Jeppesen Private Pilot - Chapter 2 Airplane Systems

What is a monocoque fuselage structure?

This is a structure without any internal framework, where the skin carries all of the flight loads. 2-3

What is a semi-monocoque fuselage structure?

This is a structure that has an internal substructure attached to the aircrafts skin in order to increase the strength of the fuselage. 2-4

What does the empennage consist of?

Usually it consists of a vertical stabilizer, the rudder, the vertical stabilizer, and the elevator. 2-5

What is a conventional landing gear?

A landing gear with a rear-mounted wheel, and the airplanes are sometimes referred to as tailwheel airplanes. 2-7

What type of landing gear does an airplane have if the third wheel is located on the nose of the aircraft?

A tricycle gear, or a nosewheel airplane. 2-7

What is the most common type of landing gear strut?

An oleo strut, which uses a piston enclosed in a cylinder with oil and compressed air to absorb the bumps and jolts of landing and taxi operations. 2-9

What does the powerplant of the airplane include?

The engine and the propeller. 2-9

What are the primary and secondary purposes of the engine?

The primary purpose is to provide the power to turn the propeller. Engine mounted accessories provide the secondary purposes of generating electrical power, creating a vacuum source for some flight instruments, and to provide a source of heat for the pilot and passengers. 2-9

What is the purpose of a firewall?

The firewall protects the occupants and serves as a mounting point for the engine. 2-9

Where can aircraft operating limitations be found?

In the approved flight manual or pilots operating handbook, markings, placards, or a combination of these. 2-10

What is the purpose of trim devices?

Trim helps minimize your workload by aerodynamically helping you move a control surface, or maintain the surface in a desired position. 2-6

What are the two main types of engines in use today?

Reciprocating and turbine. 2-14

What type of operating cycles do most reciprocating engines use?

A four-stroke operating cycle. 2-16

What are the four cycles of the four-stroke operating cycle?

1. Intake: The piston moves away from the cylinder head on the intake stroke, the intake valve opens and the fuel/air mixture is drawn into the combustion chamber.

2. Compression: As the piston moves back toward the cylinder head, the intake valve closes and the fuel/air mixture is compressed.

3. Power: When compression is almost complete, the spark plugs fire and the compressed mixture is ignited to begin the power stroke. The expanding gases of the controlled burning drive the piston, providing power that rotates the crankshaft.

4. Exhaust: The exhaust stroke expels the burned gases form the chamber through the opened exhaust valve.

2-16

What is the purpose of the induction system of the engine?

To bring outside air into the engine, mix it with fuel in the proper proportion, and deliver it to the cylinders where combustion occurs. 2-17

How do you control the induction system of the engine?

With the throttle and the mixture. The throttle controls engine speed by regulating the amount of fuel and air mixture that flows into the cylinders, while the mixture controls the fuel/air ratio. 2-17

What does the carburetor in the engine do?

It mixes the incoming air with fuel and delivers it to the combustion chamber. 2-18

What is the operating principle of float-type carburetors?

They are based on the difference in pressure at the venture throat and the air inlet. 2-18

As an airplane climbs, do you enrich or lean the mixture to maintain optimum fuel/air ratio?

Lean. 2-19

What is happening when you lean the fuel/air mixture?

You are decreasing the fuel flow to compensate for decreased air density. This can also eliminate engine roughness during runup at high elevation airports. 2-19

As altitude increases, what happens to air density?

Air density decreases. 2-19

If you are experiencing engine roughness during pre-takeoff runup at a high elevation airport, or during climbs or cruise flight at high altitudes, what should you do?

Lean the fuel/air mixture in order to compensate for the less dense air, and full rich fuel. 2-19

What will happen if you do not adjust your mixture control during descents from high to low altitudes?

The mixture will become too lean, which may result in high engine temperatures, which can cause engine wear and even engine failure over a long period of time. 2-19

What is a disadvantage of float-type carburetors?

Float-type carburetors are susceptible to carburetor icing due to fuel vaporization and decreasing air pressure in the venture. 2-19

What does carburetor ice do to the engine?

Carb ice reduces the size of the air passage to the engine. This restricts the flow of the fuel/air mixture and reduces power. If enough ice builds up the engine can cease to operate. 2-19

When is carburetor ice most likely to occur?

When intake air temperature is below 21 C (70 F) and the relative humidity is above 80 %. But it is also possible outside of these ranges. 2-20

What are your first indications of carburetor icing in a fixed-pitch propeller?

A decrease in engine RPM, followed by engine roughness and possible fuel starvation. 2-20

What happens when you use carburetor heat if you actually had carburetor icing?

There is a slight decrease in rpm, followed by an increase in rpm as the ice melts. 2-20

What happens when you use carburetor heat and you do not have carburetor icing?

There will be a slight decrease in rpm and then remain constant. 2-20

Does using carburetor heat lean or enrich the fuel/air mixture?

Using carburetor heat enriches the mixture because the heated air is less dense than the outside air that had been entering the engine. 2-20

Does the use of carburetor heat increase or decrease engine performance?

Decrease. 2-21

When is carburetor heat recommended?

Whenever you reduce engine rpm below the normal operating range for your airplane, or when you suspect the presence of carburetor ice. 2-21

When should you not use carburetor heat?

During takeoffs, or when continuous full power is needed. 2-21

What is the benefit of having a fuel injection system?

They are less susceptible to carburetor icing, they consume less fuel, have increased horsepower, lower operating temperatures, and have longer engine life. 2-21

What does the ignition system consist of?

Magnetos, spark plugs, interconnecting wires, and the ignition switch. 2-24

What is a magneto?

It is a self-contained, engine-driven unit that supplies electrical current to the spark plugs, which is completely independent of the aircrafts electrical system. 2-24

Why do most airplanes have dual ignition systems with individual magnetos?

Because this increases safety and reliability of the ignition system and improves engine performance. The dual system results in a slightly higher power output, and if one magneto fails the other is unaffected. 2-24

How do you detect a malfunctioning magneto?

During your pretakeoff check when you turn to individual magnetos you should witness a drop of rpm, but if it is excessive and beyond your airplanes limitations, it could be malfunctioning. 2-25

If the ignition continues to fire when the switch is in the off position, what might be the problem?

The ignition switch ground wire is disconnected. 2-25

What is detonation?

This is an uncontrolled, explosive ignition, and occurs when fuel in the cylinders explodes instead of burning smoothly. 2-25

When can detonation occur?

If you allow the engine to overheat or if you use an improper grade of fuel. 2-26

What can you do if you suspect detonation on climbout?

You can lower the nose to increase airspeed and the cooling airflow around the engine, as well as retard the throttle. 2-26

What is preignition?

Preignition occurs when the fuel/air mixture is ignited in advance of the normal timed ignition. 2-26

If you suspect preignition of detonation what should you do?

You should attempt to lower cylinder temperature by retarding the throttle, enriching the mixture, and/or lowering the nose attitude. 2-26

What are the two types of fuel systems in airplanes with carburetors?

Fuel pump and gravity fed systems. 2-26

What is the biggest difference between the fuel pump and gravity fed fuel system?

Fuel pump system uses an electric fuel pump to provide fuel to the engine driven fuel pump, whereas the gravity fed system does not need an electrical pump to feed fuel to the engine driven pump. 2-27

Why is moisture in the fuel lines bad?

Because in cold weather it can freeze and block the fuel lines. And in warm weather , it can flow into the carburetor and stop the engine. 2-29

Why is it a good idea to refill fuel tanks at the end of the day?

Because this prevents moisture from condensing by eliminating air in the tanks. 2-29

Why should you ground the aircraft before refueling?

To avoid combustion of the fuel from a spark caused by static electricity. 2-30

What could happen if you lose a lower grade of fuel than specified in the POH?

This could cause cylinder head and engine temperatures to exceed normal operating limits. 2-30

If the recommeded grade of fuel is not available what can you do?

Use the next higher grade if approved by the manufacturer. 2-30

What important functions does oil perform in the airplane?

It functions as a lubricant for the engines moving parts, and provides cooling to the engine by reducing friction and removing some of the heat from the cylinders. It also improves engine efficiency by providing a seal between the cylinder walls and pistons. It also carries away contaminants. 2-32

What might above normal oil pressure indicate?

A clogged oil line. 2-33

What might an abnormally high engine oil temperature indicate?

A plugged oil line, a low oil quantity, or a defective temperature gauge. 2-33

What could happen if engine temperatures become excessive?

It could result in a loss of power, high oil consumption, and possbile engine damage. 2-34

When is air cooling of the engine least effective?

During take-offs, go-arounds, or any other flight maneuver that combines low airspeed with high power. 2-34

What are some methods for reducing engine temperatures?

You can enrich the mixture, reduce the rate of climb, increase airspeed, or reduce power. 2-35

If oil and head temperatures are above normal, what might be the problem?

You may be using too much power with an overly lean mixture. 2-35

How is a constant-speed propeller controlled?

The throttle controls engine power output, as indicated on the manifold pressure gauge, while the propeller control regulates engine rpm. 2-38

Why is a constant-speed propeller more efficient?

Because it allows you to select the blade angle that provides the most efficient performance. 2-38

What setting should you avoid with a constant-speed propeller?

Avoid low rpm settings with high manifold pressure to prevent internal engine stress. 2-39

What is the main source of electrical power on the airplane?

An engine-driven alternator. 2-41

What is the main purpose of the aircraft battery?

To provide a means of starting the engine, but it also allows limited operation of electrical components such as the raadios, without starting the engine. It is also a valuable source of emergency electrical power in case of alternator malfunction. 2-41

What does the ammeter do?

It monitors the electrical current in amperes within the electrical system. 2-41

What indiciation is the ammeter giving if it is on the plus side?

This shows that the battery is charging, and the rate at which it is charging. 2-41

What indication is the ammeter giving if it is on the negative side?

This means that more current is being drawn from the battery than is being replaced. 2-41

If you have a discharging ammeter, other than after engine start, what could this be an indication of, and what action should you take?

This means that the electrical load is exceeding the output of the alternator, and the battery is helping to supply system power. This could mean the alternator is malfunctioning, or the electrical load is excessive. You should reduce your electrical load to conserve battery power and land as soon as possible. 2-42

Where doeselectrical power for the starter switch come from?

Power comes from the electrical system, not the magnetos. 2-42

What are the three categories of flight instruments?

Gyroscopic, pitot-static and magnetic. 2-47

What are the pitot-static instruments?

The airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. 2-48

What is the standard barometric pressure and temperature at sea level?

29.92 Hg and 15 degrees celcius. 2-50

Does pressure increase or decrease with a gain in altitude?

Decrease. 2-51

Does temperature increase or decrease with a gain in altitude?

Decrease. 2-51

In the lower atmosphere, what is the standard lapse rate for pressure and temperature for each 1,000 feet of altitude gain?

1.00 in. Hg decrease and 2 degrees celcius decrease. 2-51

What does the pitot-static system provide to the airspeed indicator?

It provides impact, or ram air pressure. 2-51

What enters the static port?

Static pressure. 2-52

Which insturment is the only instrument to operate using both pitot and static pressure?

The airspeed indicator. 2-52

How is the speed of the airplane determined?

By comparing the ram air pressure from the pitot with the static air pressure from the static port. The greater the differential, the greater the speed. 2-52

What is VNE?

The never exceed speed. 2-52

What does the yellow arc indicate on the airspeed indicator?

This is the caution range, and you can only fly in this range in smooth air, and only then with extreme caution. 2-52

What is VNO, or the upper limit of the green arc on the airspeed indicator?

This is the maximum structural cruising speed. 2-52

What does the green arc indicate on the airspeed indicator?

This is the normal operating range of the airplane. 2-52

What is the white arc on the airspeed indicator?

This is the flap operating range. 2-52

What is VFE?

This is the maximum flap extension speed. 2-52

What is VS1 or the lower limit of the green arc?

This is the stalling speed in at maximum weight in the takeoff position, also known as the power-on stall speed. 2-52

What is VS0 or the lower limit of the white arc?

This is the stalling speed in the landing configuration, also known as the power-off stall speed. 2-52

What is VA and is it shown on the airspeed indicator?

VA is manuevering speed, where you can employ full and abrupt control movement without the possibility of causing structural damage and is not shown on the airspeed indicator. 2-53

What is indicated airspeed (IAS)?

This is the reading you get from the airspeed indicator and does not reflect variations in air density as you climb to higher altitudes. 2-54

What is calibrated airspeed (CAS)?

This is indicated airspeed corrected for installation and instrument errors. To determine calibrated airspeed, read indicated airspeed and then correct it by using the chart or table in the POH. 2-54

What is true airspeed (TAS)?

True airspeed represents the true speed of your airplane through the air. It is calibrated airspeed corrected for altitude and nonstandard temperature. TAS increases with altitude. 2-54

What is groundspeed (GS)?

Groundspeed represents the actual speed of your airplane over the ground. It is true airspeed adjusted for wind. 2-54

What is VLE?

This is the maximum speed when the landing gear is extended. 2-55

What is VLO?

This is the maximum speed at which you can raise or lower the landing gear. 2-55

As altitude increases, does indicated stall speed change?

No, the indicated airspeed at which a given airplane stalls in a specific configuration remains the same. 2-55

What does the longest pointer of the altimeter indicate?

Hundreds of feet. 2-55

What does the middle sized pointer on the altimeter indicate?

Thousands of feet. 2-55

What does the shortest pointer on the altimeter indicate?

Tens of thousands of feet. 2-55

How many feet per .01 in Hg. Will the altimeter setting increase?

10 feet. 2-55

What happens to the altimeter indications when you increase barometric atmospheric pressure?

The indicated altitude will increase. 2-55

What is indicated altitude?

This is the altitude measured by your altimeter. 2-56