Aircraft Definitions and Categories
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Aircraft Definitions and Categories

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Questions and Answers

Which classification of aircraft is primarily designed to carry passengers but is limited to a maximum of 19 seats?

  • Utility
  • Commuter (correct)
  • Transport
  • Experimental
  • What is the main function of the fuselage in an airplane?

  • To contain the fuel tanks
  • To support the wings
  • To house the cabin and controls (correct)
  • To provide lift
  • Which type of aircraft is classified as 'experimental'?

  • Transport aircraft
  • Limited military aircraft
  • Amateur home-built planes (correct)
  • Commercial airliners
  • Which aircraft classification is used for special purposes like water bombing?

    <p>Restricted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What construction type uses a skin to support almost all loads imposed on an aircraft?

    <p>Monocoque</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the fuselage in an aircraft?

    <p>To house the cabin and cockpit along with controls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following categories of aircraft is designed to withstand heavier stresses than normal aircraft?

    <p>Utility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify which type of aircraft is classified as having a fixed wing and is heavier than air.

    <p>Airplane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of aircraft is a hot air balloon classified as?

    <p>Lighter-than-air</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category of aircraft certification allows for limited purposes in civilian aviation?

    <p>Limited</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which classification of airplane typically includes trainer aircraft?

    <p>Normal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major difference between single engine and multi-engine aircraft?

    <p>Number of engines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the airplane construction type that primarily uses skin to support loads.

    <p>Monocoque</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the alternator in a typical modern light airplane?

    <p>Main source of electrical power while the engine is running</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is used to measure the oil supplied to the engine in P.S.I.?

    <p>Oil pressure gauge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a wet sump system, where is the oil contained?

    <p>In a dedicated compartment of the engine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the cowl flaps in the cooling system of an aircraft engine?

    <p>To regulate airflow and temperature within the engine compartment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of exhaust gas leakage into the aircraft cabin?

    <p>Health risks due to carbon monoxide exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the bus bar in an aircraft's electrical system primarily do?

    <p>Distributes electrical power to various components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of propeller is characterized by blades that have a fixed angle?

    <p>Fixed-pitch propeller</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the master switch in an airplane's electrical system?

    <p>Controls all of the airplane's electrical systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause pre-ignition in an engine?

    <p>Residual hotspots in the cylinder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the fuel selector valve in an aircraft?

    <p>To select fuel from various tanks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method can be implemented to decrease engine temperature?

    <p>Reduce power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major hazard associated with refueling an aircraft?

    <p>Possible combustion from static electricity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of fuel system relies on gravity for fuel flow?

    <p>Gravity-fed system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of enriching the fuel mixture in an aircraft's engine?

    <p>To enhance fuel vaporization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to fill tanks after the last flight of the day?

    <p>To eliminate air and prevent moisture condensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of engine oil in an aircraft engine?

    <p>To lubricate moving parts and carry away contaminants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which arrangement corresponds to an opposed type reciprocating engine?

    <p>Cylinders arranged directly opposed on the crankshaft</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase of the 4-stroke operating cycle does the fuel-air mixture get ignited?

    <p>Power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the RPM when carb heat is applied and ice melts due to the application?

    <p>RPM drops initially, then slowly increases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of the ignition system is responsible for providing the spark?

    <p>Spark plugs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of abnormal combustion is characterized by uncontrolled explosive ignition of the fuel/air mixture?

    <p>Detonation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the induction system in an aircraft engine?

    <p>To supply outside air mixed with fuel to the cylinders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a part of a reciprocating engine?

    <p>Turbocharger</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom indicates a potential detonation issue in an aircraft engine?

    <p>Excessive temperature and pressure in the combustion chamber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Aircraft Definitions

    • Aircraft is defined as any weight-carrying device designed to be supported by the air.
    • Airplane is an engine-driven, fixed wing, heavier-than-air aircraft that generates lift through airflow over its wings.

    Airplane Categories

    • Airplane Categories are based on the number of engines and the landing gear.
      • Single-engine, land: Cessna 152, etc.
      • Multi-engine, land:
      • Single-engine, sea:
      • Multi-engine, sea:

    Aircraft Categories by Intended Use

    • Normal: Common for smaller aircraft, including training aircraft.
    • Utility: Similar to Normal category, but can handle heavier loads.
    • Acrobatic: Minimal operational limitations, designed for maneuvers.
    • Commuter: Carries passengers, limited to 19 seats and 19,000 lbs.
    • Transport: Used by airlines.
    • Restricted: Specific purposes such as spraying, water bombing.
    • Limited: Military aircraft with limited civilian usage.
    • Provisional: Newly designed aircraft awaiting full certification.
    • Experimental: Home-built, racing, or research and development aircraft.

    Major Airplane Components

    • Fuselage: Houses the cabin, cockpit, seats, controls, and cargo. It acts as a core structure, provides room for components, and supports other components.
    • Fuselage Construction Types:
      • Truss: Uses visible struts and wire bracing for support.
      • Monocoque: Relies on the skin for structural integrity, minimizing weight.

    Reciprocating Engines

    • Reciprocating engines are categorized as opposed, radial, V-type, and inline based on the arrangement of their cylinders
    • The piston engine power cycle has four stages: intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
    • The four stages are a continuous process that creates energy

    Induction System

    • The induction system mixes air and fuel in the correct proportion
    • Carburetor icing is a potential hazard and can be identified by a drop in engine RPM when carb heat is applied, followed by a slow increase as the ice melts.
    • Turning carb heat off allows the engine RPM to increase further
    • An intake port allows air to enter the engine and is equipped with an air filter to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine
    • For optimal performance, superchargers/turbochargers help to improve air density at higher altitudes

    Ignition System

    • The ignition system initiates the combustion process by generating a spark
    • Magnetos are a key component in the ignition system as they self-generate power for the spark plugs, eliminating the need for a battery
    • Spark plugs are responsible for generating the spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture
    • Connecting wires link the ignition switch, magnetos, and the spark plugs
    • The ignition switch controls the magnetos
    • A dual ignition system enhances engine performance and provides redundancy for increased safety

    Abnormal Combustion

    • Detonation is an uncontrolled explosion of the fuel-air mixture within the combustion chamber, often causing excessive temperature and pressure
    • Detonation can lead to engine damage and is caused by various factors, including low-grade fuel, lean fuel-air mixture, high temperature, and sudden throttle openings at low speeds
    • Pre-ignition is a premature ignition of the fuel-air mixture before the spark, often a result of detonation or hotspots in the cylinder caused by carbon deposits

    Fuel System

    • The fuel system is responsible for storing and delivering fuel at the right pressure and quantity
    • Gravity-fed systems utilize gravity to move fuel from the tanks to the engine
    • Fuel pump systems are common in low-wing aircraft due to the fuel tanks being located below the engine, and use a pump for fuel flow
    • Primers manually pump fuel into the intake system prior to starting, particularly helpful in cold weather
    • Fuel tanks are typically located in the wings and have vents for pressure equalization and overflow drains to prevent tank rupture due to fuel expansion
    • Fuel quantity gauges display the amount of fuel in the tanks
    • Fuel selector valves allow pilots to select fuel from different tanks
    • Vapor Lock can occur when air enters the fuel system
    • Refueling requires safety precautions, including grounding the aircraft to prevent static electricity build-up, the potential for sparks and fire.
    • Higher grade fuel should be used if regular avgas is unavailable
    • Fuel should always be checked for water and contaminants.
    • Filling tanks after flights helps prevent moisture buildup from condensation

    Lubrication System

    • The lubrication system ensures proper lubrication, cooling, sealing, and cleaning of the engine's moving parts.
    • Dry sump systems store oil in a separate tank and utilize pumps for circulation
    • Wet sump systems store oil within an integral part of the engine
    • A dipstick is used to measure oil levels
    • An oil pressure gauge shows the oil pressure in PSI
    • An oil temperature gauge monitors the oil temperature

    Cooling System

    • The cooling system ensures that the engine operates within the manufacturer's temperature parameters
    • Air is drawn in through an inlet near the propeller hub and directed towards the hottest parts of the engine, primarily the cylinders
    • Cowl flaps regulate the temperature within the engine compartment and are adjusted by the pilot based on cylinder head temperature readings

    Electrical System

    • Modern light aircraft typically use a direct current (DC) electrical system
    • An alternator generates electrical power when the engine is running
    • A battery provides emergency electrical power and power during engine start
    • A bus bar serves as a main conductor and distribution point for the electrical system
    • An ammeter/load meter measures the electrical current (amps) flowing in or out of the battery
    • The master switch controls the aircraft's electrical system, except the ignition system which receives power directly from the magneto
    • Fuses and circuit breakers protect electrical circuits from overload

    Exhaust System

    • The exhaust system carries burnt gases from the engine cylinders into the atmosphere
    • Carbon monoxide is a component of exhaust gas, leakage into the cabin must be prevented
    • The exhaust system also provides heat for the cabin and carburetor

    Propellers

    • Propellers are rotating airfoils that generate thrust
    • Fixed-pitch propellers have blades with a fixed angle
    • Climb propellers have low blade angles optimal for takeoff and climb

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    Description

    This quiz covers essential definitions and classifications of aircraft, focusing on both airplane types and their intended uses. Test your knowledge on the differences between single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, as well as their operational capabilities and purposes in aviation.

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