• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Flight Literacy

Flight Training Educational Materials

  • Home
  • Basic Flight Training
    • Basic Aircraft Flight
    • Aeronautical Knowledge
    • Airplane Ownership – General Aviation Information
  • Advanced Flight Training
    • Instrument Flight Rules
    • Instrument Procedures
    • Flight Navigation
    • Aircraft Weight and Balance
    • Advanced Avionics
    • Risk Management
    • Aviation Instructor Training
    • Glider Flying
    • Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flight
    • Helicopter Flight Training
    • Advisory Circulars
  • Training Aids
  • Tip Jar
You are here: Home / Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flight / WSC Components and Systems / Flight Deck – Weight-Shift Control Aircraft (Part Two)

Flight Deck – Weight-Shift Control Aircraft (Part Two)

Filed Under: WSC Components and Systems

Powerplant System

The powerplant system is composed of the fuel system, engine, gearbox, and propeller. Here we will point out the basic components of these systems with their function and details covered in Chapter 4, Powerplant System.

Fuel System Components

The WSC aircraft is equipped with fuel tanks usually ranging in capacity from 5 to 20 gallons. As with any aircraft, knowing how much fuel the tank holds is crucial to flight operations. The LSA definition has no limitations on the size of the fuel tank, unlike its ultralight vehicle predecessor.

Figure 3-50. Fuel tank with visible fuel quantity.
Figure 3-50. Fuel tank with visible fuel quantity.

Generally, the fuel tank is located close to the CG, so fuel burn does not affect the balance of the carriage. Some fuel tanks are clear for visual inspection of the amount of fuel on board [Figure 3-50], while others have tanks that are not visible and require fuel level probes for instrument panel indication of fuel. [Figure 3-51]

Figure 3-51. Fuel fill to fuel tank under passengers seat.
Figure 3-51. Fuel fill to fuel tank under passengers seat.

Fuel lines exit the fuel tank, and may incorporate a primer bulb, fuel filters, fuel pump, and/or a primer system, all of which must be integrated into the carriage. A fuel venting system is also required, which can be a hole in the fuel filler or lines running to vent at an appropriate location.

A fuel shut-off valve may be installed and can be located anywhere in the fuel line. Some designs have a fuel tank sump drain valve to remove water and solid contaminants.

How to Fly an AirplaneFlight Literacy Recommends

Rod Machado's How to Fly an Airplane Handbook – Learn the basic fundamentals of flying any airplane. Make flight training easier, less expensive, and more enjoyable. Master all the checkride maneuvers. Learn the "stick and rudder" philosophy of flying. Prevent an airplane from accidentally stalling or spinning. Land a plane quickly and enjoyably.

Engine and Gearbox

The typical WSC aircraft engine can be two or four-stroke, liquid or air-cooled, and normally ranges from 50 to 100 horsepower. Some engines have electric starters and some have pull starters. Most WSC aircraft engines have reduction drives that, when attached, reduce the propeller rpm from ½ to ¼ the engine rpm. [Figure 3-52]

Figure 3-52. Engine gearbox.
Figure 3-52. Engine gearbox.

A significant amount of the total aircraft empty weight is determined by the powerplant (engine, gearbox, and propeller) and mounting configuration. When trailering the WSC aircraft over bumpy terrain or over long trips, the bouncing of the carriage in the trailer can put extreme stress on this mounting system. In addition, repeated hard landings of the carriage can also stress the welds of the engine mount. Consistent detailed inspections of the engine mount should be an important part of every preflight and postflight inspection.

The powerplant systems are as varied as the WSC aircraft they power. Modern technology has allowed these systems to become lighter, quieter, more efficient, and, most importantly, dependable.

The Propeller

Propellers are “power converters” that change the engine horsepower into thrust. Thrust is the force that propels the aircraft through the air by pushing the WSC aircraft forward. Aerodynamically speaking, a propeller is a rotating airfoil and the same principles that apply to the wing applies to the propeller, except the propeller provides a horizontal force of thrust.

Figure 3-53. Four-blade propeller.
Figure 3-53. Four-blade propeller.

Propellers typically consist of two, three, or four blades. [Figures 3-53 and 3-54] Propellers can be ground adjustable or fixed pitch. Variable pitch flight propellers are not allowed on LSA. The pitch should be properly set for your WSC aircraft to provide the recommended rpm of the engine at full power. The POH should be consulted if there is any question about the propeller rpm and adjusting or replacing the propeller. Propellers are specifically matched to the engine power, gear reduction and speed range of the aircraft. Therefore, not just any propeller may be put on any engine. The POH requires specific propellers that are matched for each aircraft.

Figure 3-54. Three-blade propeller.
Figure 3-54. Three-blade propeller.

As with an airplane propeller, the WSC aircraft propeller turns at such high speeds that it becomes invisible when in motion. The dangers of a turning propeller require every pilot to maintain the highest level of safety and respect for the consequences of body parts, pets, and debris coming in contact with a rotating propeller. Debris on the takeoff/ landing field is a danger to the propeller, as well as to the people who may be in the prop-wash area behind or on the side of the propeller. Stones, small pieces of metal, and sticks can become dangerous projectiles if kicked into the propeller during start-up, taxi, takeoff, and landing. Just as with any airframe or wing component of a WSC aircraft, if the propeller becomes damaged, nicked, or dinged, the aircraft’s performance can be greatly affected. Some pilots elect to use tape or rock deflector guards to protect the leading edge from rock/debris damage. Regardless, taking proper care of the propeller is as critical as proper engine and wing care.

Flight Literacy Recommends

Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook -Flight Literacy recommends Rod Machado's products because he takes what is normally dry and tedious and transforms it with his characteristic humor, helping to keep you engaged and to retain the information longer. (see all of Rod Machado's Products).

-->

Primary Sidebar

SEARCH FLIGHT LITERACY

Basic Flight Training

Basic Aircraft Flight
Aeronautical Knowledge
Airplane Ownership - General Aviation
Training Aids

Advanced Flight Training

Instrument Flight Rules
Instrument Procedures
Flight Navigation
Aircraft Weight and Balance
Advanced Avionics
Risk Management
Aviation Instructor Training
Glider Flying
Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft
Helicopter Flight Training
Aircraft Mechanic (flight-mechanic.com)

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Easy Campfire Recipes | Recipe Workbook


Please help support our work
HIT THE TIP JAR

Copyright © 2022 FlightLiteracy.com




.