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What is the correct order of the strokes in a four-stroke reciprocating engine?

Choices

Compression, intake, exhaust, power
This order is scrambled; intake comes first.
✓ Intake, compression, power, exhaustcorrect
The correct cycle is intake, compression, power, exhaust.
Power, exhaust, intake, compression
The cycle does not begin with the power stroke.
Intake, power, compression, exhaust
Compression must precede the power stroke.

Why

The four-stroke cycle proceeds intake, compression, power, exhaust, with only the power stroke driving the crankshaft.

FAA source: PHAK Ch. 7browse the reference library →

This is taught in Airframe and the Four-Stroke Engine — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.