Private Pilot Cheat Sheet - Airplane Systems

Four strokes of an engine are intake, compression, power and exhaust stokes.
Induction Systems

1. Throttle and mixture control allow us to chose RPM and the fuel/air ratio.
2. Air forced through venturi picks up velocity and creates low pressure. This low pressure will make the temperatures drop causing water vapor to condense forming carb ice.
3. Carb ice can form at or below 70F with relative high humidity.
4. First indication of carb ice is loss of RPM

Ignition Systems

1. Dual magnetos for improved safety and better engine RPM
2. Detonation is uncontrolled explosive ignition of fuel/air
3. If you suspect detonation, lower the nose to increase airspeed and the cooling airflow around engine and reduce the engine power.