AIRCRAFT ENGINE INSTRUMENTS

ammeter

The ammeter indicates whether the engine alternator and circuit are operational. If a continuous discharge is
shown during normal flight, it is prudent to land as soon as possible as it would suggest that the battery will shortly
become too depleted to operate normal aircraft systems. Remember that aircraft engines will continue to operate
as their ignition spark is created by magnetos which are independent of the aircraft electrical system.
Aircraft are usually also fitted with a low voltage warning light which is placed in a prominent position. If a
problem arises with the charging circuit, it will begin to flicker and then show red. The light may quite normally
flicker or show dull red at very low RPM.
cylinder temperature gauge (CHT)

Most engines are fitted with a CHT on one cylinder only. Every engine design has a cylinder that runs slightly hotter
than the rest. If the temperature climbs towards the red line it may indicate a serious problem.
exhaust gas temperature gauge (EGT)

The EGT is the primary instrument to help the regulation of the fuel/air mixture. The red cursor indicates
temperature never exceed.
oil pressure

AIRCRAFT ENGINE INSTRUMENTS

This is the primary indicator that all is well with the engine. A cold engine will always show a very high oil
pressure. Once hot, the pressure should remain in the green arc under normal RPMs. A low pressure may indicate a
serious problem with the oil pump or engine bearings. The acceptable ranges of pressure are stated in the aircraft
operating manual. The oil pressure will diminish if the engine becomes overheated as the viscosity of the oil
becomes too thin and begins to break down.
oil temperature

The oil temperature gauge is also very a important device for monitoring the wellbeing of the engine. High power
should not be used until the temperature has climbed into the operating range as damage can occur to the engine.
If the temperature climbs into the red sector, it indicates that a serious problem may have developed.
vacuum gauge

This is usually a very instrument situated at the lower left of the panel. In monitors the condition of the vacuum
system which is driven from the engine. The vacuum system drives the gyros for the attitude indicator and
direction indicator.
Fuel flow

AIRCRAFT ENGINE INSTRUMENTS

This instrument measures (usually in US gallons/hours) the fuel flow to the engine. This instrument illustrated
above also combines the manifold pressure gauge. The manifold pressure is used on complex aircraft and
monitors the power setting of the engine.
Fuel gauge

Notorious for their unreliability are aircraft fuel gauges. Calculate fuel used and if possible never fly unless you
can actually see the fuel through the filler cap!
combination instruments

Aircraft instruments come in a profusion of designs and combinations but all fulfil the same common purpose; to
give as much notice to the pilot as possible that something is going wrong.