Ignition system
The function of the ignition system is to provide an electrical spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture in the cylinders. The ignition system of the engine is completely separate from…
Principles of Engine Lubrication
The primary purpose of a lubricant is to reduce friction between moving parts. Because liquid lubricants or oils can be circulated readily, they are used universally in aircraft engines. In theory,…
MULTIENGINE FUEL SYSTEMS
The design of the fuel system for an aircraft having two or more engines presents problems not normally encountered in single engine fuel systems. A large number of tanks are…
Aircraft Fuel Systems
Definition An aircraft fuel system enables fuel to be loaded, stored, managed and delivered to the propulsion system (engine(s)) of an aircraft. General Description Fuel systems differ greatly from aircraft…
Autopilot Systems
An aircraft automatic pilot system controls the aircraft without the pilot directly maneuvering the controls. The autopilot maintains the aircraft’s attitude and/or direction and returns the aircraft to that condition…
Digital Fly By Wire
Well into the 1980s, mechanically controlled aircraft were the norm. A vehicle’s control surfaces were operated through cables and pushrods physically connecting the aircraft’s wings and surfaces to the pilot’s…
Auto pilot System
An autopilot is a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being. An autopilot can refer specifically to aircraft, self-steering gear for…
Aircraft engine controls
Aircraft engine controls provide a means for the pilot to control and monitor the operation of the aircraft's powerplant. This article describes controls used with a basic internal-combustion engine driving a propeller. Some optional…
Shock Absorbing and Non-Shock Absorbing Landing Gear
In addition to supporting the aircraft for taxi, the forces of impact on an aircraft during landing must be controlled by the landing gear. This is done in two ways:…
Landing Gear Types and Arrangement
Landing Gear Arrangement Three basic arrangements of landing gear are used: tail wheel-type landing gear (also known as conventional gear), tandem landing gear, and tricycle-type landing gear. Tail Wheel Type…
