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Module 17B Propeller (B3): 47 practice questions

Real EASA paper: B3 32 Q / 40 min. Three options, 75% to pass. Answer key on the last page. From part66exam.com · independent study aid, not an official exam or a past paper.

  1. 1. A simple synchroscope shows the pilot:

    1. A. the propeller blade angle difference
    2. B. which engine is running faster
    3. C. which engine has more torque

  2. 2. Unfeathering in flight on some light twins uses:

    1. A. the starter motor alone
    2. B. a separate reversing switch
    3. C. an oil accumulator

  3. 3. A composite propeller in storage is kept away from:

    1. A. shaded storage racks
    2. B. UV light and solvents
    3. C. dry, cool air

  4. 4. A ground test of electric prop de-icing is done:

    1. A. for several minutes with the engine stopped
    2. B. briefly, per the AMM procedure
    3. C. only in flight

  5. 5. Light-sport aircraft commonly use which type of propeller?

    1. A. Hydromatic double-acting propellers
    2. B. Reversing turboprop propellers
    3. C. Multi-blade fixed-pitch composite propellers

  6. 6. When running an engine for propeller checks, people must stay clear of:

    1. A. the tail of the aircraft only
    2. B. the area around the fuel filler
    3. C. the plane of rotation

  7. 7. A fixed-pitch 'climb' propeller compared with a 'cruise' propeller has:

    1. A. lower pitch, giving better take-off and climb
    2. B. higher pitch, giving better climb
    3. C. the same pitch with more blades

  8. 8. Propeller synchronisation improves:

    1. A. engine power output
    2. B. propeller efficiency
    3. C. passenger comfort

  9. 9. Below the governing range (e.g. at idle on the ground), a constant-speed propeller:

    1. A. feathers automatically to reduce load
    2. B. sits on its low-pitch stop like a fixed-pitch one
    3. C. holds the rpm selected by the pilot exactly

  10. 10. Storage instructions for propellers come from:

    1. A. the aircraft maintenance manual only
    2. B. the store's general procedures
    3. C. the propeller manufacturer

  11. 11. Ice shed from propellers can:

    1. A. damage only the propeller itself
    2. B. strike the fuselage
    3. C. re-freeze on the windscreen

  12. 12. The data plate or stamping on a propeller hub shows:

    1. A. the engine oil grade
    2. B. the owner's name
    3. C. model and serial number

  13. 13. Before turning a propeller by hand for a track check, the technician must ensure:

    1. A. the magnetos are off and grounded
    2. B. the fuel tanks are completely full
    3. C. the aircraft faces downwind

  14. 14. As forward speed increases with a fixed-pitch propeller at constant rpm, the blade angle of attack:

    1. A. increases
    2. B. does not change
    3. C. decreases

  15. 15. A synchrophaser can be adjusted to set the phase angle that gives:

    1. A. the highest engine rpm
    2. B. the greatest fuel flow
    3. C. the lowest cabin noise

  16. 16. Oil reaches a constant-speed propeller hub through:

    1. A. the fuel injector supply lines
    2. B. the crankshaft or a transfer collar
    3. C. a pipe through the exhaust system

  17. 17. Moisture in a wooden propeller can cause:

    1. A. higher strength from swelling
    2. B. lower weight as it dries
    3. C. imbalance and rot

  18. 18. Brushes in a propeller de-ice brush block are replaced when:

    1. A. worn to the limit in the manual
    2. B. the propeller is repainted
    3. C. the fuel is changed

  19. 19. Most modern light-aircraft fixed-pitch metal propellers are made from:

    1. A. cast magnesium alloy
    2. B. forged aluminium alloy
    3. C. welded steel tube

  20. 20. Which tool should be used to measure blade angle on a removed fixed-pitch propeller?

    1. A. A bench protractor
    2. B. A click torque wrench
    3. C. A hand tachometer

  21. 21. When the engine of a single-engine aircraft fails with a fixed-pitch propeller, the propeller normally:

    1. A. feathers automatically
    2. B. goes into reverse pitch
    3. C. windmills, driven by the airflow

  22. 22. Propeller synchronisers on light twins are normally switched off for take-off and landing so that:

    1. A. the engines run hotter in climb
    2. B. each governor has full authority
    3. C. the propellers feather on landing

  23. 23. As a constant-speed aircraft slows in a climb at a fixed rpm setting, the blade angle:

    1. A. increases to hold rpm
    2. B. decreases to hold rpm
    3. C. stays fixed

  24. 24. Preservation details for a stored propeller are:

    1. A. recorded in its records
    2. B. noted on the crate label only
    3. C. kept by the store only

  25. 25. Heater element resistance outside limits indicates:

    1. A. correct heater operation
    2. B. a damaged element or connection
    3. C. high engine fuel pressure

  26. 26. Light-sport aircraft multi-blade composite propellers are often:

    1. A. driven directly by the camshaft
    2. B. made of steel
    3. C. ground-adjustable for pitch

  27. 27. Why should propeller blades be wiped with a light oil film after cleaning metal blades?

    1. A. To improve aerodynamic efficiency
    2. B. To protect against corrosion
    3. C. To reduce blade erosion by rain

  28. 28. For a B3 light aeroplane propeller, the twisting effect of centrifugal force on each blade acts to:

    1. A. move the blade toward low pitch
    2. B. move the blade toward high pitch
    3. C. pull the blade out of the hub only

  29. 29. A synchroniser should not be used for:

    1. A. cruise with both engines running
    2. B. single-engine operation
    3. C. long-range cruise

  30. 30. An in-flight adjustable (manually controlled) propeller differs from a constant-speed propeller because:

    1. A. it holds rpm automatically
    2. B. the pilot sets the blade angle directly
    3. C. it cannot change pitch in flight

  31. 31. A propeller removed for storage keeps its:

    1. A. logbook and serviceability records
    2. B. the spinner only
    3. C. the last engine run report only

  32. 32. Some composite propellers have heaters built into the blades, which:

    1. A. need anti-icing fluid to work
    2. B. are built into the blade itself
    3. C. work without any electrical power

  33. 33. Wooden propeller hub bolts often pass through a metal face plate so that:

    1. A. the propeller can be adjusted in flight
    2. B. clamping load is spread over the wood
    3. C. the bolts can be left loose

  34. 34. A wooden propeller with a loose metal tipping should be:

    1. A. flown until the next inspection
    2. B. withdrawn for approved repair
    3. C. glued with household adhesive

  35. 35. A negative (reverse) blade angle produces:

    1. A. more forward thrust during the climb
    2. B. rearward thrust that slows the aircraft
    3. C. zero drag at all forward speeds

  36. 36. The master engine in a master-slave system is:

    1. A. the engine with the higher rpm
    2. B. the reference engine whose rpm is followed
    3. C. the left engine on all aircraft

  37. 37. A single-engine B3 aeroplane has a constant-speed propeller. The propeller control lever sets:

    1. A. the governed rpm
    2. B. the manifold pressure
    3. C. the fuel/air ratio

  38. 38. Before a stored propeller is fitted, the preservative is removed with:

    1. A. clean engine oil and a rag
    2. B. coarse sandpaper
    3. C. the method in the manual

  39. 39. A composite propeller blade may have a lightning protection or bonding feature to:

    1. A. carry lightning current to the hub
    2. B. heat the blade in icing conditions
    3. C. improve the propeller balance

  40. 40. A 'sudden stoppage' of a propeller, such as hitting an object, usually requires:

    1. A. an engine and propeller inspection
    2. B. only a quick look at the tips
    3. C. a new coat of paint on the blades

  41. 41. A propeller has a geometric pitch of 64 in and an effective pitch of 52 in. The slip is:

    1. A. 18.8 %
    2. B. 23.1 %
    3. C. 12.0 %

  42. 42. With one engine feathered, a correctly working synchroniser will:

    1. A. feather the other engine
    2. B. not drive the operating propeller to a low rpm
    3. C. increase both propellers to maximum rpm

  43. 43. On a light aeroplane propeller, the cambered side of the blade that faces forward is called the:

    1. A. flat side, facing the pilot
    2. B. hub end of the blade
    3. C. cambered side, facing forward

  44. 44. When a propeller is refitted to a B3 aircraft, the mounting bolts or nuts must be:

    1. A. tightened fully one at a time
    2. B. torqued evenly to the specified value and safetied
    3. C. lubricated with anti-seize to increase preload

  45. 45. A blade station number such as '30' on a light aircraft propeller indicates:

    1. A. distance in inches from the hub centre
    2. B. the blade angle in degrees
    3. C. the blade weight in pounds

  46. 46. After dressing out leading-edge damage on an aluminium blade, the area is inspected with:

    1. A. dye penetrant
    2. B. a tyre pressure gauge
    3. C. a calibrated fuel dipstick

  47. 47. The coloured tip stripes on a propeller are there to:

    1. A. make the turning disc visible
    2. B. show the blade angle setting
    3. C. mark where balance weights go

Answer key

  1. 1. B — A rotating disc indicates the direction and rate of rpm difference. A disc rotating one way shows one engine faster; when the disc stops, both propellers turn at the same speed.
  2. 2. C — Stored oil pressure moves the blades to a windmilling angle so the engine can restart.
  3. 3. B — UV and solvents degrade resins.
  4. 4. B — Follow the AMM to avoid overheating elements. Without cooling airflow the elements heat quickly, so ground tests are kept short as the AMM states.
  5. 5. C — The FAA handbook notes that LSA use multi-blade fixed-pitch composite propellers; some also use ground-adjustable composite designs.
  6. 6. C — A blade failure throws debris in the plane of rotation.
  7. 7. A — Climb propellers have a lower pitch to let the engine reach rated rpm at low speed; cruise propellers sacrifice take-off for speed.
  8. 8. C — Reduced noise and vibration make the cabin quieter. Removing beat noise and reducing vibration makes long flights less tiring for occupants.
  9. 9. B — At low power the engine cannot reach the selected rpm; the governor calls for low pitch and the blades rest on the low-pitch stop, so rpm follows the throttle as with a fixed-pitch propeller.
  10. 10. C — The propeller maintenance manual gives the preservation method, storage conditions and time limits.
  11. 11. B — Ice flung from the blades can dent the fuselage, so some aircraft have reinforced panels in the propeller plane.
  12. 12. C — Identification ensures correct approval and records.
  13. 13. A — A live magneto can fire a cylinder and start the engine, causing serious injury.
  14. 14. C — Higher forward speed increases the helix angle, so the difference between blade angle and helix angle reduces.
  15. 15. C — Changing the relative blade position alters how pressure pulses meet the fuselage.
  16. 16. B — Governor oil flows along the hollow crankshaft or through a transfer arrangement to the hub piston.
  17. 17. C — Store and inspect wooden propellers carefully. Moisture collecting unevenly in wood makes one blade heavier and can lead to decay of the laminations.
  18. 18. A — Worn brushes lose contact.
  19. 19. B — Metal fixed-pitch propellers are now one-piece anodised aluminium alloy. They are identified by stamping on the hub (serial number, model and approval data).
  20. 20. A — A bench-top protractor is used when the propeller is removed; a hand-held or universal protractor is used with the propeller installed or on a balancing stand.
  21. 21. C — A fixed-pitch propeller cannot change its blade angle, so after an engine failure the airflow drives it (windmilling), producing drag and turning the engine.
  22. 22. B — Limiting the synchroniser to cruise avoids interference during critical phases.
  23. 23. B — Lower forward speed would increase angle of attack and drag; the governor reduces pitch to hold rpm.
  24. 24. A — Records allow re-inspection and correct de-preservation. Recording the method and date lets the next technician know what must be removed before use and when re-inspection is due.
  25. 25. B — Open or shorted elements give abnormal resistance.
  26. 26. C — Many have blades clamped in a hub that can be reset on the ground.
  27. 27. B — After cleaning, aluminium and steel blades are coated with a clean film of engine oil or an equivalent to protect against corrosion.
  28. 28. A — Centrifugal force on the blade mass tries to align it with the plane of rotation, reducing blade angle; it is generally stronger than the aerodynamic twisting moment.
  29. 29. B — With one engine shut down there is no second propeller to match, so the system is switched off.
  30. 30. B — The pilot selects pitch and rpm varies with speed and power.
  31. 31. A — Traceability follows the component. The propeller's history must stay traceable so its time since overhaul and any damage are known at refitting.
  32. 32. B — Integrated elements are laminated in during manufacture.
  33. 33. B — The plate distributes bolt loads and reduces crushing of the wood.
  34. 34. B — Loose tipping can fly off and indicates moisture damage.
  35. 35. B — With a negative angle the blade pushes air forward, giving braking thrust; it is used on some aircraft after landing.
  36. 36. B — Only the slave engine's governor is trimmed; the master engine runs at the speed set by the pilot.
  37. 37. A — The propeller control adjusts speeder spring compression in the governor, setting the rpm it maintains. The throttle sets manifold pressure; the mixture lever sets fuel/air ratio.
  38. 38. C — Approved methods avoid damage to finishes.
  39. 39. A — Composites are poor conductors; protection prevents damage.
  40. 40. A — Shock loads can damage crankshaft, gears and propeller; manufacturers specify inspections.
  41. 41. A — Slip % = (GP − EP) / GP × 100 = (64 − 52) / 64 × 100 = 18.8 %.
  42. 42. B — Limited authority and logic prevent the live engine following the stopped one.
  43. 43. C — The back is curved like the top of a wing; the face is the flatter side toward the cockpit.
  44. 44. B — Mounting hardware is fitted clean and dry, tightened evenly in stages to the specified torque and safetied as required by the manual.
  45. 45. A — Stations locate points along the blade for measurements of angle and damage.
  46. 46. A — Penetrant inspection confirms that the damage, including any crack, has been fully removed.
  47. 47. A — Visible tips warn people of a turning propeller.

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