Soar to New Heights with the 2025 Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam – Ready for Takeoff!

When detonation is suspected in an aircraft engine, avoiding extended, high power, steep climbs is essential. Detonation refers to the premature ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder, which can cause significant damage to the engine. Higher power settings, especially in steep climbs, increase cylinder pressure and temperature, which can exacerbate the conditions that lead to detonation. By avoiding these flight conditions, the pilot can help maintain more stable engine performance and reduce the risk of further detonation.

In terms of other options, a richer fuel mixture can help in some instances by cooling the combustion process, but it’s not a primary action for immediately addressing suspected detonation. Keeping the cowl flaps fully open can aid in engine cooling but would not directly alleviate detonation issues. Monitoring engine instruments is critical for understanding engine performance, but it won't mitigate the immediate risks associated with detonation. Thus, the most appropriate action when detonation is suspected is to avoid conditions that could worsen it.