Inside the Piper Archer
Find a component, trace how it works, then change a condition and see the result.
PA-28-181 Archer IICarbureted · Lycoming O-360-A4M
Carbureted fuel system
FUEL SYSTEM · CARBURETED
Locate a component on the aircraft and select it to learn its role.
Preparing the airplane…
Left tank selected · delivery available
Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom
TAKEAWAY
Fuel system takeaway
Follow the selected tank to the selector, strainer, pump delivery, and carburetor. The pumps move fuel; the carburetor meters it into the incoming air.
QUICK CHECK
Which part mixes metered fuel with incoming air?
About this model & sources
Reference configuration: carbureted Piper PA-28-181 Archer II, Lycoming O-360-A4M, fixed-pitch propeller, and conventional pitot-static instruments. Shapes, positions, motion, and lines are simplified for learning, not a maintenance drawing or an aircraft performance simulator. Pump demonstrations show availability of delivery, not fuel pressure or timed engine shutdown; optional primer and detailed bypass plumbing are omitted. Use the handbook for your specific aircraft for operation.
- Piper Archer II POH, VB-760: §7.5 engine and propeller; §7.13 fuel and Figure 7-9; §7.15 electrical and Figure 7-11; §7.21 pitot-static
- FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Chapter 7, Aircraft Systems; Chapter 8, Flight Instruments
- NASA Glenn: four-stroke engine cycle
- NASA Glenn: propeller thrust
The pitot-static lab uses a standard-atmosphere, low-speed pressure model. Blockages trap pressure at the instant they are introduced. The vertical-speed display illustrates pressure change during altitude adjustments and settles to zero when altitude stops changing. It is not a calibrated flight simulator.
The electrical experiment starts with a running engine, healthy magnetos and fuel supply, and representative electrical equipment. It illustrates source availability and load selection, not measured amperages, battery endurance, a complete wiring diagram, or a failure checklist. Master power combines the BAT and ALT sides. The starter is illustrated separately and is not engaged during this experiment.