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RPL > RPL Engines and Systems > Flashcards

RPL Engines and Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What is a cylinder?

A

A chamber in which fuel and air is burned

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2
Q

What is a piston?

A

Helps to burn fuel and the motion of the piston drives the plane

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3
Q

What is the purpose of piston rings?

A

Seals combustion chamber
Supporting heat transfer from piston to cylinder wall
Regulating engine oil consumption

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4
Q

What do spark plugs do?

A

Ignites fuel air mixture in the cylinders

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5
Q

What are the inlet/exhaust valves?

A

Inlet valves allow fuel and air into the cylinders and exhaust valves open to release burnt gases after combustion

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6
Q

What is the purpose of mixture?

A

To mix fuel and air to a correct ratio in order for optimal efficiency of engine

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7
Q

What is the result of perfectly mixed fuel?

A

No remaining fuel after burning

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8
Q

What is the perfect fuel:air ratio?

A

15 air : 1 fuel

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9
Q

What is the normal cruise mixture?

A

13 air : 1 fuel

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10
Q

Whats the difference between richer mixture and leaner mixture?

A

Richer - more fuel/less air

Leaner - less fuel/more air

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11
Q

At which air : fuel ratio will fuel not burn and what are other effects?

A

8 air : 1 fuel will not burn fuel and can also cause flooding and engine problems

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12
Q

What happens during flight when the mixture is too lean?

A

EGT temperature will rise

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13
Q

What are possible effects if mixture too rich?

A

Engine down on power
Carbon build up
Spark plug fouling

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14
Q

What are the possible effects if the mixture is too lean?

A

Engine down on power (not enough fuel in cylinders_
Engine easily overheats
Detonation can occur

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15
Q

What are the 4 engine strokes?

A

Intake (down)
Compression (up)
Power (down)
Exhaust (up)

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16
Q

What happens on the intake stroke?

A

Inlet valve is open and exhaust valve is closed
Piston moves down barrel
Fuel and Air is drawn into combustion chamber

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17
Q

What happens on the compression stroke?

A

Both valves are closed
Piston moves down
Fuel/Air is compressed
Temperature is increased

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18
Q

What happens on the power stroke?

A

Both valves are open
Spark plug ignites the fuel/air mixture
Pressure of combustion forces piston down the barrel

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19
Q

What happens on the exhaust stroke?

A

Final stroke
Piston is forced up the barrel
Gases produced are exited into the exhaust system

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20
Q

What is the modified otto cycle?

A

Ignition and valve timing are adjusted to extract maximum output of the engine

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21
Q

How are valve timings adjusted?

A

Camshafts

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22
Q

What are the factors effecting engine output?

A 
Quantity of gas in cylinders
Temperature reached during combustion
Position of throttle control
Engine RPM
Mixture condition
Supercharging/Turbocharging
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23
Q

What are the 2 types of abnormal combustion?

A

Detonation and pre-ignition

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24
Q

What is detonation?

A

Occurs when fuel is too hot then ignited by spark plugs in which causes an explosion rather than a controlled burn

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25
Q

What are the primary causes of detonation?

A

Excessive air temperature
Over-lean mixture at high settings
Excessive manifold pressure
Overheated engine

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26
Q

What to do if detonation is suspected?

A

Richen mixture
Throttle back to reduce pressure in cylinders
Increase airspeed to reduce cylinder head temerpatures

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27
Q

What is pre ignition?

A

Ignition that commences before the spark from the plug in which is caused by a hot spot in cylinder

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28
Q

Primary causes of pre ignition?

A

Lead deposit
High power when mixture is too lean
Overheated spark plugs

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29
Q

What are the results from pre-ignition?

A

Rough running
Possible back fire
Rise in cylinder head temperature
Possible engine damage

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30
Q

What is the purpose of an ignition system?

A

To provide a correctly timed spark to the combustion chamber to ignite fuel/air mixture

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31
Q

How doe the ignition system work?

A

A high tension is generated and is made to jump the gap a the tip of a spark plug in which a low tension current cannot

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32
Q

What are the components of the ignition system?

A

Battery
Starter motor
Impulse Coupling
Magnetoss

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33
Q

What is the magneto ignition?

A

Magneto uses a permanent magnet to generate an electrical current in which is sufficient enough to jump across the spark plug gap

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34
Q

What is a magneto?

A

An electrical generator mounted on the rear of the engine

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35
Q

What are the advantages of a magneto ignition?

A

Spark cannot be produced where the crankshaft is not turning

Magneto is independant of the remainder of the aircraft electrical system

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36
Q

What are the disadvantages of a magneto ignition?

A

Expensive

Currents produced are weaker at low RPM such as engine start

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37
Q

How does dual ignition systems work?

A

Magneto of each ignition system supplies one of the two spark plugs per cylinder

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38
Q

What are the advantages of dual ignition systems?

A

Offer safety in the event of failure of one ignition system

They result in more efficient fuel combustion when both are active

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39
Q

What is the ignition switch?

A

Allows ignition system to be turned off and the selection of either left or right magnetos only or both simultaneously

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40
Q

What is the impulse coupling?

A

The generation of high voltage at low rpm via a rapid turn of the magneto via tension enough to release a spring

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41
Q

What problem does impulse coupling solve?

A

Producing a strong enough spark to start up the engine whilst the magneto magnet is on idle or weak

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42
Q

What are spark plugs?

A

A conductor of electricity that accepts the high voltage from the magneto in which is utilised for the ignition of fuel/air mixture within the cylinder

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43
Q

What are some precautions of the magneto system?

A

Prolonged use of starter motor will drain battery and overheat the starter
Severely discharged battery can explode
Prolonged use of the starter motor could also cause it to overheat and possibly ignite

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44
Q

What should be done if the starter has been used for over 30 cumulative seconds?

A

Allow system to cool for several minutes

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45
Q

What happens if only a single magneto is selected?

A

Combustion efficiency is reduced in which will result in less power on regular throttle settings due to more time taken for a full combustion to occur
The opposite magneto is grounded

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46
Q

What happens if there is not a drop in RPM when a single magneto is selected?

A

Opposite magneto still supplies a spark or the opposite magneto was not working when both was selected

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47
Q

How can the ignition system be checked before take off?

A

Switch from both magnetos to L then return to both, note the rpm drop and regain, apply to R too

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48
Q

What are the typical figures for the magneto system?

A

Check both at 2000rpm
Max drop on a single magneto is 125rpm
Difference between L and R drop should not exceed 50rpm in difference

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49
Q

How could the ignition system still be live if the off position is selected?

A

Loose or broken wires or by swinging the propellor manually

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50
Q

What is a dead-cut?

A

Temporarily turning the magneto off to note a sudden loss in power then returning to both

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51
Q

What happens if the ignition is off but the engine continues to run?

A

The magneto system is not grounded and therefore still live

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52
Q

What is carburetor icing?

A

The build up of ice within the carburetor

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53
Q

What are the symptoms of carburetor icing?

A

Rough Running

Power loss resulting in RPM drop

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54
Q

What is the solution to carburetor icing?

A

Activate carburetor heat

55
Q

What happens when carburetor heat is activiated?

A

The hot air released creates a richer mixture due to the low air density and therefore result in less power and rpm

56
Q

When should carburetor heat be used?

A

Unexplained drops in RPM

Unexplained rough running

57
Q

What would happen when the carburetor heat is activated whilst ice is present?

A

RPM would initially drop then would increase after the icing has melted

58
Q

What is the components electrical system?

A

Lights
Avionics (Radio)
Some instruments
Flaps

59
Q

What is the bus bar?

A

The main conductor and distribution centre of the electrical system in which the alternator and battery supply power into the bus bar

60
Q

What does the battery do within the electrical system?

A

Provides initial electrical power to rotate engine

Back up or emergency electrical power

61
Q

What does the alternator do?

A

Powers the aircraft systems and recharges the battery after the engine has started in which its output is between 14-28 volts

62
Q

What does the ammeter do?

A

An instrument that measures the amount of current flowing through the load
Monitor the performance of the aircraft electrical system
Shows if alternator/generator is producing adequate electricity

63
Q

What does the centre zero ammeter indicate if the reading is in the negative and if it is in the positive?

A

Negative - Current is being drawn from the battery more than its being charged
Positive - The rate of charge of the battery

64
Q

What does a full scale negative and positive indicate on the centre zero ammeter reveal?

A

Full scale negative - malfunction of alternator/generator

Full scale positive - malfunction of regulator

65
Q

What is the left zero ammeter?

A

Indicates only when the alternator is delivering a load

66
Q

When will the ammeter read zero?

A

Battery on and engine off

Engine on and alternator off

67
Q

What should the left zero ammeter indicate when the battery is charged and the alternator is operating?

A

Slightly above zero reading

68
Q

What would the left zero ammeter read if the electrical systems are turned on?

A

Ammeter reading would increase

69
Q

What does it mean if the left zero ammeter drops to zero mid-flight?

A

Alternator failed

70
Q

What is the purpose of the exhaust system?

A

Expel burnt hot gases from the cylinders into the atmosphere
Cabin heating
Carburetor heat for carburetor engines

71
Q

What is the plenum chamber?

A

Where cold and hot air is mixed for cabin distribution

72
Q

What are the disadvantages of the heating system?

A

A leak in the heat exhaust manifold can allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin when heat is on

73
Q

What are the colours of the carbon monoxide detector and what do they indicate?

A

Orange - normal conditions

Black - carbon monoxide leakage

74
Q

What should be done in a case of suspected carbon monoxide leak?

A

Cabin heat turned off
All possible sources of fresh air opened and oxygen to be used if possible
Land ASAP

75
Q

What are some carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms?

A

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea

76
Q

What is the purpose of the lubrication system?

A

Supply oil to the engine for the lubrication and cooling of all parts of the engine prone to heating via surface friction

77
Q

What happens if oil is too cool or hot?

A

Cool - Thick and sticky in which may not flow through small engine clearances and therefore oil pressure rises
Hot - Thin and running in which oil pressure will drop

78
Q

What is the oil sump?

A

Gathering of oil in a reservoir attached to the lower part of the engine after going through the engine

79
Q

Identify and describe the 2 different oil sumps?

A

Wet Sump - engine where sump is attached to it in which most light aircraft use
Dry Sump - Has scavenge pumps that extracts oil from the sump and places it back to the external oil tank (utilised by aerobatic aircraft)

80
Q

What are the components of the lubrication system?

A 
Oil Pump
Oil filter
Bypass valve
Pressure relief valve
Oil cooler
Temperature gauge
Pressure gauge
Filler Cap
81
Q

Why do aircrafts require the right additives?

A

To prevent foaming, undesirable carbon/sludge deposits and corrosion

82
Q

What compound oil do aircraft engines use?

A

Asheless dispersant

83
Q

What is oil viscosity?

A

Measures an oil’s flow properties
High viscosity - Slow flow
Low viscosity - Faster flow

84
Q

What do high and low oil levels indicate during pre-flight inspection?

A

Low - Inadequate lubrication that can lead into engine overheating
High - Excess oil to pass through piston rings into the combustion chamber in which means oil is burnt in the cylinders
Burnt oil is indicated by blue smoke out of the exhuast

85
Q

Why is excessive heat in an aircraft engine undesirable?

A

Affects the way fuel/air burns
Weakens and reduces life of the engine parts
Impairs adequate lubrication

86
Q

How much percent of heat energy released during combustion is actually useful?

A

25%

87
Q

How is the engine temperature kept within acceptable limits?

A

Oil circulates within the engine
Expulsion of heat energy via exhaust
Air cooling circulates cool air

88
Q

How are most modern aircraft engines cooled?

A

Cooled by the openings at the front of the engine cowling in which the air flows into the cylinders and around the engine via baffles

89
Q

What is the purpose of engine baffles?

A

Reduces uneven cooling and prevents hot spots

90
Q

When is air cooling least effective?

A

High power and low airspeed such as take off and go around

91
Q

When should cowl flaps be open?

A

When taxiing
Take off
Climb
Cruise

92
Q

What are the effects of high engine temperature?

A 
Loss of power
Reduction of lubrication efficiency
Excessive oil consumption
Negatively affects fuel/air mixture
Causes detonation
Weaken engine components
93
Q

How can high engine temperatures be avoided?

A

Open cowl flaps
Richen mixture
Reduce engine power
Increase airspeed

94
Q

What is the purpose of the fuel system?

A

Provide fuel storage and the supply an adequate flow to the carburetor and fuel injection unit for operating conditions

95
Q

What is the fuel system required to do?

A

Continuously provide fuel and positive fuel pressure during changes of altitude, attitude and sudden power changes

96
Q

What are the components of the fuel system?

A 
Fuel tanks
Fuel tank vents
Sumps/drains
Filters/strainers
Fuel pumps
Selector valve
Priming system
Gauges
97
Q

What is the difference in fuel tanks in high and low wing aircraft?

A

Low wing - Fuel delivered to engine via fuel pump

High wing - Fuel is gravity fed to the engine

98
Q

When should the electric fuel pump be switched on?

A

Critical maneuvers such as take off, landing and low flying as will prevent fuel starvation if the mechanical fuel pump fails

99
Q

How is priming achieved?

A

Manual priming pump

Electric boost pump and the accelerator pump

100
Q

How does priming work?

A

Sending fuel directly to the inlet manifold just before the cylinders
Bypassing the carburetor

101
Q

What does the selector valve do?

A

Selects which tank the fuel is sourced from

102
Q

Which fuel does a piston engine aircraft utilise?

A

AVGAS

103
Q

What are the 2 grades of fuel used in Australia?

A

100/130 Green

Low lead fuel 110LL Blue

104
Q

Which fuel does jet engines use?

A

AVTUR (kerosine)

105
Q

What are the most common causes of malfunction?

A 
Fuel pump failure
Vapour locks
Blocked fuel tank vents
Incorrect grade fuel
Fuel contamination
106
Q

How is the failure of an engine driven fuel pump indicated?

A

Zero fuel pressure on gauge

107
Q

What should be done to restore fuel pressure?

A

Activate electric fuel pump and land as soon as practicable

108
Q

What is the result of fuel vaporising in the wrong place?

A

Fuel starvation

109
Q

How is fuel grade measured?

A

Combustion stability (anti-knock/anti-detonation) in which is indicated by octane rating

110
Q

What does higher octane rating indicate?

A

Greater fuel stability and detonation resistance

111
Q

What are possible effects of lower grade fuel?

A

Increased risk of detonation
Spark plug fouling
Corrosion of exhaust valve

112
Q

What are the 3 primary contaminants of fuel in order of importance?

A

1) Water
2) Other petroleum products
3) Solid matter

113
Q

How can fuel be checked for contamination?

A

By checking the fuel sump/drain with a tube before every flight

114
Q

What is the purpose of the unusable fuel line?

A

For contaminants to sink down the bottom to be prevented from flowing into the engine and to be drained

115
Q

What can be done to reduce contamination?

A

Fill tanks overnight to prevent condensation and water in the tanks
Make sure correct fuel is being used
Checking visually for water and particles

116
Q

What are the refueling distance limits?

A

15m of exposed public building
9m of unsealed building
6m of stationary aircraft
5m of sealed building

117
Q

What should be done if the fuelling equipment is immobile?

A

Aircraft to be placed where it can be rapidly be moved to a place of safety

118
Q

What should a pilot in command do after fuelling is complete?

A

Fuel and oil tanks are securely refitted and a fuel drain is carried out

119
Q

What happens if there is a fuel spill within 15m an aircraft?

A

Do not turn on or operate nearby aircraft

120
Q

What should be done if a tachometer fails?

A

Use known power settings (half throttle = 2000rpm)

Land as soon as practicable

121
Q

What does the cylinder heat temperature indicate?

A

That the temperature of the hottest cylinder is within limits

122
Q

What are the reasons for the CHT reading being too high?

A 
Fuel/Air mixture too lean
Detonation/Pre-ignition
Too low airspeed at high power settings
Cowl flaps malfunctioning
Blocked cylinder cooling fins
123
Q

What are the actions to be taken if the CHT reading is excessive?

A 
Richen the mixture
Open cowl flaps
Reduce power
Increase airspeed
Land as soon as possible if CHT remains excessively high
124
Q

What does the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) indicate?

A

To source temperature readings for the best economy mixture

125
Q

When does the oil temperature gauge measure oil temperature?

A

After oil passes through the oil cooler

126
Q

What can abnormally high oil temperature be attributed to?

A

Low oil quality
Oil cooler blockage
Faulty temperature gauge
Incorrect oil type

127
Q

What can be done when there is a high oil temperature reading?

A

Reduce power or increase airspeed (or both)
Richen mixture
Open cowl flaps
Land as soon as practible

128
Q

When does the oil pressure gauge measure oil pressure?

A

After the oil comes out of the cooler and feeds into the engine parts

129
Q

What does low oil pressure mean?

A

Insufficient oil pressure in the engine to maintain adequate lubrication

130
Q

What are the factors/malfunctions that may lead to a lack of oil pressure?

A

Oil pump failure
Failed bearings
Leaking oil lines
Insufficient oil supply

131
Q

What should be done if a faulty oil pressure gauge is suspected?

A

Check for oil temperature gauge, a normal reading usually means a faulty oil pressure gauge
Land as soon as practicable

132
Q

What can be suspected from a sudden loss of oil pressure and a rise in oil temperature and what actions should be taken?

A

Engine failure
Reduce power
Land as soon as practicable

133
Q

What does a complete loss of fuel pressure indicate and what actions should be taken?

A

Engine driven pump is inoperative
Switch on the boost pump
Land as soon as practicable

134
Q

What does a gradual loss of fuel pressure indicate?

A

Blocked fuel vent

RPL (3 decks)

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