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The Hardest Aircraft Engine Quiz You'll Take This Week

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Boldmethod

Good luck!


  1. 1) What is the Bendix drive part of, and what does it engage?

    The Bendix drive is part of the starter. When it's engaged, it engages the flywheel, turning the crankshaft.

    The Bendix drive is part of the starter. When it's engaged, it engages the flywheel, turning the crankshaft.

  2. 2) What three forces act on a rotating propeller?

    1) Aerodynamic twisting force is experienced by any asymmetrical spinning object. With a spinning prop, it acts to twist the blades to a low pitch, high RPM position. Because of this, the aerodynamic center of pressure is usually positioned slightly forward of the mechanical centerline.  2) Torque bending force acts against the blades, causing the blades to bend away from the direction of rotation.  3) Thrust bending force on the blades, in reaction to the force pushing the air backwards, acts to bend the blades forward. Propeller blades are often raked forward, so that the outward centrifugal force of rotation acts to bend them backwards, balancing out the bending effects.

    1) Aerodynamic twisting force is experienced by any asymmetrical spinning object. With a spinning prop, it acts to twist the blades to a low pitch, high RPM position. Because of this, the aerodynamic center of pressure is usually positioned slightly forward of the mechanical centerline.  2) Torque bending force acts against the blades, causing the blades to bend away from the direction of rotation.  3) Thrust bending force on the blades, in reaction to the force pushing the air backwards, acts to bend the blades forward. Propeller blades are often raked forward, so that the outward centrifugal force of rotation acts to bend them backwards, balancing out the bending effects.

  3. 3) How is fuel drawn into the Venturi of a carburetor?

    As air accelerates through the Venturi, it creates a low pressure. That low pressure draws fuel into the carburetor, where it mixes with air.

    As air accelerates through the Venturi, it creates a low pressure. That low pressure draws fuel into the carburetor, where it mixes with air.

  4. 4) Carburetor heat...

    Carb heat introduces warm air into the engine. Because warm air is less dense, not as much air can be drawn into the engine, reducing its power output.

    Carb heat introduces warm air into the engine. Because warm air is less dense, not as much air can be drawn into the engine, reducing its power output.

  5. 5) A turbocharger's critical altitude is reached when...

    A turbocharger's critical altitude is reached when the waste gate fully closes, and the engine can still maintain full power. Climbing any higher than the critical altitude would decrease manifold pressure and power output.

    A turbocharger's critical altitude is reached when the waste gate fully closes, and the engine can still maintain full power. Climbing any higher than the critical altitude would decrease manifold pressure and power output.

  6. 6) Engine pre-ignition is _______.

    Pre-ignition is an event where the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder ignites before the spark plug fires. It's usually caused by hot spots in the cylinder, a spark plug that's too hot, or carbon deposits in the cylinder.

    Pre-ignition is an event where the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder ignites before the spark plug fires. It's usually caused by hot spots in the cylinder, a spark plug that's too hot, or carbon deposits in the cylinder.

Well, that was a tough quiz...

You scored % But think about how much you just learned.

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Well, that went pretty well.

You scored %. Looks like you know quite a bit about aircraft engines.

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Well, you clearly had no problems with this quiz.

Your score: % Nice work!

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Corey Komarec

Corey is an Airbus 320 First Officer for a U.S. Major Carrier. He graduated as an aviation major from the University of North Dakota, and he's been flying since he was 16. You can reach him at corey@boldmethod.com.

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