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Power plant

An aircraft's powerplant is its engine, which propels the aircraft forward. It's made up of many components, including pistons, cylinders, and fans.

How does it work?

Reciprocating and turboprop engines: Work with a propeller to create thrust

Turbojet and turbofan engines: Increase the speed of air passing through the engine to create thrust

Powerplant systems and components

Fuel, Oil, Cooling, Fire protection, Anti-icing, Starting, Induction, and Exhaust.

Maintenance and certification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that airplane mechanics be certified to work on aircraft. The certification is called an airframe and powerplant (A&P) license.

Powerplant maintenance

Aircraft powerplants need regular maintenance, inspection, and servicing to ensure safety and optimal performance.

Related resources

Aviation Mechanic—Powerplant: A textbook for aviation maintenance technician students

Aircraft Powerplants: A book about aircraft powerplants and their systems and components

Hydraulic power

Hydraulic power in aviation uses pressurized fluid to control and power aircraft systems. Hydraulics are used in almost all aircraft, and are important for safe and efficient flight.

How hydraulics work

Fluid

Hydraulic systems use an incompressible fluid, like oil, to transmit energy.

Pressure

The pressure in the system can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds per square inch, depending on the aircraft and the task.

Control

Pilots use switches or flight control devices to activate the hydraulic system.

Movement

The movement of the actuator is transferred to the control surface, like the landing gear, brakes, or flaps.

What hydraulics power

Landing gear

Flaps

Brakes

Nose wheel steering

Thrust reversers

Spoilers

Flight control surfaces

Cargo doors

Windshield wipers

Propeller pitch control

Hydraulic system maintenance

Because the performance of the aircraft depends on hydraulics, maintenance is important.

Hydraulic system types

The three main types of aircraft hydraulic systems are open-loop, closed-loop, and hybrid.

Fuel

Aviation fuel can be petroleum-based or a blend of petroleum and synthetic fuel. The main types of aviation fuel are jet fuel and AVGAS.

Jet fuel

Used in aircraft with gas-turbine engines

Similar to kerosene, but has a higher flash point than gasoline

The most common types are Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B

Jet A is used in the United States, while Jet A-1 is used worldwide

Jet B is used in cold weather because of its low freezing point

AVGAS

Used in aircraft with internal combustion piston engines

A special high-octane gasoline

Leaded avgas was traditionally used, but tetraethyllead was phased out in most countries

Unleaded avgas is also available

Sustainable aviation fuels

Made from renewable biomass like agricultural waste, wood, and energy crops

Examples include Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene with aromatics (FT-SPK/A) and Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA-SPK)

Aviation fuels have more stringent requirements than fuels used for ground transportation. They also contain additives to improve performance and handling.

Engine controls

Aviation engine controls regulate fuel, air, and spark timing to control the engine's power output. These controls include fuel controls, mixture control, electronic engine control, throttle control, and more.

Fuel controls

Fuel control system: Controls fuel flow scheduling based on engine inputs and the power lever

Fuel pump: Transfers fuel from the fuel tank to the area where it mixes with the intake air

Mixture control

Adjusts the fuel-air mixture in the engine

Electronic engine control

The electronic engine control unit (ECU) controls the fuel supply, air management, and more

Throttle control

Controls how much fuel and air enters the engine cylinders, which determines the engine's power output

Full authority digital engine control (FADEC)

Provides efficient engine operation and can automatically take action to avoid exceeding certain engine temperatures

Engine actuation

Controls airflow and fuel throughout the engine's operation

Instruments

Aviation instruments include airspeed indicators, altimeters, vertical speed indicators, engine instruments, and navigation instruments. These instruments help pilots maintain a safe flight.

Airspeed indicator

A primary pitot-static instrument that measures how fast the plane is moving

Compares ram air pressure to static air pressure

Altimeter

Measures the plane's altitude based on atmospheric pressure and temperature

Shows how high the plane is

Vertical speed indicator (VSI)

Measures rate-of-pressure changes to display the rate of climb and descent

Engine instruments

Measure operating parameters of the plane's engines

Examples include tachometers, temperature gauges, fuel and oil quantity displays, and engine pressure gauges

Navigation instruments Includes basic instruments like a compass.

Pitot-static instruments

Measure airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed

Mastering these instruments is essential for safe and effective piloting

Attitude indicator

Also known as the gyro horizon or artificial horizon, this instrument informs the pilot of the aircraft orientation