Aviation Aircraft Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a constant-speed propeller?
- To keep engine RPM constant regardless of throttle setting
- To maintain a selected RPM by automatically varying blade pitch as power or speed changes (Correct answer)
- To eliminate torque effects
- To reduce propeller tip speed to subsonic
Correct answer: To maintain a selected RPM by automatically varying blade pitch as power or speed changes
A constant-speed propeller uses a governor to automatically change blade pitch to maintain the pilot-selected RPM as flight conditions change.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the aircraft's ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)?
- To transmit weather data to ATC
- To automatically transmit a distress signal on 406 MHz after an impact (Correct answer)
- To communicate with other aircraft on guard frequency
- To provide GPS position to the autopilot
Correct answer: To automatically transmit a distress signal on 406 MHz after an impact
An ELT automatically activates upon impact and transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue satellites.
Question 3: What is the difference between IAS (Indicated Airspeed) and TAS (True Airspeed)?
- IAS accounts for wind; TAS does not
- TAS is IAS corrected for non-standard pressure and temperature (air density) (Correct answer)
- TAS includes groundspeed; IAS does not
- They are identical at all altitudes
Correct answer: TAS is IAS corrected for non-standard pressure and temperature (air density)
TAS is the actual speed through the air mass, calculated by correcting IAS for non-standard pressure and temperature (lower air density at altitude).
Question 4: What is an aircraft's 'service ceiling'?
- Maximum altitude for pressurized flight
- The highest altitude at which the aircraft can maintain a 100 fpm climb rate (Correct answer)
- Maximum certified operating altitude
- The altitude at which the autopilot disconnects
Correct answer: The highest altitude at which the aircraft can maintain a 100 fpm climb rate
Service ceiling is the altitude at which an aircraft can maintain only a 100 ft/min rate of climb under standard conditions.
Question 5: What flight instrument uses the gyroscopic principle of rigidity in space?
- Altimeter
- Airspeed indicator
- Attitude indicator (Correct answer)
- Vertical speed indicator
Correct answer: Attitude indicator
The attitude indicator (artificial horizon) uses a gyroscope that remains rigid in space, providing a stable reference for aircraft pitch and bank.
Question 6: What is the purpose of fuel primer on a reciprocating engine?
- To increase fuel pressure during cruise flight
- To inject fuel directly into the intake manifold to aid cold engine starting (Correct answer)
- To purge air from the fuel lines
- To mix fuel with oil for lubrication
Correct answer: To inject fuel directly into the intake manifold to aid cold engine starting
The fuel primer injects a small amount of fuel directly into the engine intake ports to create a combustible mixture for cold engine starts.
Aviation Aircraft Systems 2
What is the purpose of a constant-speed propeller?