FAA Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) flashcards

Determining the maximum safe flight duration based on oil capacity, consumption rate, and required reserve.

• Usable oil = Total capacity - Reserve.
• Flight time = Usable oil / Consumption rate.
• Essential for flight planning and safety.

Memory trick: Total minus reserve, then divide by burn, for hours you've earned.

A piston ring designed to regulate the amount of oil on the cylinder wall, ensuring adequate lubrication while preventing excessive oil consumption.

• Located below the compression rings.
• Scrapes oil from cylinder walls.
• Returns oil to the crankcase via slots/holes.

Memory trick: Compression seals power, Oil controls lubrication.

The specified rotational force applied during spark plug installation to ensure proper sealing and efficient transfer of heat from the plug to the cylinder head.

• Crucial for preventing spark plug overheating.
• Incorrect torque leads to poor heat dissipation.
• Prevents pre-ignition and electrode damage.

Memory trick: Tight is right for heat's flight.

Combustion that continues in an engine after the ignition system has been turned off, often characterized by rough, uncontrolled firing.

• Occurs after ignition is OFF.
• Caused by hot spots igniting fuel.
• Often due to lean idle mixture.

Memory trick: Lean hot spots ignite, causing run-on, like a campfire after the match is out.

Troubleshooting low fuel pressure in a reciprocating engine involves systematically checking components on both the suction and pressure sides of the fuel pump.

• Low pressure often indicates a problem on the suction side (e.g., air leak, clogged screen) or with the pump's internal components.
• High pressure often indicates a blockage downstream or a stuck relief valve.
• Manufacturer's specifications are crucial for diagnosis.

Memory trick: Pump's Pains: Suction Side Sucks, Relief Valve Relaxes

A component in a continuous-flow fuel injection system that ensures equal distribution of fuel from the metering unit to all individual fuel injection nozzles.

• Crucial for smooth engine operation and cylinder balance.
• Often incorporates a positive shutoff feature for engine shutdown.
• Distributes metered fuel, does not meter itself.

Memory trick: Manifold is like a 'fuel dispatcher', sending equal parts to each cylinder.

A procedure to adjust the fuel-air ratio at idle by observing engine RPM changes when the mixture control is moved to idle cutoff.

• Slight RPM rise (10-50 RPM) indicates correct mixture.
• Significant rise indicates rich mixture.
• No rise or immediate drop indicates lean mixture.

Memory trick: Big RPM jump at cutoff? Too much gas, engine was 'gassy'.

The ability of a hydraulic valve lifter to be compressed by hand, indicating its internal oil charge and rigidity.

• Should be rigid or slightly compressible when cold and full of oil.
• Excessive compressibility indicates air or faulty check valve.
• Affects valve lash and engine performance.

Memory trick: Oil fills the gap, air makes it soft.

The precise synchronization of the magneto's spark event with the piston's position and crankshaft rotation for optimal engine operation.

• Spark occurs BTDC on the compression stroke.
• Specific degrees BTDC are engine-manufacturer specified.
• Ensures maximum power and efficiency.

Memory trick: Spark before the peak, for power you seek.

A system that allows air to freely enter and exit the fuel tank, preventing pressure differentials that could lead to tank collapse, rupture, or fuel starvation.

• Prevents vacuum as fuel is consumed.
• Prevents over-pressurization from temperature changes.
• Ensures consistent fuel flow to the engine.

Memory trick: Vent is the 'breather' for the tank, keeping pressure balanced.

The precise adjustment of magneto breaker points to open when the rotating magnet is at its maximum magnetic field strength.

• Points open at maximum magnetic flux.
• Induces highest voltage in secondary coil.
• Produces strongest spark for ignition.

Memory trick: E-gap is for 'Excellent Spark' – maximum field, maximum power.

Breaches in the exhaust system that allow hot exhaust gases to escape, often creating localized areas of extreme heat.

• Can lead to engine compartment fires.
• May cause carbon monoxide contamination.
• Reduces engine performance and increases noise.

Memory trick: Hot gas is fire's fuel, CO's silent tool.