Aircraft Systems
Explain how your trainer works, and what you will do when a system fails.
Powerplant & propeller
Most trainers use a four-stroke opposed engine. Mixture sets fuel/air ratio; throttle sets power; carb heat/alternate air addresses induction ice. Detonation and pre-ignition are abnormal combustion. Both can damage the engine.
POH first
Use your airplane’s leaning, run-up, and emergency procedures, not generic memory alone.
Fuel & oil
Know grades/colors, usable fuel, tank selection, and vents. Drain sumps before the first flight of the day and after refueling. Oil lubricates, cools, and cleans. Treat abnormal temp/pressure as a reason to land with a plan.
Electrical
Battery starts and backs up; the alternator powers systems in flight. On alternator failure, shed nonessential load per POH and land before the battery dies. Do not reset breakers repeatedly.
Pitot-static & attitude systems
Pitot + static → airspeed. Static → altimeter and VSI. Know blockage symptoms and alternate static. Attitude/heading may be vacuum gyros or AHRS. Understand partial-panel implications.
Practice questions
1. Which instrument uses pitot and static pressure?
Show Answer
Airspeed indicator.
2. Why drain fuel sumps?
Show Answer
To check for water/contaminants that can cause engine failure.
3. General response to alternator failure?
Show Answer
POH flow: shed load, troubleshoot, land before battery depletion.