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Ignition & Starting Systems: Powerplant practice questions

Five original questions on ignition & starting systems, each with the answer, an explanation and an FAA-H-8083-32B page reference.

1. What does an electronic ignition system on a piston engine typically allow?
  1. Starting without a battery under all conditions
  2. Only one spark plug per cylinder
  3. Variable spark timing based on engine conditions
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C. Variable spark timing based on engine conditions Spark timing varies over the operating range with engine load.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 4, p. 4-16

2. What is the most widely used starter on reciprocating engines?
  1. Direct cranking electric starter
  2. Inertia starter
  3. Air turbine starter
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A. Direct cranking electric starter An electric motor engages a gear to turn the crankshaft directly.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 5, p. 5-2

3. What is a starter-generator?
  1. A starter with a backup battery
  2. A generator driven by the starter motor
  3. A unit that cranks a turbine engine for starting and then works as a generator
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C. A unit that cranks a turbine engine for starting and then works as a generator It switches to a generator after self-sustaining speed, saving weight and space.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 5, p. 5-10

4. What powers an air turbine starter?
  1. Compressed air from an APU, ground cart or another engine
  2. Hydraulic pressure from the engine pump
  3. The aircraft battery directly
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A. Compressed air from an APU, ground cart or another engine An axial turbine turns a drive coupling through reduction gears and a clutch.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 5, p. 5-12

5. What is a hung start on a turbine engine?
  1. The engine fails to light off
  2. The exhaust temperature exceeds limits
  3. The engine lights off but does not accelerate to idle rpm
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C. The engine lights off but does not accelerate to idle rpm A hung start lights off but will not accelerate to idle rpm.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 10, p. 10-57

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What does the Powerplant test cover on ignition & starting systems?

The Aviation Mechanic Powerplant ACS lists ignition & starting systems as one of its areas. The FAA reference for this material is FAA-H-8083-32B.