P Piston Engine Strating and Ignition

Question 1

What does it mean if the starter operating light is still illuminated after 30 seconds?

Answer 1

The starter motor could still be running

Question 2

What are the 3 methods of spark augmentation?

Answer 2

1. Impulse coupling
2. Low tension booster
3. High tension booster

Question 3

What is impulse coupling?

Answer 3

A spring compresses and spins the magnet, once the engine is started, the hub cam with flyweights disengages the spring and it operates normally

Question 4

What is a low tension booster?

Answer 4

Connect a battery to a vibrator that fires pulses in the primary windings

Question 5

What is a high tension booster?

Answer 5

Connect the battery to a vibrator that fires pulses straight into the rotor and fires the spark plugs

Question 6

What are the 2 magneto checks called?

Answer 6

1. Drop check

2. Dead cut check

Question 7

What should you do if a check reveals a fault?

Answer 7

Shut down aircraft and log fault in aircraft maintenance log

Question 8

What is a magneto drop check?

Answer 8

At 1000-1200rpm switch each magneto off in turn and monitor for rpm drop and engine sound change. If that is okay increase rpm to 75% of max rpm and conduct check again. Rpm should drop between 100-175rpm. If the rpm drop is greater than 400rpm there may be a faulty spark plug. Shut down and report in AML

Question 9

What is a magneto dead cut check?

Answer 9

Once the drop check has been completed and the engine is still at 75% max rpm, switch ignition off briefly, engine rpm should rapidly decay as both magnetos are off. Turn the switch back on before th engine can completely stop

Question 10

What do we consider the state of the spark plug to be if the gap is blocked?

Answer 10

Fouled