Propeller Systems and Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real A&P practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Propeller Systems and Maintenance flashcards as text
How are wooden propellers typically constructed to minimize warping and cracking?
Answer: From multiple laminations of close-grained hardwood such as birch or walnut
Wooden propellers are built from multiple laminations of close-grained hardwood bonded together, which reduces warping by allowing each layer's grain to counteract the others.
How do isopropyl alcohol anti-icing systems protect propeller blades from ice accumulation?
Answer: By lowering the freezing point of moisture on blade surfaces to prevent ice formation
Isopropyl alcohol mixes with water on the blade surface and lowers its freezing point, preventing ice from forming and allowing existing ice to shed centrifugally.
What is the function of a centrifugal latch on a Hartzell constant-speed full-feathering propeller?
Answer: It prevents blade movement to the feathered position below a minimum RPM threshold
The centrifugal latch engages at very low RPM to prevent the blades from fully feathering during engine shutdown, allowing normal restart without unfeathering delay.
When a propeller overspeed condition occurs in flight, what is the pilot's first corrective action?
Answer: Reduce throttle to decrease engine torque and allow RPM to recover
Reducing throttle decreases engine torque, lowering RPM so the governor can regain control; it is always the first and fastest corrective action for an overspeed.
What is the purpose of propeller synchrophasing on multi-engine aircraft?
Answer: To control the angular phase relationship between propellers to reduce cabin noise and vibration
Synchrophasing controls the angular phase offset between propellers on multi-engine aircraft to minimize cabin noise caused by constructive interference of blade pressure pulses.
What is the required method for torquing propeller retaining nuts during installation?
Answer: Apply the specific torque values from the manufacturer's maintenance manual using a calibrated torque wrench
Propeller retaining nuts must be torqued to specific values per the manufacturer's maintenance manual using a calibrated torque wrench to ensure proper clamping force without overstressing components.
What is the primary aerodynamic purpose of a propeller spinner?
Answer: To reduce aerodynamic drag around the propeller hub area
The spinner's streamlined shape reduces aerodynamic drag around the propeller hub and also helps direct cooling airflow efficiently into the engine nacelle.