This document provides an overview of engine monitoring instruments used in aircraft. It describes instruments such as the ammeter, cylinder temperature gauge, exhaust gas temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, oil temperature gauge, vacuum gauge, fuel flow gauge, and fuel quantity gauge. It explains that these instruments monitor various aspects of the engine to gauge its health and send important information to pilots. The document also discusses integrating these instruments into glass cockpit displays and using engine health management systems to predict potential problems before they develop.

1. AMNT 271 – Airframe Systems and
Applications
3.3 - Pecha Kucha: Aircraft
Instruments
Albert Schoonover
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University Worldwide
May 16, 2016

2. Engine Monitoring Instruments
The purpose of this brief presentation is to
provide an overview of engine instruments.
Engine instruments are placed in specific
areas of the engine to monitor the health of the
engine.
During flight pilots are able to monitor their
engines to gauge the health and efficiency of
the engine.
These gauges send important information to
the cockpit so that pilots can keep these
engines
operating in safe parameters. These Aircraft
Instruments will give warning if any system
associated
with the engine is starting to fail.

3. “The data captured reveals important
information about the health of the
engine. For example, sensors will monitor
how much fuel it takes to make a set amount
of power. Increases over time in the amount
of fuel consumed would indicate a degrading
of the efficiency of the engine, which means
the engine is more expensive to operate and
it will need maintenance to restore its
efficiency. Sensors can also detect
impending failures and notify both the crew
and ground stations” (Goglia, 2014).
Engine Monitoring Instruments

4. Ammeter
The Ammeter gives and indication that the Engine Electrical
Systems is operational. This system shows if the alternator
is properly recharging the battery.
If indications show that the battery is not being recharged,
landing as soon as possible is imperative since the battery
since the battery may soon become depleted.

5. Cylinder Temperature Gauge (CHT)
The cylinder temperature gauge reads the
temperature
of the aircraft’s engine cylinder head. This gauge is
used on piston engines to set the fuel to air
mixture, for efficient engine operation. This sensor
reads the temperature from one spot on the
cylinders head.

6. Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge (EGT)
The EGT is similar to the CHT only it measures the temperature
of the exhaust gas as it is exiting the engine. This measures
the temperature of the exhaust of the internal combustion
engine. This can also give a health indicator of the engine and
also the fuel air mixture. Both the EGT and the CHT can help
the pilot to maximize fuel efficiency.

7. Oil Pressure Gauge
The Oil pressure gauge is used to monitor the supply
of lubricating oil to the engine. When oil is flowing properly
it keeps engine parts well lubricated. Oil flowing over engine
parts also keeps the engine running cooler. This keeps the
engine from overheating. With a constant flow of oil
engines last longer as parts will not wear as much. This
also extends the life of engines having this lubricating oil flowing.
Low oil pressure can indicate a problem with the oil filter
or engine bearings.

8. Oil Temperature Gauge
“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” (Pilot Friend, 2016).

9. 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 (Pilot Friend, 2016).

10. Fuel Flow Gauge
Larger engines have fuel flow gauges showing
the amount of fuel flowing to the engines.
Reciprocating engines equipped with fuel
injection have fuel flow gauges to ensure
that the proper amount of fuel is reaching the
engine.

11. Fuel Quantity Gauge
Fuel Quantity Gauges give an indication
of the amount of fuel that is in the tank it
is indication for.
Pilots must monitor this gauge during
flight to ensure they the proper amount of
fuel for
the flight. These gauges can be
inaccurate so pilots must take cure while
using, as not to run out of fuel during their
flight.

12. Combination Instruments
Combination instruments can come in
many different designs and
combinations. Depending the type of
cockpit and the available area for the
instruments, different combinations
can be applied. With older technology
being upgraded and the use of
combination instruments, this is
making it possible to integrate sooner
with new glass cockpit technology.
Modern digital gauges make it
possible for many different types of
combinations and give pilot the
information needed when something
is going wrong with the engine
systems.

13. Glass Cockpit Display
Integrating Engine Monitoring Instruments into Glass Cockpit Display will prove to be beneficial for system
monitoring. Having a centralized engine instrument display will help pilots when fatigued. With an easy to
read central location, having different instruments available reduces the pilot’s workload. With newer
ergonomic design Cockpits will be less cluttered and this will keep flights safer. With older technology
being upgraded and digital electronics being integrated into older designed, it is now easier to upgrade
older systems bring them into the new era of Glass Cockpit Displays.

14. Turbine Engine Health Management
“EHM is a pro-active technique for predicting when something might go wrong and averting a
potential threat before it has a chance to develop into a real problem. EHM covers the assessment of an
engine’s state of health in real time or post-flight and how the data is used reflects the nature of the relevant
service contracts. Essentially, EHM is about making more informed decisions regarding operating an engine
fleet through acting on the best information available" (Rolls Royce, 2016).

15. References
Engine monitoring instruments. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2016, from
http://www.pilotfriend.com/training/flight_training/fxd_wing/eng_inst.htm
Engine health management. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2016, from
http://www.rolls-royce.com/about/our-technology/enabling-technologies/engine-health-management.aspx#sense
Goglia, J. (2014, March 13). Aircraft Engine Monitoring: How It Works And How It
Could Help Malaysia Air 370 Crash Investigators. Retrieved May 18, 2016, from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngoglia/2014/03/13/aircraft-engine-monitoring-how-it-
works-and-how-it-could-help-malaysia-air-370-crash-investigtors/#5b2b14006775