Which component governs the oil flow that adjusts propeller pitch in response to governor action?

Which component governs the oil flow that adjusts propeller pitch in response to governor action?

• A. the pilot valve
• B. the filter cartridge
• C. the relief valve
• D. the oil cooler

Answer: (A)

The pilot valve is the component that meters hydraulic oil to the pitch-change mechanism in response to the governor’s actions. The governor senses engine speed and adjusts the valve opening to control how much oil pressure and flow reach the piston that moves the propeller blades, thereby changing pitch to maintain the desired RPM. The filter cartridge cleans the oil, the relief valve limits system pressure, and the oil cooler reduces oil temperature; none of these directly regulate flow in response to governor signals.

The pilot valve is the component that meters hydraulic oil to the pitch-change mechanism in response to the governor’s actions. The governor senses engine speed and adjusts the valve opening to control how much oil pressure and flow reach the piston that moves the propeller blades, thereby changing pitch to maintain the desired RPM. The filter cartridge cleans the oil, the relief valve limits system pressure, and the oil cooler reduces oil temperature; none of these directly regulate flow in response to governor signals.