Propeller Systems and Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real A&P practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Propeller Systems and Maintenance flashcards as text
What is the primary function of a propeller governor in a constant-speed propeller system?
Answer: To maintain a constant engine RPM by varying blade pitch angle
The governor senses RPM and adjusts blade pitch — increasing or decreasing the angle — to maintain the pilot-selected RPM setting.
Which blade pitch setting is used during takeoff on a constant-speed propeller to achieve maximum thrust?
Answer: Low pitch (fine) angle to allow the engine to develop maximum RPM
A low-pitch (fine) angle allows the engine to reach its maximum rated RPM and power output, producing maximum thrust during takeoff.
What does the term 'blade track' mean when applied to propeller inspection?
Answer: The ability of all blades to follow the same plane of rotation
Blade track refers to whether all blade tips follow the same circular path during rotation, indicating proper blade alignment within the hub.
What is the primary reason for feathering a propeller after an engine becomes inoperative in flight?
Answer: To minimize aerodynamic drag and prevent windmilling of the failed engine
Feathering aligns the blade chord parallel to the airflow, minimizing drag and stopping windmilling that could cause further damage to the failed engine.
What does 'effective pitch' mean in propeller terminology?
Answer: The actual distance the aircraft advances through the air per propeller revolution
Effective pitch is the actual distance the propeller and aircraft advance through the air per revolution, accounting for slippage losses.
At which station along the blade is propeller blade angle typically measured per FAA standards?
Answer: 75% of the blade radius from the hub center
FAA standards specify that blade angle is measured at the 75% radius station from the hub center as the standard reference point for all propeller blade angle measurements.
What does 'propeller slip' represent in terms of propeller performance?
Answer: The difference between geometric pitch and effective pitch
Propeller slip is the difference between geometric pitch (theoretical advance) and effective pitch (actual advance), representing the propeller's aerodynamic inefficiency.