STARTING AND IGNITION

Question 1

What is the ignition and fuel supply controlled by?

Answer 1

Engine start level

Question 2

What are the 3 main positions of the thrust reverser?

Answer 2

Normal (stowed)
Reverse idle (used to activate)
Full reverse (increase engine power)

Question 3

When is continuous ignition activated in modern aircraft?

Answer 3

When there is a risk of flame out.

Question 4

What does the igniter plug and igniter exciter do?

Answer 4

Plug- creates spark

Exciter- generates high voltage

Question 5

How do you know if the HP fuel valve is open?

Answer 5

By the fuel flow indication, exhaust gas temp or fuel used as it is not indicated directly.

Question 6

How many ignition systems does each engine have?

Answer 6

2 (named A and B)

One system always supplied by emergency power system of aircraft.

Question 7

How is the immersion depth adjusted for igniter plug?

Answer 7

Using spacers.

Igniter bushing pre-adjusted with spacers

Question 8

What is the insulator made of in igniters if there are 2 blue rings?

Answer 8

Beryllium oxide (toxic)

Question 9

What material are modern non-toxic igniter plugs’ insulation?

Answer 9

Ceramic. (Inflexible)

Question 10

What material is the internal wire of the ignition lead?

Answer 10

Copper.

Covered by silicon rubber insulator

Question 11

What would a hot igniter lead result in?

Answer 11

More resistance and lower energy spark.

Question 12

How are starter systems powered?

Answer 12

Pneumatically or electrically.

Question 13

How long does the engine speed increase for after the starter assistance has been switched off?

Answer 13

Until it reaches idle

Always higher than self sustaining speed

Question 14

What are the stages of engine start up?

Answer 14

Compressor moves from accessory gearbox
Igniter on
High pressure fuel on
Light up
Self sustaining speed
Starter cut out speed
Idle speed

Question 15

Where can bleed air be used from to start the engine?

Answer 15

APU, another engine or ground cart.

Question 16

How usually is a starter shut off valve operated?

Answer 16

Electrically controlled by a solenoid and Pneumatically operates by air pressure from the starter duct.

Question 17

What type of valve is the fuel shut-off?

Answer 17

Electric motor driven valve

Question 18

When will the HP valve open or close?

Answer 18

Opens when handle is moved up, visa versa

Question 19

How is the LP fuel valve controlled on most modern airbus?

Answer 19

Engine master switch

Question 20

What direction will thrust and reverse thrust rotate the mechanical drum?

Answer 20

Thrust - anti-clockwise

Reverse - clockwise

Question 21

What other system does the thrust control system provide info to?

Answer 21

Fuel control unit

Question 22

Where are taco and pinion transmissions usually found?

Answer 22

Thrust control drum in the pylon

Question 23

What will stop the throttles moving due to vibration, but will allow pilot input?

Answer 23

Friction lock

Question 24

What microswitches can be activated depending on thrust lever position?

Answer 24

• take off warning
• cabin pressurisation
• thrust reverser activation

Question 25

What is the purpose of the throttle interlock system?

Answer 25

Prevents pilot increasing engine power until the reverser is fully deployed

Question 26

What is the main difference between the forward and reverse thrust?

Answer 26

Throttle interlock

Question 27

What is the thrust system called on AIRBUS aircraft?

Answer 27

Auto-thrust (levers don’t move)

• Boeing (auto throttle)