WILJAM FLIGHT TRAINING

Chapter 8.1
General Engine Instrumentation
Introduction
Instrumentation is vital to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the aeroplane engine /
engines, and its associated systems. It varies according to the type of engine fitted, eg. piston,
turboprop or gas turbine, and in many cases the individual instruments are identical
Piston Engines
The level of instrumentation required for an aeroplane fitted with a piston engine is largely
governed by the complexity of the engine, for example the pilot of an aeroplane with a
supercharged piston engine will need to monitor the:Engine Speed. This is a measure of how much work is being done by the engine, and
is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).
Induction Manifold Pressure, or Boost Pressure (MAP). This is a measure of the
engine power of a supercharged engine (absolute pressure). MAP is usually given in
inches of mercury (Inches of HG), and boost is normally measured in pounds per
square inch (PSI).
Torque or Turning Moment. This acts on the output shaft of the engine and is
proportional to the horsepower being developed. It is also sometimes used to provide
information for power control.
Cylinder Head Temperature. This temperature is important because excessive
temperatures can cause engine damage. The temperature is measured in degrees
Celsius (C)
Lubricating Oil Pressure and Temperature. This ensures that the engine is
adequately lubricated. In pressure terms it maybe HIGH or LOW, whereas the
temperature is usually given in Degrees Celsius (C).
Fuel Flow. This provides a measure of the economy of the engine, and is measured in
pounds, kilogrammes or gallons / hour.
Fuel Quantity. This ensures that there is sufficient fuel to complete the flight, and is
measured as Fuel Mass or Volume.
Fuel Pressure. This is measured using a pressure gauge, and any drop in fuel
pressure may indicate a partially blocked fuel filter.
Turbo Propeller Engines
For an aeroplane with a turbo propeller engine the parameters which need to be monitored are
the:

RPM
Torque
Engine Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGT), which is measured in C.
Lubricating oil pressure
Lubricating oil temperature
Fuel flow
Fuel quantity

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WILJAM FLIGHT TRAINING

Fuel Pressure.

Gas Turbine Engines

For an aeroplane with gas turbine engines the pilot must monitor the: Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR). This is the amount of useful thrust being developed by
the engine. It is the product of the mass of air passing through the engine and its
velocity at the exhaust nozzle minus the drag due to the air passing through the engine.
By comparing the air pressure across the engine, ie. the exhaust pressure to the
compressor inlet pressure (EPR), it provides an indication of the thrust output from the
engine. EPR is usually given as a % thrust value.
RPM, N1, N2 or N3. This is normally given as a % of its maximum value.
EGT. The exhaust gas temperature, which must be monitored in order to prevent
excessive heat damaging the turbine.
Oil Temperature and Pressure. These are monitored to ensure the safe operation of
the engine.
Fuel Pressure and Temperature. These are both monitored to ensure that a supply of
non-cavitated fuel is supplied at an acceptable pressure and temperature. A low fuel
pressure warning light may back this up.

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