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.
What is the purpose of the fuel strainer?
The fuel strainer removes water and contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine.
How does the cooling fin work?
Cooling fins increase the surface area of the cylinder to help dissipate heat into the airflow.
What is the role of the oil cooler?
The oil cooler reduces the temperature of engine oil to maintain optimal operating conditions.
What is the purpose of the cowl flaps?
Cowl flaps control the amount of cooling air flowing over the engine.
What is the purpose of the oil pump?
The oil pump circulates oil throughout the engine for lubrication, cooling, and cleaning.
What does the oil filter do?
The oil filter removes debris and contaminants from the engine oil.
What is the purpose of the sump?
The sump is the reservoir where engine oil is stored before being circulated.
What does the exhaust manifold do?
The exhaust manifold collects burnt gases from the cylinders and directs them out through the exhaust system.
What is the role of the muffler in the exhaust system?
The muffler reduces noise from the exhaust gases as they exit the engine.
What is the function of the starter motor?
The starter motor cranks the engine to initiate operation until it runs on its own.
What does the alternator do?
The alternator generates electrical power for the aircraft and charges the battery.
What is the purpose of the flywheel?
The flywheel smooths out engine vibrations and helps maintain rotational momentum.
What is a cylinder in an engine?
The cylinder is the chamber where the four-stroke combustion process occurs. It houses the piston and is surrounded by cooling fins in air-cooled engines.
Imagine a metal tube with openings for valves and a spark plug at the top.
What is a piston?
The piston is a cylindrical part that moves up and down inside the cylinder, compressing the air-fuel mixture and converting chemical energy into mechanical motion.
Think of a piston as a plunger in a syringe, compressing and moving air or liquid.
What is the function of a crankshaft?
The crankshaft converts the piston’s up-and-down motion into rotational motion to spin the propeller, acting like the ‘spine’ of the engine’s motion system.
Picture a twisting metal rod with offset sections for each piston connection.
What does a camshaft do?
The camshaft uses lobes to open and close the intake and exhaust valves in sync with the pistons, driven by the crankshaft through gears or a chain.
Think of a camshaft as the ‘conductor’ that ensures all engine components work in harmony.
What are valves in an engine?
Valves act as gates, controlling when the air-fuel mixture enters the cylinder and when exhaust gases leave, opening and closing during specific strokes of the engine cycle.
Small mushroom-shaped metal pieces that seal the openings in the cylinder head.
What is the role of pushrods and rocker arms?
Pushrods transfer the motion of the camshaft to the rocker arms, which directly move the valves.
Like a lever system, the pushrod is the ‘force transmitter,’ and the rocker arm is the ‘door opener.’
What is a spark plug?
Spark plugs create an electric spark to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, starting the combustion process that powers the engine.
Small cylindrical device with electrodes at one end.
What is a carburettor?
The carburettor mixes air and fuel in the correct ratio before sending it to the cylinders, relying on the Venturi effect to create a low-pressure area for fuel to be drawn in.
A small metal box with fuel and air passages.
What does a fuel injector do?
The fuel injector sprays fuel into the intake manifold or cylinder in a precise amount, ensuring a consistent mixture for combustion.
Similar to a spray nozzle that atomizes liquid.
What is the function of an intake manifold?
The intake manifold directs the air-fuel mixture from the carburettor or fuel injectors to each cylinder.
A branching pipe system resembling tree roots.
What does an air filter do?
The air filter ensures that only clean, debris-free air enters the engine, preventing damage to internal components.
Similar to a dust filter on a vacuum cleaner.
What are magnetos?
Magnetos are self-contained generators that provide electricity to the spark plugs, independent of the aircraft’s electrical system, crucial for reliability.
Small rectangular units attached to the engine.
What are ignition leads?
Ignition leads are wires that carry the electrical charge from the magnetos to the spark plugs.
Similar to electrical wires delivering current to a light bulb.
What are cooling fins?
Cooling fins are metal ridges on the outside of the cylinder that increase surface area to dissipate heat into the airflow.
Metal ‘ribs’ around each cylinder.
What are cowl flaps?
Cowl flaps are movable panels in the engine cowling that regulate airflow to control engine temperature.
Like adjustable vents on an air conditioner.
What does an oil cooler do?
The oil cooler dissipates heat from engine oil, ensuring proper lubrication and temperature control.
A small radiator-like component.
What is an exhaust manifold?
The exhaust manifold collects gases from each cylinder and routes them to the exhaust pipe.
Like the exhaust system in a car, directing fumes away from the engine.
What is the function of a muffler?
The muffler reduces noise generated by exhaust gases.
A cylindrical metal component on the exhaust system.
What does an oil pump do?
The oil pump circulates oil throughout the engine to lubricate, clean, and cool moving parts.
A small gear-driven pump.
What is the purpose of an oil filter?
The oil filter removes impurities from the oil to prevent damage to engine components.
Like a coffee filter, removing particles from liquid.
What is a sump in an engine?
The sump stores oil at the base of the engine, acting as a reservoir.
A metal pan-like structure.
What is the minimum visibility for VFR flights?
5,000 meters (5 km) visibility.
What is the minimum horizontal distance from cloud for VFR flights?
1,500 meters (1.5 km).
What is the minimum vertical distance from cloud for VFR flights?
1,000 feet above or 500 feet below clouds.
Can VFR flights operate in Class A airspace?
No, VFR flights are not permitted in Class A airspace.
What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flights in controlled airspace?
5 km, same as general VFR minima.
What are the minimum cloud clearance requirements for VFR flights in uncontrolled airspace below 10,000 feet?
Horizontal: 1,500 meters.
Vertical: 1,000 feet above or 500 feet below clouds.
What is the minimum visibility requirement below 3,000 feet AGL in uncontrolled airspace?
5,000 meters, and the aircraft must remain clear of clouds and in sight of the ground or water.
When is a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance required?
When operating in a control zone with reduced visibility (less than 5 km) or near clouds but still in sight of the ground or water.
What is the minimum visibility for a Special VFR clearance?
1,600 meters.
Can a Special VFR clearance be used at night?
Yes, but only if the pilot and aircraft are qualified for night VFR operations.
What altitude rule applies to VFR flights above 3,000 feet AGL?
VFR flights must follow quadrantal cruising levels based on magnetic track:
000°-089°: Odd thousands + 500 feet (e.g., 3,500, 5,500 feet).
090°-179°: Odd thousands + 500 feet.
180°-269°: Even thousands + 500 feet (e.g., 4,500, 6,500 feet).
270°-359°: Even thousands + 500 feet.
What is the maximum altitude for VFR flights without requiring a transponder?
10,000 feet AMSL unless the pilot is in airspace that requires a transponder.
What are the VFR weather minima for operating in Class C or Class D airspace?
Visibility: 5,000 meters.
Cloud clearance: 1,500 meters horizontal and 1,000 feet above or 500 feet below.
Can a VFR flight operate above 10,000 feet?
Yes, but only in Class E airspace with a transponder and if the aircraft complies with CASA’s oxygen requirements.
What is VNE?
VNE (Velocity Never Exceed): The maximum speed the aircraft must not exceed under any circumstances to avoid structural damage.
What is VNO?
VNO (Velocity Normal Operating): The maximum speed for normal operations. Exceeding this speed is only safe in smooth air with caution.
What is VS?
VS (Stall Speed - Clean): The minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight in a clean configuration (flaps and landing gear retracted).
What is VSO?
VSO (Stall Speed - Landing): The stall speed with landing configuration, including flaps and landing gear extended.
What is VX?
VX (Best Angle of Climb): The speed that provides the greatest altitude gain over the shortest horizontal distance.
What is VY?
VY (Best Rate of Climb): The speed that provides the greatest altitude gain over the shortest time.
What is VA?
VA (Maneuvering Speed): The maximum speed at which full deflection of controls or turbulence will not cause structural damage.
What is VR?
VR (Rotation Speed): The speed at which the pilot begins to apply backpressure to lift the nose wheel off the ground during takeoff.
What is VFE?
VFE (Maximum Flap Extended Speed): The maximum speed at which flaps can be safely extended.
What is VLE?
VLE (Maximum Landing Gear Extended Speed): The maximum speed with the landing gear extended.
What is VLO?
VLO (Maximum Landing Gear Operating Speed): The maximum speed for extending or retracting the landing gear.
What is VREF?
VREF (Reference Landing Speed): The speed used during the final approach for landing, usually 1.3 times the stall speed in the landing configuration.
What is VG?
VG (Best Glide Speed): The speed that provides the greatest gliding distance for altitude lost when the engine fails.
What is V1?
V1 (Takeoff Decision Speed): The speed by which a decision must be made to continue the takeoff or abort.
What is V2?
V2 (Takeoff Safety Speed): The speed at which the aircraft can safely climb with one engine inoperative during takeoff.
What is VMCA?
VMCA (Minimum Control Speed Airborne): The minimum speed at which the aircraft is controllable with one engine inoperative.
What is VLOF?
VLOF (Lift-Off Speed): The speed at which the aircraft leaves the ground.
What is VNE?
VNE (Velocity Never Exceed): The maximum speed the aircraft must not exceed under any circumstances to avoid structural damage.
What is VNO?
VNO (Velocity Normal Operating): The maximum speed for normal operations. Exceeding this speed is only safe in smooth air with caution.
What is VS?
VS (Stall Speed - Clean): The minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight in a clean configuration (flaps and landing gear retracted).
What is VSO?
VSO (Stall Speed - Landing): The stall speed with landing configuration, including flaps and landing gear extended.
What is VX?
VX (Best Angle of Climb): The speed that provides the greatest altitude gain over the shortest horizontal distance.
What is VY?
VY (Best Rate of Climb): The speed that provides the greatest altitude gain over the shortest time.
What is VA?
VA (Maneuvering Speed): The maximum speed at which full deflection of controls or turbulence will not cause structural damage.
What is VR?
VR (Rotation Speed): The speed at which the pilot begins to apply backpressure to lift the nose wheel off the ground during takeoff.
What is VFE?
VFE (Maximum Flap Extended Speed): The maximum speed at which flaps can be safely extended.
What is VLE?
VLE (Maximum Landing Gear Extended Speed): The maximum speed with the landing gear extended.
What is VLO?
VLO (Maximum Landing Gear Operating Speed): The maximum speed for extending or retracting the landing gear.
What is VREF?
VREF (Reference Landing Speed): The speed used during the final approach for landing, usually 1.3 times the stall speed in the landing configuration.
What is VG?
VG (Best Glide Speed): The speed that provides the greatest gliding distance for altitude lost when the engine fails.
What is V1?
V1 (Takeoff Decision Speed): The speed by which a decision must be made to continue the takeoff or abort.
What is V2?
V2 (Takeoff Safety Speed): The speed at which the aircraft can safely climb with one engine inoperative during takeoff.
What is VMCA?
VMCA (Minimum Control Speed Airborne): The minimum speed at which the aircraft is controllable with one engine inoperative.
What is VLOF?
VLOF (Lift-Off Speed): The speed at which the aircraft leaves the ground.
What is the general fuel mixture setting for takeoff?
For takeoff, the mixture is typically set to ‘full rich,’ meaning the fuel-to-air ratio is optimized for maximum power and engine performance.
What is the purpose of leaning the fuel mixture in an aircraft?
Leaning the mixture reduces the amount of fuel in the combustion process to achieve more efficient fuel consumption, particularly at higher altitudes where the air is less dense.
When should you lean the fuel mixture in an aircraft?
The mixture should be leaned when flying at cruising altitude or when operating above 3,000 feet, as the air density decreases with altitude, requiring less fuel for efficient combustion.
According to CASA, what should the mixture setting be for optimal engine operation at high altitudes?
At high altitudes, the mixture should be leaned to prevent engine fouling and optimize fuel efficiency, usually requiring adjustment every 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level.
What does ‘rich mixture’ mean?
A rich mixture means a higher ratio of fuel to air, providing maximum power and preventing engine overheating during high-demand phases like takeoff or climb.
What is the effect of a lean mixture on engine performance?
A lean mixture decreases fuel consumption and engine temperature but may reduce engine power and lead to rough engine operation if leaned too much.
What is the role of the mixture control lever in aircraft?
The mixture control lever adjusts the fuel-to-air ratio, allowing the pilot to set the engine mixture from ‘rich’ to ‘lean’ based on altitude and engine performance requirements.
What is the procedure for setting the mixture for descent?
During descent, the mixture should be enriched to prevent engine roughness due to excessive leaning, particularly if the descent is rapid.
According to Australian standards, how should mixture be managed during low-power operations?
During low-power operations, such as taxiing or idle, the mixture should be leaned to prevent fouling the spark plugs and ensure smooth engine operation.
What is a standard mixture in an aircraft?
A standard mixture is a fuel-to-air ratio that balances engine performance and efficiency, typically close to the stoichiometric ratio of 14.7:1, though adjustments are made depending on flight conditions.
What is a rich mixture in aviation?
A rich mixture has a higher ratio of fuel to air (around 12:1 or 13:1), often used during high-power phases like takeoff and climb.
Why would you use a rich mixture during takeoff or climb?
A rich mixture provides maximum engine power, helps cool the engine, and prevents detonation during high-power phases like takeoff and climb.
What are the benefits of using a rich mixture in high-demand flight phases?
A rich mixture helps prevent engine overheating, provides more fuel for maximum power, and reduces the risk of detonation.
What is a lean mixture in aviation?
A lean mixture has a lower ratio of fuel to air than the standard mixture, used in lower power settings such as cruise flight.
Why would you use a lean mixture during cruise flight?
A lean mixture improves fuel efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and compensates for lower air density at higher altitudes.
What happens when you lean the mixture at higher altitudes?
At higher altitudes, the air is less dense, so leaning the mixture ensures efficient fuel consumption and avoids wasting fuel.
What are the advantages of using a lean mixture during flight?
Leaning the mixture improves fuel efficiency, helps prevent spark plug fouling, and reduces fuel consumption at cruise altitude.
