AIM Powerplant Systems I Block 14 Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What will be the result of using too hot a spark plug?
• What is anti-icing in relation to engine induction, and what are common methods?
• How can you diagnose a suspected fuel pump failure in flight, and what immediate action should you take?
• What is the purpose of a propeller governor in a constant-speed propeller system?
• List two common causes of low oil pressure in a piston aircraft engine.
• Why is it important to verify the fuel shutoff valve position before starting and after shutdown?
• In a 'Shower of Sparks' ignition system activated at engine start, the spark plug fires
• The E-gap angle is usually defined as the number of degrees between the neutral position of the rotating magnet and the position
• During run-up testing, a slow decrease in RPM is most likely due to which issue?
• Why is switching to an alternate fuel pump advisable during suspected pump failure?
• Which marker is not a recommended exhaust system marker based on common practice?
• At altitude, what should be done to the mixture to maintain proper combustion and prevent fouling?
• Cracks in cooling fins that do not extend into the cylinder head should be repaired by which approach?
• What method(s) is/are used to provide clean air to the engines of helicopters and turboprop airplanes that have particle separators installed?
• What information do typical engine instruments provide, and how does a gauge tell you about engine condition?
• Augmenter tubes are part of which reciprocating engine system?
• An augmenter system in aircraft exhaust is used to draw additional air over the engine for cooling by creating a low pressure region where?
• When starting an engine equipped with a carburetor air heater, in what position should the heater be placed?
• How does carb heat affect icing and mixture?
• Which of the following is a typical step in preflight powerplant inspection related to the fuel system?
• Dislodged muffler baffles can cause which of the following effects in a small reciprocating engine?
• Which defect would most likely cause a hot spot in a reciprocating engine cylinder?
• Aircraft magneto housings are usually ventilated in order to which of the following?
• In a 'Shower of Sparks' ignition system activated at an engine start, a spark plug fires
• During engine start and warmup under normal conditions, where should the cowl flaps be positioned?
• What is the function of the primer system in a piston aircraft engine?
• Starting an engine with a carburetor air heater, what position should the heater be placed in during start?
• When monitoring engine indicators in cruise, what constitutes a prudent decision to continue flight or divert?
• In a high-tension ignition system, the magneto secondary winding current is induced by
• Why is oil viscosity important, and how does temperature influence it?
• What is the purpose of a fuel strainer or filter in the fuel system?
• How does an overspeed governor protect the engine, and what symptoms indicate an overspeed condition?
• Part-throttle operation has what effect on volumetric efficiency?
• In the event a pneumatic start valve will not operate and the manual override must be used, the starter T-handle must be closed at scheduled starter drop out because
• Explain the function of a turbocharger on an aircraft engine.
• Which ignition system type is described as 'low tension'?
• If a spark plug lead becomes grounded, which statement is correct?
• In a magneto, maximum magnetic flux density occurs when the magnet is aligned with the field shoe faces. This occurs in which position?
• When using a pneumatic starter with a manual override, why must the T-handle be closed at the scheduled dropout?
• During an ignition switch check for a reciprocating engine, at what RPM should the check be performed to avoid timing errors?
• Which type of ignition system is used on most turbine aircraft engines?
• What is the common method to connect radial engine spark plug wires to the distributor block?
• What test would you perform to check for air leaks in the induction and fuel systems, and what would you observe?
• The secondary coil of a magneto is grounded through which component?
• Which components comprise the magnetic system of a magneto?
• Why should sumps be drained during preflight?
• To determine how much cylinder cooling fin material can be removed when cracks are found, which document should be consulted?
• Reciprocating engine exhaust system designs commonly used to provide for ease of installation and/or allow for expansion and contraction may include the use of
• Which path grounds the magneto's secondary coil?
• Why is fuel flow indication useful and how can it be affected by air leaks or pump failure?
• In a jet engine, which statement about air passing through the combustion section is true?
• In general aviation piston engines, what are the two primary induction system types used?
• When using a timing light to time a magneto to an aircraft engine, the magneto switch should be placed in which position?
• If an aircraft ignition switch is turned off and the engine continues to run normally, the trouble is probably caused by
• Outline a standard procedure for performing a hot or cold engine compression check and how to interpret results.
• Turbojet and turbofan thrust reverser systems are generally powered by which of the following?
• The voltage generated in a magneto secondary coil is determined by which factors?
• How are most radial engine spark plug wires connected to the distributor block?
• The action of a carburetor airscoop is to supply air to the carburetor, but it may also
• What is the function of an electric starting system in piston engines, and what is a key precaution during starting?
• In exhaust system design for expansion, which combination is typically used?
• Great caution should be exercised in handling damaged hermetically sealed turbine engine igniter transformer units because
• How do the turbines which are driven by the exhaust gases of a turbo-compound engine contribute to total engine power output?
• In the aircraft magneto system, if the P-lead is disconnected, the magneto will be on regardless of ignition switch position.
• How does air cooling differ from liquid cooling in engines, and what is a typical cooling concern for air-cooled engines?
• When using a timing light to time a magneto to an aircraft engine, the magneto switch should be placed in which position?
• The E-gap angle is defined as the angle between the neutral position of the rotating magnet and the position where what event occurs?
• What is a common consequence of not following the manufacturer's starter duty cycle limits?
• What is a typical indication of a failing magneto or incorrect timing during run-up?
• (1) Some aircraft exhaust systems include an augmenter system to draw additional air over the engine for cooling. (2) Augmenter systems are used to create a low pressure area at the lower rear of the aircraft engine cowling. Regarding the above statements, which is true?
• What is a likely consequence if spark plugs are gapped too wide?
• How does carburetor icing occur and what is the primary preventive action?
• In most aircraft reciprocating engines, what is the relationship between distributor speed and crankshaft speed?
• A leak in the induction system can cause rough running. What is a common diagnostic step?
• In flight, if you suspect a fuel pump failure, what is the proper first diagnostic step?
• When will the voltage in the magneto secondary winding be at its highest value on a normally operating engine?
• Which component typically prevents contaminants from reaching the fuel metering device?
• If the turbocharger waste gate is completely closed, which statement is true?
• All of the following are recommended markers for reciprocating engine exhaust systems except
• When removing a shielded spark plug, which part is most likely to be damaged?
• Which of the following describes the primary purpose of ventilation in magneto housings?
• What does CHT stand for in engine cooling discussions?
• What energy source drives a turbocharger?
• Which statement best describes the cause of thermal fatigue cracking in exhaust systems?
• If the P-lead becomes disconnected, what is the magneto's state relative to the ignition switch?
• In a turbocharger system for a small reciprocating engine, what is its purpose?
• How does excessive oil temperature affect lubrication and engine performance?
• A small percentage of air from the engine is bled off for which purpose?
• Which operation yields the most accurate magneto breaker point opening relative to the rotating magnet and distributor rotor?
• A spark plug is fouled when which condition occurs?
• Cracks in cooling fins that do not extend into the cylinder head may be repaired by which method?
• How does the mixture control affect engine operation at high altitude?
• Intercooler function in a turbocharged engine is to cool which air?
• The purpose of cascade vanes in a thrust reversing system is to
• What is the significance of a proper valve clearance setting in an engine's maintenance?
• The keepers placed across the poles of a rotating magnet in a magneto are usually made of which material to minimize magnetism loss?
• Sharp bends should be avoided in ignition leads primarily because
• At what RPM is a reciprocating engine ignition switch check performed?
• Ball joints in reciprocating engine exhaust systems should be which of the following?
• Impulse coupling in magneto systems serves which function?
• The application of carburetor heat during engine operation will
• The application of carburetor heat will have which of the following effects?
• At altitude, what adjustment is typically needed regarding the fuel mixture?
• Which statement describes the relationship between oil pressure and engine RPM?
• What is the function of the oil pressure relief valve in an aircraft engine lubrication system?
• The purpose of an under current relay in a starter-generator system is to which of the following?
• What is the purpose of the rate-of-change controller in a turbocharger system?
• Heavy black soot on spark plugs indicates
• What is the purpose of measuring fuel pressure drop across an injection nozzle or the fuel/air metering device?
• Compared to normally aspirated engines, turbocharged engines exhibit what regarding exhaust system operating conditions?
• The voltage in a magneto secondary coil is influenced by which factors?
• What is a common practice for starter motor life extension and safe operation?
• Which best describes a purpose of the bellmouth compressor inlet?
• During engine starting with a carburetor air heater, which position is appropriate?
• The purpose of a bellmouth compressor inlet is to
• In an aviation engine, what does the acronym CHT stand for and what does it relate to?
• In a magneto system, the ignition switch is connected in which manner with respect to the breaker points?
• In a dry-sump system, what is the role of the scavenge pumps?
• On an air-cooled engine, fins provide cooling on which surfaces?
• What does MEL stand for and how is it used in flight decisions?
• Describe two fuel pump types used in general aviation piston engines.
• How is ignition timing typically set in a piston engine with dual magnetos?
• In a fuel-injected engine, what is the role of the fuel metering unit?
• What is the main purpose of an induction air filter on piston engines?
• What test instrument could be used to test an ignition harness for suspected leakage?
• Which component tends to accumulate ice first during flight: wing leading edge, prop spinner, or carburetor?
• What diagnostic would indicate a restriction or leakage in the fuel metering path in a fuel-injected engine?
• In a high-tension ignition system, the current in the magneto secondary winding is
• Which anti-icing method uses warmth from the exhaust to warm intake air?
• Compared to normally aspirated engines, turbocharged engine exhaust systems operate at
• In an airplane equipped with an alternate air system, if the main air duct air filter becomes blocked or clogged, the
• What test instrument could be used to test an ignition harness for suspected leakage?
• The carburetor airscoop may also
• What is the purpose of an intercooler in a turbocharged engine?
• Using a cold spark plug in a high-compression aircraft engine would probably result in which outcome?
• Why might an auxiliary power unit (APU) be used during engine starting on the ground?
• Repair of exhaust system components should be performed by whom?
• Which material is NOT typically used for magneto pole shoes?
• Which engine parameter directly indicates engine speed?
• An increase in manifold pressure when carburetor heat is applied indicates what condition?
• If a spark plug lead becomes grounded, the
• Magneto pole shoes are generally made of which material?
• In a spark-ignition engine, a fouled spark plug can be identified by which symptom?
• Which part of an aircraft in flight will begin to accumulate ice before any other?
• Why is an air filter important on a piston engine, and where is it typically located?
• What is the purpose of an intercooler in a turbocharged system?
• If oil pressure reading is outside the manufacturer's specified range during operation, what should you do?
• The vortex dissipators installed on some turbine-powered aircraft to prevent engine FOD utilize
• As manifold pressure increases in a reciprocating engine, what happens to the density of air in the cylinder?
• When the switch is off in a battery ignition system, the primary circuit is
• Oil viscosity and temperature relationship: Which statement is true?
• When removing a turbine engine igniter plug, which sequence helps prevent a lethal shock?
• When internally timing a magneto, the breaker points begin to open at which position?
• Power recovery turbines used on some reciprocating engines are driven by which of the following?
• If the mainspring tension is insufficient, which symptom best describes the condition?
• During an engine run-up, a slow drop in RPM is usually caused by which condition?
• Where are cooling fins usually located on air-cooled engines?
• What do cylinder head temperature (CHT) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauges indicate, and why are they monitored?
• In a Shower of Sparks ignition system, which statement is true?
• What is the purpose of using an impulse coupling with a magneto?
• How does a supercharger differ from a turbocharger?
• What steps should you take if you observe a drastic oil pressure drop while in flight?
• What is the recommended safety practice when performing maintenance on a hot engine?
• Which operating condition tends to decrease volumetric efficiency?
• What is the primary function of a dry-sump lubrication system in aircraft engines, and how does it differ from a wet-sump system?
• What are the two primary components of a spark plug and their functions?
• When performing a magneto ground check on an engine, correct operation is indicated by which condition?
• Which of the following is a common cause of engine misfire and one method to diagnose it?
• The component in a turbine engine that operates at the highest temperatures is the
• If the magneto breaker point mainspring does not have sufficient tension, what is the most likely result?
• How should oil pressure respond to increasing engine RPM during normal operation, and what action should you take if the pressure is outside the manufacturer's specified range?
• During magneto maintenance, what is the safest initial step before any disconnection of leads?
• How do throttle position and mixture settings interact with engine operation at altitude?
• Differentiate between carburetor-based induction and fuel-injected induction in terms of fuel metering.
• Which statement correctly describes a wet-sump lubrication system?
• Why are CHT and EGT gauges monitored during flight?
• A magneto ignition switch is connected
• Most exhaust system failures result from thermal fatigue cracking in areas of stress concentration. This condition is usually caused by which factor?
• How does carburetor heat affect air density and engine performance during icing conditions?
• What is vapor lock, and what conditions promote it in an aircraft fuel system?
• Vortex dissipator systems are generally activated by which signal?
• How is a cylinder compression test performed and what does it diagnose?
• The pressure between the turbocharger and the throttle valve is called
• The function of keepers placed across the poles of a magnet in a magneto is to
• Which manual should be consulted to determine the maximum amount of cylinder cooling fin that could be removed when cracks are found?
• During maintenance, removing a shielded spark plug is most likely to damage which part?
• Engine anti-ice systems prevent ice formation in which areas?
• Which breaker point characteristic indicates a faulty capacitor?
• Which statement about thrust reverser systems is true?
• What is the purpose of a float-type carburetor's main metering device?
• As manifold pressure increases, density of air in the cylinder
• The electrical circuit from the spark plug back to the magneto is completed by grounding through the
• Which turbine engine component operates at the highest temperatures?
• In addition to causing accelerated wear, dust or sand ingested by a reciprocating engine may also cause
• A single cylinder shows abnormally low compression during a cold compression check. What is the most likely cause?
• The purpose of an engine/inlet anti-ice system is primarily to do what?
• What is the wastegate in a turbocharged engine for?
• Which statement best describes the cooling approach of air-cooled versus liquid-cooled engines and a typical concern for air-cooled designs?
• How should corrosion-resistant steel parts such as exhaust collectors be blast cleaned?
• What is the purpose of a fuel primer in cold weather starting, and where is it typically injected?
• The greatest density of flux lines in the magnetic circuit of a rotating magnet-type magneto occurs when the magnet is in which position?
• One source commonly used for carburetor air heat is which of the following?
• Which statement best describes the function of the retard breaker points opening in a starting system?
• What drives a supercharger in a typical engine installation?
• What is a magneto, and why is it independent of aircraft electrical power?
• In a typical aircraft reciprocating engine, the distributor speed is half the crankshaft speed. True or False?
• Dislodged internal muffler baffles on a small reciprocating engine may cause which of the following?
• What is the purpose of a turbocharger system for a small reciprocating aircraft engine?
• When installing a magneto on an engine, which timing condition must be satisfied for cylinder 1?
• What is the purpose of a sonic venturi on a turbocharged engine?