Aircraft Systems and Components Flashcards
6 cards from real CAT 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 and Components flashcards as text
What is the role of a fuel boost pump in an aircraft fuel system?
Answer: To provide positive fuel pressure to prevent vapor lock and supply fuel to engine-driven pumps
Fuel boost pumps ensure positive fuel pressure at the engine-driven pump inlet, preventing vapor lock at altitude and providing fuel flow during engine start.
What is the purpose of bonding and grounding in aircraft systems?
Answer: To equalize electrical potential between components and provide a path to ground, preventing static buildup and sparks
Bonding equalizes electrical potential between aircraft components, while grounding provides a return path for current, preventing static electricity buildup that could ignite fuel vapors.
In a reciprocating aircraft engine, what is the function of the magneto?
Answer: To generate high-voltage electrical current to fire the spark plugs independently of the aircraft electrical system
Magnetos are self-contained AC generators that produce high-voltage current to fire spark plugs, operating independently of the aircraft battery and alternator for reliability.
What is the purpose of safety wiring on aircraft fasteners?
Answer: To prevent nuts, bolts, and fittings from loosening due to vibration
Safety wire is threaded through drilled fasteners in a manner that pulls them tighter if they begin to loosen, preventing vibration-induced loosening in critical aircraft components.
What does the term 'chord line' refer to in airfoil terminology?
Answer: An imaginary straight line from the leading edge to the trailing edge of an airfoil
The chord line is an imaginary straight line connecting the leading and trailing edges of an airfoil, used as a reference for measuring angle of attack and airfoil geometry.
What is the function of a fire loop detection system on an aircraft engine?
Answer: To continuously monitor engine nacelle temperature and trigger fire warnings when overtemperature is detected
Fire loop detection systems (typically using resistance or gas-filled sensing elements) continuously monitor engine nacelle areas and provide cockpit fire warnings when a fire or overheat is detected.