FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which type of engine is best suited for an aircraft operating at speeds of 300 mph at altitudes between 20,000-25,000 ft?

1. Turboprop Engines

2. Piston Engines

3. Turbojet Engines

4. Electric Engines

The correct answer is: Turboprop Engines

The most suitable engine type for an aircraft operating at speeds of 300 mph and altitudes between 20,000-25,000 feet is the turboprop engine. Turboprop engines are designed to efficiently operate in this speed range, particularly for regional flights and aircraft that benefit from the high efficiency at medium altitudes. At these altitudes and speeds, turboprop engines offer excellent fuel efficiency compared to turbojet engines, which might not be as economical for lower speed operations. While turbojet engines excel at higher speeds (generally above 400 mph), they experience issues with efficiency when run at slower speeds typical of turboprop operations. Piston engines, on the other hand, are generally limited to lower speeds and altitudes, making them less suitable for the specified conditions. Electric engines, although emerging technology, are currently not as widely used for high-speed, high-altitude applications, mainly due to energy density and range limitations. The turboprop engine stands out for its performance characteristics in the specified operational environment.