Final answer:
14th-stage bleed air in aircraft is typically used for wing anti-ice systems to prevent the formation of ice on the wings, ensuring safety and proper aerodynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
14th-stage bleed air in aeronautical engineering refers to compressed air that is taken from the compressor stage of a turbine engine. This compressed air can be utilized for various purposes in an aircraft, depending on where it is bled from in the engine's compressor stages. Specifically, 14th-stage bleed air is commonly used for wing anti-ice systems. Anti-ice systems are critical as they prevent the accumulation of ice on an aircraft's wing surfaces, which can severely impact the wing's aerodynamics and safety.
14th-stage bleed air is not typically used for engine cooling or pressurization alone. Instead, pressurization is more often a function of bleed air from a later stage in the compressor, and engine cooling may be achieved through the use of oil coolers or fan air. Therefore, based on this information, the correct answer to the student's question is option (a) Wing anti-ice.