A&P Propeller Systems and Maintenance 3

Question 1

How are wooden propellers typically constructed to minimize warping and cracking?

Accepted Answer

From multiple laminations of close-grained hardwood such as birch or walnut

Answer

From a single piece of fine-grained maple or ash selected for uniformity

Answer

From bamboo laminations bonded together with aircraft-grade epoxy

Answer

From plywood cores with a fiberglass cloth reinforcement overlay

Question 2

How do isopropyl alcohol anti-icing systems protect propeller blades from ice accumulation?

Accepted Answer

By lowering the freezing point of moisture on blade surfaces to prevent ice formation

Answer

By lubricating the pitch change mechanism to prevent freezing of moving parts

Answer

By sealing the blade tip area to prevent moisture intrusion into the blade structure

Answer

By generating heat through a chemical reaction when applied to blade surfaces

Question 3

What is the function of a centrifugal latch on a Hartzell constant-speed full-feathering propeller?

Accepted Answer

It prevents blade movement to the feathered position below a minimum RPM threshold

Answer

It automatically feathers the propeller when engine oil pressure drops below a set value

Answer

It holds blades at high pitch to prevent overspeed during takeoff rotation

Answer

It locks blade pitch at the last selected position after an in-flight engine shutdown

Question 4

When a propeller overspeed condition occurs in flight, what is the pilot's first corrective action?

Accepted Answer

Reduce throttle to decrease engine torque and allow RPM to recover

Answer

Increase throttle to force the governor to drive blade pitch higher

Answer

Move the propeller control fully forward to the feather position immediately

Answer

Shut down the engine to prevent structural damage from excessive RPM

Question 5

What is the purpose of propeller synchrophasing on multi-engine aircraft?

Accepted Answer

To control the angular phase relationship between propellers to reduce cabin noise and vibration

Answer

To precisely match RPM between all engines to eliminate speed differentials

Answer

To ensure all propeller blade tips track in the same rotational plane

Answer

To automatically feather the propeller of a failed engine based on RPM sensing

Question 6

What is the required method for torquing propeller retaining nuts during installation?

Accepted Answer

Apply the specific torque values from the manufacturer's maintenance manual using a calibrated torque wrench

Answer

Tighten until the propeller mounting flange firmly contacts the crankshaft flange

Answer

Apply hand-tight torque plus one-quarter additional turn with an open-end wrench

Answer

Use a pneumatic impact wrench until the nut reaches its fully seated position

Question 7

What is the primary aerodynamic purpose of a propeller spinner?

Accepted Answer

To reduce aerodynamic drag around the propeller hub area

Answer

To improve blade efficiency by directing airflow along the blade chord line

Answer

To deflect bird strikes and runway debris away from the hub assembly

Answer

To direct turbulent slipstream rearward for additional thrust contribution