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Sample Module 16 Piston Engine Practice Questions
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1An aircraft piston cylinder has a swept volume (displacement volume) of 90 cubic inches and a clearance volume of 15 cubic inches. What is the compression ratio of this engine?
A.7:1
B.6:1
C.5:1
D.8:1
Explanation: Compression Ratio (CR) is calculated as total cylinder volume divided by clearance volume: CR = (Swept Volume + Clearance Volume) / Clearance Volume. Here, CR = (90 + 15) / 15 = 105 / 15 = 7:1.
2Calculate the Indicated Horsepower (IHP) of a 4-stroke 6-cylinder engine with a Mean Effective Pressure (P) of 135 psi, piston stroke (L) of 0.375 ft, piston crown area (A) of 19.63 sq in, running at 2,400 RPM (N = 1,200 power strokes per min per cylinder).
A.270.0 HP
B.180.0 HP
C.135.0 HP
D.405.0 HP
Explanation: IHP for a multi-cylinder 4-stroke engine is calculated using IHP = (P * L * A * N * K) / 33,000. Where P = 135 psi, L = 0.375 ft, A = 19.63 sq in, N = 1,200 (RPM/2 for 4-stroke), K = 6 cylinders. IHP = (135 * 0.375 * 19.63 * 1200 * 6) / 33,000 = 5,962,567.5 / 33,000 = 180.68 HP ≈ 180 HP.
3An engine produces an Indicated Horsepower (IHP) of 220 HP and loses 33 HP to internal friction and parasitic drag (FHP). What is the Brake Horsepower (BHP) and Mechanical Efficiency of the engine?
A.BHP = 253 HP, Mechanical Efficiency = 87%
B.BHP = 187 HP, Mechanical Efficiency = 80%
C.BHP = 187 HP, Mechanical Efficiency = 85%
D.BHP = 200 HP, Mechanical Efficiency = 90%
Explanation: Brake Horsepower (BHP) = IHP - FHP = 220 - 33 = 187 HP. Mechanical Efficiency = (BHP / IHP) * 100% = (187 / 220) * 100% = 85%.
4In a standard four-stroke Otto cycle engine, during which stroke does ignition take place, and what is the exact position of the crankshaft relative to Top Dead Center (TDC)?
A.Ignition occurs at exact Top Dead Center (TDC) of the power stroke.
B.Ignition occurs slightly after Top Dead Center (ATDC) at the beginning of the power stroke.
C.Ignition occurs at Bottom Dead Center (BDC) between compression and power strokes.
D.Ignition occurs slightly before Top Dead Center (BTDC) near the end of the compression stroke.
Explanation: Ignition is timed to occur a specified number of degrees before Top Dead Center (BTDC) on the compression stroke. This provides adequate time for peak combustion pressure to develop shortly after TDC, maximizing mechanical work on the piston.
5What is the primary purpose of 'valve overlap' (the period when both intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously)?
A.To utilize the inertia of escaping exhaust gases to assist in scavenging the cylinder and drawing in a fresh charge.
B.To allow fuel to leak directly into the exhaust pipe to cool the turbine.
C.To reduce compression ratio during engine start to prevent starter motor overload.
D.To prevent detonation by lowering combustion chamber temperature during high RPM.
Explanation: Valve overlap occurs around Top Dead Center (TDC) between the exhaust and intake strokes. The velocity of exiting exhaust gases creates a low-pressure area in the cylinder, drawing in the fresh intake charge (scavenging) and enhancing volumetric efficiency.
6If a piston engine converts 28% of the total heat energy contained in the consumed fuel into useful crankshaft work, what is this percentage termed?
A.Indicated Thermal Efficiency
B.Brake Thermal Efficiency
C.Volumetric Efficiency
D.Mechanical Efficiency
Explanation: Brake Thermal Efficiency measures the proportion of total heat energy in consumed fuel that is delivered as effective shaft work (BHP) at the crankshaft propeller flange. Typical aircraft piston engines achieve 25%–30%.
7An engine has a cylinder diameter (bore) of 5 inches and a piston stroke of 4 inches. If the clearance volume is 10 cubic inches, calculate the compression ratio. (Use π = 3.1416)
A.7.85:1
B.9.85:1
C.8.85:1
D.6.85:1
Explanation: First find swept volume: V_swept = π * (bore/2)^2 * stroke = 3.1416 * (2.5)^2 * 4 = 3.1416 * 6.25 * 4 = 78.54 cu in. Total Volume = 78.54 + 10 = 88.54 cu in. Compression Ratio = 88.54 / 10 = 8.85:1.
8Calculate the Brake Horsepower (BHP) of an engine operating at 2,500 RPM that produces a measured crankshaft torque of 420 lb-ft.
A.180 HP
B.220 HP
C.240 HP
D.200 HP
Explanation: BHP is calculated using BHP = (Torque in lb-ft * RPM) / 5252. BHP = (420 * 2500) / 5252 = 1,050,000 / 5252 = 199.92 HP ≈ 200 HP.
9Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) is defined as:
A.Weight of fuel burned per unit time per unit of brake horsepower produced (e.g., lb/BHP/hr).
B.Gallons of fuel burned per hour regardless of engine power output.
C.Ratio of air mass to fuel mass burned in the combustion chamber during cruise.
D.The volume of fuel consumed per nautical mile at maximum continuous power.
Explanation: BSFC measures fuel efficiency by expressing the mass (weight) of fuel burned per hour for each unit of brake horsepower produced (typically lb/BHP/hr or kg/kW/hr). Lower BSFC indicates higher engine efficiency.
10Which of the following conditions will DECREASE the volumetric efficiency of a naturally aspirated piston engine?
A.High ambient air density and low intake manifold air temperature.
B.High intake manifold air temperature, elevated altitude, and partial throttle opening.
C.High intake manifold temperature, sharp intake bends, and full open throttle.
D.Cold dense intake air and polished smooth intake ports.
Explanation: Volumetric efficiency is the ratio of air mass entering the cylinder to the theoretical cylinder capacity. High intake air temperature (less dense air), high altitude (lower pressure), and restricted throttle openings reduce the air mass drawn into the cylinder.
About the Module 16 Piston Engine Exam
UK CAA Part-66 Module 16 tests aircraft piston engine construction, fuel metering, magneto ignition, turbocharging, and ground maintenance checks for B1.2/B1.4 AME candidates. Exam includes 72 MCQs with a 75% pass mark.
Exam sponsor: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
72 questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
75%
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
50%
Core Knowledge & Regulations
Fundamental principles, laws, and operating requirements.
50%
Applied Systems & Calculations
Practical application, calculations, and maintenance procedures.
Preparing for the Module 16 Piston Engine Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 75%
- Exam length: 72 questions
- Time limit: 90 minutes
- Exam / certification fees: £75 Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
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Module 16 Piston Engine: Suggested Study Strategy
1Review official CAA syllabus and learning objectives.
2Practise worked calculations and formula applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass mark for Module 16 Piston Engine?
The pass mark required by the UK CAA is 75%.