General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

What type of detection is associated with ENGINE fire/overheat protection?

1. Smoke detection only

2. FIRE and OVHT detection

3. Temperature sensors only

4. Pressure sensors only

The correct answer is: FIRE and OVHT detection

The recognition of fire and overheat situations in aircraft engines is crucial for safety, and the correct mechanism for this is through both fire and overheat (OVHT) detection systems. These systems are designed to monitor and identify abnormal conditions that could indicate the presence of a fire or excessively high temperatures. FIRE detection systems use various methods to detect flames, typically involving heat-sensitive devices or optical sensors that recognize the specific wavelengths of light emitted by flames. On the other hand, OVHT detection is primarily concerned with monitoring temperature levels within the engine. This may involve the use of temperature sensors that can signal when temperatures rise beyond safe operational limits, potentially indicating an overheating scenario, which may lead to a fire if not addressed promptly. In contrast, the other options fall short in providing comprehensive fire protection. Smoke detection alone, for instance, is not typically employed in engine compartments because smoke may not be present in the initial stages of a fire or when the engine is overheating. Temperature sensors alone do not provide complete coverage as they do not identify the actual presence of a fire. Pressure sensors are not specifically designed for fire or overheating detection and have limited applications in recognizing these perilous conditions. Therefore, the combined approach of fire and OVHT detection systems provides a more effective