AMT 215: AC Powerplant System I - Ground Operations and Checks Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering ground operations, hydraulic lock, engine warm-up, magneto safety checks, power checks, acceleration/deceleration tests, hot/hung starts, and shutdown procedures based on AMT 215 lecture notes.

Ground Operations (Cessna)

Pre-flight checks, engine startup, taxiing, and run-up procedures performed safely around the airport before takeoff.

Hydraulic Lock

A condition that can develop in a radial engine after shutdown when uncompressed liquid, such as engine oil or fuel, gathers inside a cylinder and stops the piston from finishing its upward stroke.

Hydraulic Lock Check Procedure

Ensuring the ignition switches are OFF, then pulling the propeller through in the direction of rotation for a minimum of two complete revolutions.

Hydraulic Lock Elimination Procedure

Removing either the front or rear spark plug and pulling the propeller through in the direction of rotation to allow the piston to expel any present liquid.

Engine Warm-Up

A required pre-flight procedure to thin thick oil, ensure critical lubrication, and prevent severe internal wear.

Engine Warm-Up RPM Range

An engine speed typically between 800 and 1,000 rpm that results in maximum engine stability.

Oil Pressure Gauge Limit During Warm-Up

An engine instrument monitoring parameter requiring indication of pressure within 30 seconds after start; if not met, the engine must be shut down immediately.

Fire Guard

Personnel stationed near the engine when starting large aircraft where it is not possible to see the engine from the cockpit.

Magneto Safety Check

A check performed during warm-up to ensure all ignition connections are secured and that the ignition system permits operation at higher power settings.

Magneto Pre-Flight Run-Up RPM Setting

The engine power setting recommended by the manufacturer during a magneto check, typically set between 1,700 to 2,000 RPM.

Magneto RPM Drop Limits

A normal RPM drop usually within 125–175 RPM when switching from BOTH to single magneto, with a small differential limit between magnetos typically under 50 RPM.

Ignition System

A complete system consisting of two magnetos, an ignition harness, and a set of spark plugs.

Magneto

A high voltage generating device that generates the electrical energy necessary to ignite the fuel air mixture.

Ignition Harness

A set of insulated and shielded high tension lines which carry electrical impulses from the magneto distributor to the spark plugs.

Lead

Each individual wire in an ignition harness connected to its own specific spark plug.

Ground Check

A procedure performed after engine warm-up to verify the operation of the powerplant and accessory equipment based on established performance criteria.

Power Check

A ground check test that measures an engine's performance against an established manufacturer standard at a given rpm and manifold pressure.

Low Pitch, High RPM Position

Propeller setting used during a power check, ideally suited for climbing or takeoff.

High Pitch, Low RPM Position

Propeller setting ideally suited for cruising.

Acceleration Test

A test performed by moving the throttle from idle to full power smoothly and rapidly to verify the engine accelerates without hesitation or backfiring.

Deceleration Check

A check made by retarding the throttle from full power back to idle to ensure rpm decreases smoothly and evenly with little or no tendency to after fire.

Hot Start

A condition in which ignition occurs when there is an excessively rich fuel air mixture, risking engine damage if exhaust gas temperature exceeds allowable limits.

Hung Start

A condition where engine start is normal and exhaust gas temperature is within limits, but the engine fails to accelerate or reach idle rpm.

Idle Cut-Off Position

The mixture control setting used to shut down most engines to ensure all fuel in the cylinders and induction system is burned.