Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 614 of 934

What does a waste gate do in a turbocharger system?

  1. It varies the exhaust gas flow into the turbine
  2. It cools the induction air after compression
  3. It meters the fuel flow to the cylinders
  4. It changes the propeller pitch with oil pressure
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Correct answer: It varies the exhaust gas flow into the turbine

When the waste gate is closed, most exhaust gas goes through the turbine. When open, the exhaust bypasses it.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems — Superchargers and Turbosuperchargers — Turbosuperchargers, page 173

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026