FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which parts are typically found in a distributor of an aircraft engine ignition system?

1. Cap and wires

2. Block and rotor

3. Coil and plug

4. Connector and terminals

The correct answer is: Block and rotor

The distributor in an aircraft engine ignition system plays a crucial role in directing the high-voltage current generated by the ignition coil to the appropriate spark plugs at the correct timing. The block and rotor are key components of the distributor, where the rotor spins within the distributor housing, making contact with terminals connected to each of the spark plugs. The rotor is typically driven by the engine, and as it moves, it aligns with the terminals for each cylinder, ensuring that the high-voltage pulses reach each plug in the correct firing order. This precise coordination is vital for efficient combustion and engine performance. While other components, such as a cap and wires, may be part of the overall ignition system, the block and rotor specifically pertain to the function of the distributor itself, highlighting their importance in the ignition process within aircraft engines.