Random List Flashcards
What are the four strokes of a four-stroke piston engine?
- Intake, 2. Compression, 3. Power, 4. Exhaust
What is the purpose of the cylinder in a piston engine?
The cylinder houses the piston and provides the space where the air-fuel mixture is compressed and ignited.
What is the function of the piston in a light aircraft engine?
The piston moves within the cylinder, compressing the air-fuel mixture and transferring combustion energy to mechanical motion.
What does the carburettor do in a light aeroplane engine?
The carburettor mixes air and fuel in the correct ratio for combustion and delivers it to the engine.
What are the signs of carburettor icing?
- Drop in RPM (fixed-pitch propeller)
Rough engine operation
Reduced manifold pressure (constant-speed propeller)
What causes carburettor icing?
Carburettor icing occurs when the temperature drop due to fuel vaporization and pressure decrease in the venturi causes water vapor to freeze.
What is the purpose of the carburettor heat?
Carburettor heat is used to prevent or remove ice by directing hot air into the carburettor.
What is the function of the spark plug?
The spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, initiating the power stroke.
Name the components of the ignition system.
- Magnetos
Spark plugs
Ignition leads
Switches
What does the crankshaft do?
The crankshaft converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion to drive the propeller.
What is the function of the oil system in a piston engine?
- Lubricates engine components
Cools the engine by reducing friction
Cleans by carrying debris to the oil filter
At what conditions is carburettor icing most likely to occur?
- Temperatures between -5°C and +15°C
High humidity conditions
How can you test for carburettor icing during flight?
Apply carburettor heat; if icing is present, RPM or manifold pressure will initially drop and then increase as the ice melts.
What is the function of the exhaust system in a light aircraft engine?
The exhaust system removes combustion gases from the engine and reduces noise.
What is the function of the throttle?
The throttle controls the amount of air-fuel mixture entering the engine, thus regulating power output.
What is the function of magnetos in an aircraft engine?
Magnetos generate electrical energy for the spark plugs independently of the aircraft’s electrical system.
Why do aircraft engines have dual magnetos?
Dual magnetos provide redundancy for safety and improve engine efficiency and performance by firing two spark plugs per cylinder.
How do you test magnetos during a pre-flight check?
Perform a magneto drop check by switching to ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ magnetos individually and noting the drop in RPM. Ensure the drop is within acceptable limits and consistent between both.
What type of cooling system is commonly used in light aircraft engines?
Most light aircraft engines use an air-cooling system.
How does the air-cooling system work in a light aircraft engine?
Cooling fins around the cylinders dissipate heat, and airflow from the propeller and cowling directs air over these fins to maintain temperature.
What is the function of engine oil in the cooling process?
Engine oil absorbs and carries away heat from engine components to the oil cooler.
What are the consequences of engine overheating?
- Detonation (uncontrolled combustion)
- Pre-ignition
- Reduced engine performance
- Potential engine damage
How can you prevent engine overheating during flight?
- Monitor engine instruments (CHT and oil temperature)
- Use proper climb speeds
- Enrich the fuel mixture
- Increase airflow by opening cowl flaps if equipped
What should you do if carburettor icing is suspected during flight?
- Apply full carburettor heat immediately
- Monitor for changes in RPM or manifold pressure
- Wait for the engine to stabilize before reducing carb heat
What are the steps to follow in the event of an engine failure in flight?
- ABC Procedure:
A: Airspeed – Maintain best glide speed.
B: Best place to land – Identify a safe landing area.
C: Checklist – Conduct engine failure checks (fuel, mixture, ignition, etc.).
- Declare an emergency (MAYDAY).
- Prepare for landing and execute an emergency landing checklist.
What is detonation, and how can it be prevented?
Detonation is uncontrolled combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Prevent it by:
- Using the correct grade of fuel
- Avoiding high power settings with lean mixture
- Keeping engine temperatures within limits
What is pre-ignition, and how can it occur?
Pre-ignition happens when the air-fuel mixture ignites prematurely due to hot spots in the cylinder (e.g., from carbon deposits or spark plug overheating).
What is the corrective action for engine roughness caused by spark plug fouling?
- Switch to a higher power setting to burn off deposits.
- Lean the mixture to prevent further fouling.
What does CHT stand for, and what does it measure?
Cylinder Head Temperature – It measures the temperature of the engine cylinder heads to monitor engine performance and prevent overheating.
What does EGT stand for, and what is its purpose?
Exhaust Gas Temperature – It measures the temperature of exhaust gases, helping to optimize the fuel-air mixture for efficiency.
What does MP stand for, and what does it indicate?
Manifold Pressure – It measures the pressure inside the intake manifold and is used to monitor engine power, especially in constant-speed propeller systems.
What does TAS stand for, and why is it important?
True Airspeed – It is the aircraft’s actual speed through the air, corrected for altitude and non-standard temperature.
What does RPM stand for, and what does it indicate in flight?
Revolutions Per Minute – It shows the rotational speed of the engine or propeller, used to monitor power output.
What does VNE stand for, and what does it mean?
Velocity Never Exceed – The maximum speed the aircraft can safely fly without risking structural damage.
What does OAT stand for, and why is it critical?
Outside Air Temperature – It is the external air temperature and is important for performance calculations and detecting carburettor icing conditions.
What does GPH stand for in relation to fuel?
Gallons Per Hour – It measures the rate of fuel consumption.
What does EPU stand for, and when is it used?
External Power Unit – A ground power source used to start the aircraft or power its systems during maintenance.
What does ALT stand for, and what does it do in the electrical system?
Alternator – It generates electrical power to charge the battery and supply the aircraft’s systems.
What does AMP stand for in relation to the electrical system?
Amperes – It measures the electrical current being produced or consumed in the aircraft.
What does FADEC stand for, and what is its role?
Full Authority Digital Engine Control – It is an advanced system that manages engine performance, including fuel injection and ignition, automatically.
What does MEL stand for, and what is its purpose?
Minimum Equipment List – A list of equipment that must be operational for the aircraft to be legally airworthy.
What does POH stand for, and why is it important?
Pilot Operating Handbook – A manual providing operating procedures, performance data, and limitations for the specific aircraft.
What does TBO stand for, and what does it mean?
Time Between Overhaul – The recommended interval of time or usage hours after which the engine or other components must be overhauled.
What does IAW stand for in maintenance terms?
In Accordance With – It indicates that procedures or operations must comply with established rules or manuals.
What does ASI stand for, and what does it measure?
Airspeed Indicator – It measures the speed of the aircraft relative to the air.
What does VSI stand for, and what is its purpose?
Vertical Speed Indicator – It shows the rate of climb or descent in feet per minute.
What does TC stand for in instrument terms?
Turn Coordinator – It indicates the rate and quality of a turn (rate of turn and slip/skid).
What does ADF stand for, and how is it used?
Automatic Direction Finder – It points to a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) to assist in navigation.
What is the function of the cylinder in an aircraft engine?
The cylinder provides the chamber where the air-fuel mixture is compressed and ignited, creating power.
What does the piston do in the engine?
The piston moves up and down within the cylinder, compressing the air-fuel mixture and transferring the force of combustion to the crankshaft.
What is the function of the crankshaft?
The crankshaft converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion to drive the propeller.
What role does the camshaft play in the engine?
The camshaft operates the intake and exhaust valves, ensuring they open and close at the correct times during the engine cycle.
What is the purpose of the valves (intake and exhaust)?
Intake valve: Allows the air-fuel mixture to enter the cylinder.
Exhaust valve: Allows burnt gases to exit the cylinder.
What are pushrods and what do they do?
Pushrods transfer motion from the camshaft to the rocker arms, which then open and close the valves.
What is the rocker arm, and what is its function?
The rocker arm transmits motion from the pushrod to the valve, causing the valve to open or close.
What does the connecting rod do?
The connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft, transmitting the force of combustion to rotate the crankshaft.
What is the purpose of the spark plug?
The spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, initiating the power stroke.
What is the function of the magnetos?
Magnetos generate electrical energy for the spark plugs, independently of the aircraft’s electrical system.
What is the role of ignition leads?
Ignition leads carry electrical current from the magnetos to the spark plugs.
What is the function of the carburettor?
The carburettor mixes air and fuel in the correct ratio and delivers the mixture to the engine.
What does the fuel injector do in fuel-injected engines?
The fuel injector sprays a precise amount of fuel directly into the intake manifold or cylinder for combustion.
What is the intake manifold, and what is its function?
The intake manifold distributes the air-fuel mixture evenly to each cylinder.
What is the purpose of the air filter?
The air filter prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine through the intake system.
What does the fuel pump do?
The fuel pump delivers fuel from the tanks to the carburettor or fuel injector at the required pressure.