Hydraulic Systems Flashcards
Hydraulic systems power the most critical aircraft operations — landing gear extension, wheel brakes, flight control surfaces, and cargo doors. The ability to generate tremendous force in a compact, lightweight package makes hydraulics indispensable in modern aircraft design.
The FAA Airframe exam tests your knowledge of hydraulic principles, component identification, system types, and troubleshooting. These flashcards cover the pumps, actuators, valves, accumulators, and fluid characteristics that you need to understand.
What You Need to Know
- Pascal’s Law: pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions
- Hydraulic fluid types: MIL-H-5606 (mineral-based), MIL-H-83282 (synthetic, fire-resistant)
- Pumps: gear-type, vane-type, piston-type (constant pressure or variable displacement)
- Actuators: convert hydraulic pressure to linear or rotary mechanical motion
- Accumulator: stores hydraulic fluid under pressure for surge damping and emergency power
- Check valves: allow flow in one direction only
- Relief valves: prevent system over-pressurization by opening at a set pressure
- Selector valves: direct fluid to the desired actuator
Why This Topic Appears on FAA Exams
Hydraulic systems are tested because they control flight-critical functions. A hydraulic failure can prevent landing gear extension or brake application. Mechanics must understand system operation, component functions, and troubleshooting to maintain safety. The exam tests both theory and practical knowledge.
Sample Flashcards
Tap any card to reveal the answer. These are just a sample — the full deck is available inside the study platform.
What is Pascal’s Law?
What is the purpose of a hydraulic accumulator?
What is the most common hydraulic fluid used in light aircraft?
What does a check valve do in a hydraulic system?
Study Tips
Remember Pascal’s Law — it explains why hydraulics work. Know the difference between constant-displacement and variable-displacement pumps. Focus on the accumulator’s dual purpose: smoothing pressure pulses and providing emergency power. Learn which valves do what: check (one-way), relief (over-pressure), selector (direction control).
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Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydraulic systems can generate enormous force in a compact, lightweight package. A small hydraulic cylinder can produce thousands of pounds of force, which would require a much larger and heavier electric motor. Hydraulics also provide smooth, precise control and can hold loads without consuming power.
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