Aircraft Systems Flashcards
6 cards from real Aviation practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Aircraft Systems flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a constant-speed propeller?
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.
What is the purpose of the aircraft's ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)?
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.
What is the difference between IAS (Indicated Airspeed) and TAS (True Airspeed)?
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).
What is an aircraft's 'service ceiling'?
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.
What flight instrument uses the gyroscopic principle of rigidity in space?
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.
What is the purpose of fuel primer on a reciprocating engine?
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.