WHY AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK
Whether you are making a flight across the great state of Texas or just flying around the pattern, there are hundreds of little things that need to happen correctly.
Many of these little things have to happen simultaneously and others consecutively and many of them revolve around our aircraft, or more specifically, its systems.
So today we will talk about systems. A system is defined as a set or arrangement of things so related or connected as to form a unified whole.
One of the many important reasons to study aircraft systems is because of emergencies. If we understand how a system works, we can also understand what will cause it to stop working or to understand why it isn’t working correctly.
Let’s look at the engine and common causes of engine failure or power loss:
● fuel exhaustion
● bad fuel, wrong fuel
● not switching tanks
● vapor lock
● clogged fuel vents
● Induction icing
● carb icing
● magneto issues
● spark plug issues
● engine overheating
● low oil pressure
● high oil pressure
Knowing your aircraft’s engine system well, performing scheduled maintenance, using pre-flight checks, and constant monitoring in flight can help prevent most of these emergencies.
You can find a detailed list of these systems in your aircraft’s POH/AFM or owners manual usually in section 7. Also while not specific to your exact aircraft the PHAK (pilots handbook of aeronautical knowledge) has great information on almost every system present in GA aircraft conveniently/coincidentally also in chapter 7.
Also if you are in training for a new rating or certification you can expect the DPE to ask extensive questions about your aircraft’s systems as it is required by the FAA.
If you are finding systems intimidating or overwhelming that’s okay we’ve all been there at least once, schedule a time with one of the instructors and we can help break it down into more bite size pieces.
During my own flight training I often found YouTube videos explaining systems entertaining and informative, also watching the accident report videos and seeing how not knowing or respecting your aircraft systems and limitations can put your own life and the life of loved ones in jeopardy.
All aircraft have a requirement for essential systems like the engine, propeller, induction, ignition systems as well
as the fuel, lubrication, cooling, electrical, landing gear, and environmental control systems to support flight. Understanding
the systems of the aircraft being flown is critical to
its safe operation and proper maintenance.
In short know your aircraft and systems well and you will have a safe and enjoyable time in the air.
Let’s go fly!
Gabriel Cox