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Exhaust system type on turbosupercharged engines

Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice question 4 of 8 on Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems. ACS element AM.III.L.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhich general type of reciprocating engine exhaust system is used on all turbosupercharged installations?

  1. AThe short stack (open) system
  2. BThe collector system
  3. CThe augmentor tube system
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The collector system

  • A — incorrect The short stack system is generally used on nonsupercharged and low-powered engines where the noise level is not too objectionable, and it has limited use on most modern aircraft.
  • B — correct The collector system is used on most large nonsupercharged engines and on all turbosupercharged engines, because the exhaust gases must be collected to drive the turbine compressor of the supercharger.
  • C — incorrect Augmentor assemblies are a feature found on some radial engine installations to augment engine cooling; they are not one of the two general exhaust system types and are not required by turbosupercharging.

BACKGROUND

There are two general types of exhaust systems in use on reciprocating aircraft engines: the short stack (open) system and the collector system. The short stack system is relatively simple, and its removal and installation consists essentially of removing and installing the hold-down nuts and clamps. The collector system uses individual exhaust headers that empty into a common collector ring with only one outlet, from which a tailpipe routes the hot gas to the turbosupercharger. On a turbosupercharged engine the gases must be collected because they are what drives the turbine. The collector system raises exhaust back pressure, but the horsepower gained from turbosupercharging more than offsets the loss caused by that back pressure.

STUDY TIP

Fix the pairing in your mind: short stack goes with simple, nonsupercharged, low-powered engines; collector goes with large engines and every turbosupercharged installation. Also remember why the trade of higher back pressure is accepted.

KEY POINTS

  • Two general recip exhaust types exist: short stack (open) and collector.
  • All turbosupercharged engines use a collector system, because the gases drive the turbine.
  • Collector systems raise back pressure, but turbosupercharging more than offsets that loss.

SOURCES

  • sources/amp-powerplant/ch03.txt "Reciprocating Engine Exhaust Systems"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-32B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.