FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the FAA Powerplant Written Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Practice this question and more.

What is the purpose of a rotor in an aircraft ignition distributor?

To start the engine
To distribute ignition voltage to the correct cylinder
To provide measurement of engine speed
To stabilize engine temperature

The correct answer is: To distribute ignition voltage to the correct cylinder

The primary purpose of the rotor in an aircraft ignition distributor is to distribute ignition voltage to the correct cylinder. Within the ignition system, the rotor rotates as the engine runs, and its design includes a conductive tip that aligns with separate terminals for each cylinder. When the ignition system generates high voltage from the ignition coil, the rotor directs this voltage to the appropriate terminal corresponding to the firing order of the engine’s cylinders. This precise distribution is crucial for ensuring that the spark plugs ignite at the right time, promoting efficient combustion and engine performance. The other functions listed, such as starting the engine, measuring speed, or stabilizing temperature, serve different roles in the aircraft systems and are not the specific function of the rotor in the ignition distributor.