FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which components comprise the magnetic system of a magneto?

1. Rotating magnet and fuel pump

2. Coil core, terminal block, and rotor

3. Rotating magnet, pole shoes, pole shoe extensions, and the coil core

4. Stator and rotor blades

The correct answer is: Rotating magnet, pole shoes, pole shoe extensions, and the coil core

The magnetic system of a magneto is essential for generating the ignition spark necessary for engine operation. The correct components that comprise this system include the rotating magnet, pole shoes, pole shoe extensions, and the coil core. The rotating magnet is crucial as it spins to generate a magnetic field. This magnetic field is then directed by the pole shoes and their extensions, which help concentrate and direct the magnetic flux through the coil core. The coil core is where the electrical energy is induced as the magnetic field changes due to the rotation of the magnet. This induced energy is ultimately transformed into a high-voltage spark necessary for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders. Other options listed do not accurately represent the components found in a magneto's magnetic system. For instance, the inclusion of a fuel pump does not pertain to the ignition system and is instead related to fuel delivery. The terminal block is part of the ignition system but does not form part of the magnetic system itself, which specifically relates to the generation of magnetic fields and subsequent electrical induction. The stator and rotor blades typically refer to components found in different types of engines or systems, such as turbines, not magnetos. Thus, only the combination of the rotating magnet, pole shoes,