Operation of Aircraft Systems

• Most aircraft have a standardized set of systems which diverge depending on their designed purpose [ Figure 1 ]
• Generally speaking, this starts with Pitot-static systems, the manipulation of air pressure which enable avionic and instrument function
• The aircraft's induction system is responsible for the vacuum system, which powers typically gyroscopic systems
• Individual aircraft systems will vary between vacuum, gyroscopic, or electrically driven(discussed below); however, a combination of the previously mentioned systems are necessary to power many primary flight instruments, including the Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, and Vertical Speed Indicator
• Pilots must physically manipulate an aircraft's state to meet the needs of a given phase of flight
• Rudimentary control of the aircraft requires flight control systems

Complex Systems:

• Certain aircraft operations demand increasingly complex aircraft, and therefore systems
• Hydraulics & pneumatics help power landing gear, brakes, and even control surfaces when cabling is not enough
• Demanding operations call for complex aircraft requiring powerplants with enough power to deliver the desired performance
• While general aviation aircraft typically incorporate a fixed-pitch propeller, complex aircraft employ constant-speed propellers
• Turbo-charging or super-charging systems provide that boost of power

Powerplant Systems:

• The powerplant (engine) produces the power/thrust necessary for flight [ Figure 2 ]
• Additional systems are related to the powerplant include:
  • Aircraft Induction Systems
  • Electrical
  • Ignition
  • Aviation Fuel
  • Lubrication

Support Systems:

• Some systems are supplemental
• Systems such as cabin heating and cooling systems condition air for the pilot and passengers
• Pressurization systems allow for high-performance aircraft to operate at high altitudes, taking advantage of atmospheric conditions that enhance aircraft performance
• Supplemental oxygen systems become necessary to meet regulatory and human performance requirements associated with operating at higher altitudes
• Weather poses a threat to the aircraft, warranting icing mitigation systems to penetrate freezing layers found at higher altitudes and especially during winter months

AOPA A&P Podcasts:

• The AOPA publishes A&P Podcasts monthly, answering technical questions provided by the aviation community

Conclusion:

• Understanding how systems operate on their own is the first step in understanding how they integrate
  • For example, landing gear may be electronically operated, but hudraulically actuated
  • Review its contents regularly