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Prop engines power propeller-driven aircraft and typically use high octane gasoline. They are similar to car engines and require annual inspections to prevent accidents. Carb heat controls prevent fuel from freezing at high altitudes.
A prop engine is commonly a piston-driven internal combustion engine that powers a propeller-driven aircraft. With the exception of turboprop aircraft, most propeller engine combinations are piston engines that turn the propellers through a gearbox or directly off the engine’s crankshaft hub. Unlike an automotive engine, which makes power at high revs, a prop engine typically runs at lower revs and uses a variable pitch propeller to create more power and higher speed. The typical prop engine uses a very high octane gasoline for power; however, most aircraft engines can burn less expensive automobile gasoline as long as they are tuned for it.
The common small-engine aircraft uses a propeller motor that is very similar to a car engine. Commonly carbureted or fuel injected, these piston engines use most of the same parts that are common to the engines found under the hood of most cars. Spark plugs, distributors, and spark plug wires adorn the exterior of a prop engine. Valves, camshafts, and pistons fill the interior of engines. Electric charging systems maintain battery levels and an electric starter is used to start the engine and bring it to life.
An aircraft’s fuel supply can sometimes be affected due to extreme changes in temperature from ground level to flight levels. To prevent the fuel from freezing while at flying altitudes, the fuel is treated with special antifreeze conditioner additives, as well as special features added to the carburetor in the form of carb heat controls. By adding heat controls to the fuel system, the pilot can prevent the fuel from freezing and stalling the propeller motor. A knob on the instrument panel is pulled to apply carbohydrate heat as the plane rises into cooler air. This acts much like a manual choke in an automotive application.
Unlike its automotive cousins, the propeller motor must undergo an annual inspection that includes an annual teardown to examine the condition of internal components and assess the motor’s flightability. Examining the engine in advance is done as a preventative measure to help avoid accidents and problems. Once the propeller motor has been examined and questionable parts have been replaced, it can be reassembled by a certified aircraft mechanic and the aircraft can be returned to service. If any major problems are detected within the engine, such as a worn piston cylinder, the entire assembly must be replaced with a new part before allowing it to return to flight.
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