircraft battery furnishes electrical power to operate a starter which, through a series of gears, rotates the engine crankshaft. This in turn actuates the armature of the magneto to produce the sparks for ignition of the fuel in each cylinder. After the engine starts, the starter system is disengaged, and the battery no longer contributes to the actual operation of the engine.
What action should be taken if detonation is suspected? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
A pilot should always be looking for unexpectedly high Cylinder Head Temperatures (CHTs) or Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) which may be a sign that detonation is occurring.
Increase mixture
Lower RPM setting
stop climb
LAND
How does the carburetor heat system work? (AFM) Hide Answer
Uses hot air drawn from the exhaust manifold to raise temperature to prevent or remove ice in the Venturi section
What error is the heading indicator subject to? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Because of precession, the heading indicator will creep or drift from a heading to which it is set
What does the carburetor do? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
Mixes fuel and air to form a combustible mixture.
What color of dye is added to the following fuel grades: 80, 100, 100LL, Turbine? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25, FAA-P-8740-35) Show Answer
80 (obsolete) Red
100 (Obsolete) Green
100LL Blue
Turbine Jet A - Colorless or straw
What are some of the most common operational causes of detonation? (FAA-8083-25)
FHH
a. Using a lower fuel grade than that specified by the aircraft manufacturer.
b. Operating with extremely high manifold pressures in conjunction with low RPM.
c. Operating the engine at high power settings with an excessively lean mixture.
d. Extended ground operations or steep climbs where cylinder cooling is reduced.
When powering up an aircraft with an FMS/RNAV unit installed, how will you verify the effective dates of the navigation database? (FAA-H-8083-6) Show Answer
The date is typically shown on a start-up screen
What four strokes must occur in each cylinder of a typical four stroke engine in order for it to produce full power? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Intake
compression
Power
Exhaust
What are the different types of aircraft speeds? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
Indicated Airspeed (IAS) — the speed of the airplane as observed on the airspeed indicator. It is the airspeed without correction for indicator, position (or installation), or compressibility errors.
Calibrated Airspeed (CAS) — the airspeed indicator reading corrected for position (or installation), and instrument errors. CAS is equal to TAS at sea level in standard atmosphere. The color-coding for various design speeds marked on airspeed indicators may be IAS or CAS.
True Airspeed (TAS) — CAS corrected for altitude and nonstandard temperature; the speed of the airplane in relation to the air mass in which it is flying.
What are the limitations of a pressure altimeter? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15) Show Answer
On a warm day — The pressure level is higher than on a standard day. The altimeter indicates lower than actual altitude.
On a cold day — The pressure level is lower than on a standard day. The altimeter indicates higher than actual altitude. Changes in surface pressure also affect pressure levels at altitude.
Higher than standard pressure — The pressure level is higher than on a standard day. The altimeter indicates lower than actual altitude.
Lower than standard pressure — The pressure level is lower than on a standard day. The altimeter indicates higher than actual altitude. Remember: High to low or hot to cold, look out below!
What type of fuel system does your aircraft have? (AFM)
The fuel system is a “gravity feed” system. Fuel flows from:
Fuel Tanks
Fuel Selctor
Strainer
Carburetor
Intake manifold tubes
Cylinders
What are the two main advantages of a dual ignition system? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
a. Increased safety: in case one system fails the engine may be operated on the other until a landing is safely made.
b. Improved engine performance; i.e., the fuel/air mixture will be ignited on each side of the combustion chamber and burn toward the center.
Describe a fuel injection system installed in some aircraft. (FAA-H-8083-25)
The fuel injection system injects fuel directly into the cylinders, or just ahead of the intake valve.fuel pressure/flow.
The electrical system provides power for what equipment in an airplane? (AFM) Show Answer
Normally, the following:
a. Radio equipment
b. Turn coordinator
c. Fuel gauges
d. Pitot heat
e. Lights
f. Flaps
What are the errors of the airspeed indicator?
Position error — Caused by the static ports sensing erroneous static pressure;
Density error — Changes in altitude and temperature are not compensated for by the instrument.
Compressibility error — Caused by the packing of air into the pitot tube at high airspeeds, resulting in higher than normal indications.
Describe how an aircraft deicing system works. (FAA-H-8083-3)
Boots attached to the wing leading edges inflate with air from a pneumatic pump(s) to break off accumulated ice.
After a few seconds of inflation, they are deflated back to their normal position
What is the function of the manual primer, and how does it operate? (AFM)
Provides assistance in starting the engine. The primer draws fuel from the fuel strainer and injects it directly into the cylinder intake ports.
What method is used to determine that carburetor ice has been eliminated? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
When heat is first applied, there will be a drop in RPM w/ possible engine roughness
When the carburetor heat is turned “off,” the RPM will rise to a setting greater than that before application of heat.
The engine should run more smoothly after the ice has been removed.
What procedures should be followed if an engine fire develops on the ground during starting? (AFM)
Continue to attempt an engine start as a start will cause flames and excess fuel to be sucked back through the carburetor.
If the engine starts:
THROTTLE…………………………………(For 2 minutes) 1700 RPM
MIXTURE …………………………………………………………CUTOFF
If engine does not start
MIXTURE …………………………………………………………CUTOFF
THROTTLE…………………………………………………………….FULL
CONTINUE CRANKING FOR A FEW SECONDS
FUEL SELECTOR…………………………………………………….OFF
MASTER SWITCH…………………………………………………..OFF
IGNITION SWITCH…………………………………………………OFF
EVACUATE AIRCRAFT, OBTAIN FIRE EXTINGUISHER
& EXTINGUISH FIRE IF PRACTICAL
What are flaps and what is their function? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
Flaps are movable panels on the wings that can be extended downward to increase both lift and drag.
They allow a slower airspeed and a steeper angle of descent during a landing approach
also used to shorten the takeoff distance.
Which standby flight instruments are normally provided in an advanced avionics aircraft? (FAA-H-8083-6) Show Answer
attitude indicator, an airspeed indicator, and an altimeter.
What are the various power sources that may be used to power the gyroscopic instruments in an airplane? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Turn coordinator is electrically powered
Heading indicator and Attitude indicator are vacuum powered
What action should be taken if the ammeter indicates a continuous charge while in flight (more than two needle widths)?
The alternator should be turned off; pull the circuit breaker (the field circuit will continue to draw power from the battery)
All electrical equipment not essential to flight should be turned off (the battery is now the only source of electrical power).
The flight should be terminated and a landing made as soon as possible.
What information does the turn coordinator provide? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
The turn coordinator shows the yaw and roll of the aircraft around the vertical and longitudinal axes.
What action should be taken if preignition is suspected? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
a. Reduce power.
b. Reduce the climb rate for better cooling.
c. Enrich the fuel/air mixture.
If an airplane has anti-icing and/or deicing equipment installed, can it be flown into icing conditions? (FAA-H-8083-3)
No, the presence of anti-icing and deicing equipment does not necessarily mean that an airplane is approved for flight in icing conditions.
Describe the electrical system on your aircraft. (AFM)
Electrical energy is provided by a 28-volt, direct-current system powered by an engine-driven 60-amp alternator and a 24-volt battery.
What type of engine does your aircraft have? (AFM)
Manufacturer: Texton Lycoming Model: IO-360-L2A Type: Normally aspirated direct drive air cooled horizontally opposed, fuel injected, four cylinder 360 CU in displacement Speed: 180 bhp rated 2700 rpm
What type of hydraulic fluid does your aircraft use and what color is it? (FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-31) Hide Answer
mineral-based hydraulic fluid is the most widely used type for small aircraft. It has an odor similar to penetrating oil and is dyed red.
What is “detonation”? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
Detonation is an uncontrolled firing of the fuel/air mixture within the cylinder’s combustion chamber. It is most likely to occur when operating at high power settings.
What are the five basic functions of aircraft engine oil? (FAA-H-8083-25) Show Answer
Lubricates — the engine’s moving parts
Cools — the engine by reducing friction
Removes — heat from the cylinders
Seals — provides a seal between the cylinder walls and pistons
Cleans — by carrying off metal and carbon particles and other oil contaminants
What are the two fundamental properties of a gyroscope? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Rigidity in space — a gyroscope remains in a fixed position in the plane in which it is spinning.
Precession — the tilting or turning of a gyro in response to a deflective force.
How does the magnetic compass work? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
Magnetized needles align themselves parallel to the earth’s lines of magnetic force. extra: The float assembly is housed in a bowl filled with acid-free white kerosene.
How is steering accomplished on the ground? (AFM)
Through a simple system of mechanical linkage connected to the rudder pedals.
What purpose do fuel tank vents have? (AFM)
Fuel system venting provides a way of replacing fuel with outside air, preventing formation of a vacuum.
Describe the braking system on this aircraft. (AFM)
Each main gear wheel is equipped with a hydraulically actuated disc type break on the inboard side of each wheel
A hydraulic line connects each brake to a master cylinder located on each pilot’s rudder pedals. By applying pressure to the top of either the pilot’s or copilot’s set of rudder pedals, the brakes may be applied.
Describe the landing gear system on this airplane. (AFM)
Tricycle landing gear. With a steerable nose wheel and two main wheels. Shock absorption is provided by the tubular spring steel main landing gear struts and the air/oil nose gear shock strut.
Interpret the following ammeter indications.
a. Ammeter indicates a right deflection (positive).
b. Ammeter indicates a left deflection (negative).
a. Ammeter indicates a right deflection (positive).
- After starting — Power from the battery used for starting is being replenished by the alternator
- During flight — A faulty voltage regulator is causing the alternator to overcharge the battery, terminate the flight as soon as possible.
b. Ammeter indicates a left deflection (negative).
- After starting — It is normal during start. At other times the battery is not receiving a charge.
- During flight — The alternator is not functioning or an overload exists in the system. The battery is not receiving a charge -land airplane
What change occurs to the fuel/air mixture when applying carburetor heat? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Warm air is less dense, resulting in less air for the same amount of fuel which can cause a decrease in engine power
How are the circuits for the various electrical accessories within the aircraft protected? (AFM) Show Answer
Most of the electrical circuits in an airplane are protected from an overload condition by either circuit breakers or fuses or both.
Circuit breakers perform the same function as fuses except that when an overload occurs, a circuit breaker can be reset.
What type fuel does your aircraft require (minimum octane rating and color)? (AFM)
100 LL Grade aviation fuel blue 100 Grade Aviation fuel green
What instruments contain gyroscopes? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
HAT
heading indicator (directional gyro)
attitude indicator (artificial horizon)
turn coordinator
What does the ammeter indicate? (AFM) Show Answer
Indicates the charging rate to the battery
What function does the voltage regulator have?
controls electricity provided by aircraft charging system and provides over voltage protection with a warning indication shown through the ammeter
How does the vertical speed indicator work? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15)
Measures the pressure differential from the static pressure to a calibrated leak in the instrument.
Why is the generator/alternator voltage output slightly higher than the battery voltage? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
The difference in voltage keeps the battery charged.
What procedures should be followed if an engine fire develops in flight? (AFM) Show Answer
Engine Fire in flight checklist:
- Mixture cut off
- Fuel Selector off
- Master Switch off
- Cabin Heat/Air off
- Airsped increase to extinguish fire execute forced landing
Can other types of fuel be used if the specified grade is not available? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Use the next higher grade as a substitute.
What are the various compass errors? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15)
Remember: ANDS A ccelerate N orth D ecelerate S outh Northerly turning error — The compass leads in the south half of a turn, and lags in the north half of a turn. Remember: UNOS U ndershoot N orth O vershoot S outh
What are the errors of the attitude indicator? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15)
There may be a slight nose-up indication during a rapid acceleration and a nose-down indication during a rapid deceleration.
There is also a possibility of a small bank angle and pitch error after a 180° turn.
If a non-turbine piston engine powered airplane is accidentally fueled with JET-A fuel, will it start? (FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-P-8740-35)
Yes. Reciprocating engines may run briefly on jet fuel, but detonation and overheating will soon cause power failure.
What is “preignition”? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
When the fuel/air mixture ignites prior to the engine’s normal ignition event resulting in reduced engine power and high operating temperatures. It is caused by a residual hot spot in the combustion chamber
How does the attitude indicator work? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
gyroscopic rigidity maintains the horizon bar parallel to the natural horizon. When the pitch or bank attitude of the aircraft changes, the miniature aircraft, being fixed to the case, moves with it.
What causes “carburetor icing,” and what are the first indications of its presence? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
A pressure drop in the venturi causes the air to “cool” the surrounding metal of the carburetor venturi causing ice to collect on the cooled carburetor throat.
The first indication of carburetor icing is loss of RPM.
What does the throttle do? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
controls the amount of fuel/air charge entering the cylinders.
How does the airspeed indicator operate? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
The airspeed indicator measures the difference between impact pressure from the pitot head and undisturbed atmospheric pressure from the static source
Does your aircraft use a fuel pump? (AFM)
No, the fuel is transferred from the wing tanks to the carburetor by the “gravity feed” system.
How does an altimeter work? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15) Show Answer
By measuring the atmospheric pressure at the airplane’s flight altitude and comparing it to a preset pressure value
What limitations does the magnetic compass have? (FAA‑H‑8083‑15)
At steeper bank angles, the compass indications are erratic and unpredictable.
Name several important airspeed limitations not marked on the face of the airspeed indicator. (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
Maneuvering speed (VA) —
Best Angle-of-Climb speed (VX) —
Best Rate-of-Climb speed (VY) —
What procedures should be followed concerning a partial loss of power in flight? (AFM) Show Answer
If a partial loss of power occurs, treat it like a full power loss and land
What airspeed limitations apply to the color-coded marking system of the airspeed indicator? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25) Show Answer
White arc – The white arc is the flap operating speed. The bottom of this white arc is VS0. VS0 is the power-off stalling speed with the gear and flaps down.
Green Arc. VS1 is where the white arc meets the green arc, or is commonly referred to as the bottom of green arc, or the power-off stalling speed with gear and flaps up.
Green arc – The Green Arc is the normal operating range. The very top of the green arc, is the maximum structural cruising speed, commonly known as VNO.
Yellow arc – The yellow Arc is the caution range. The aircraft should not be flown in this speed range in rough air.
Red radial line – The Red Radial Line is the never-exceed speed, or VNE.
.
During the before-takeoff runup, you switch the magnetos from the “BOTH” position to the “RIGHT” position and notice there is no RPM drop. What condition does this indicate?
the engine has been running only on the right magneto because the left magneto has totally failed.
What conditions are favorable for carburetor icing? (FAA‑H‑8083‑25)
Temperatures below 70°F (21°C) and the relative humidity is above 80 percent.
