FAA Ground School Practice Test

To aid in cooling an engine that is overheating during a climb, what action can a pilot take?

1. Increase climb rate and decrease airspeed

2. Maintain the current ascent rate

3. Reduced rate of climb and increased airspeed

4. Turn off all electrical components

The correct answer is: Reduced rate of climb and increased airspeed

When an engine is overheating during a climb, one effective action a pilot can take is to reduce the rate of climb and increase airspeed. By reducing the rate of climb, the aircraft experiences less drag which could lead to a decrease in engine power demand. This allows for better engine cooling as the engine is not working as hard to maintain a higher climb rate. Increasing airspeed is also crucial because it enhances the airflow over the engine, which helps dissipate heat more effectively. A higher airflow can lead to better cooling of the engine components, reducing the likelihood of overheating. This combination of actions effectively addresses the issue of engine temperature during a critical phase of flight and helps ensure the engine remains within safe operational parameters.