PSN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

(An Autonomous Institution)

Melathediyoor, Tirunelveli-627 152.
(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi and Recognised by UGC Under Section 2 (f))
An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Institution
(Accredited by NBA and NAAC, Affiliated to Anna University)
Web Site: www.psncet.ac.in, E-Mail: hodaero@psncet.ac.in
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
QUESTION BANK – ANSWERS

201205 - AIRCRAFT GENERAL ENGINEERING& MAINTENANCE

PRACTICES

PART – A

UNIT 1 – AIRCRAFT GROUND HANDLING AND SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT

1. Mention the precautions observed during leveling.

While leveling, the following precautions should be taken:

 The staff should be held vertical while taking the reading;

 The bubble in the level tube is to be brought to central before
taking any reading;
 Readings should be taken in the proper direction depending on the
type of staff;
 Balancing of sight is to be maintained as far as possible;
 Reading and recording of observation correctly.

2. Differentiate towing from taxiing.

TOWING
When preparing for ground
handling operation ensure that the
ignition switch is off
The aircraft moved on the ground
by without using a towing vehicle
or tow bar.
TAXIIN
All taxiing should be done at slow
speed, and control should be
positioned such that the effects of
gusty wind are minimized.
The aircraft moved on the ground
by with using a towing vehicle or
tow bar.
3. Differentiate APU and GPU.
APU GPU
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) The former stands for
is a small jet engine housed in the 'auxiliary power unit' and is
tail of the aircraft used to provide a installed in the aircraft and
source of electricity to power provides power to the electrical
the aircraft on the ground when the system as a supplement to or in
engines are switched off and as a place of engine-driven generator
source of air in order to start the power.
engines
APU integrated is usually less GPU integrated is usually more
energy efficient energy efficient
4. What is leveling?
The way in which aircraft may be checked on the ground for level
flight as specified by the aircraft manufacturer.
The aircraft may be leveled by means of leveling lugs, spirit or
bubble levels, or a plumb bob.
5. Define Mooring.
 The act or an instance of making fast an aircraft or a vessel, as by a
cable or anchor.
 A place or structure to which a vessel or aircraft can be moored.
Equipment, such as anchors or chains, for holding fast a vessel or
aircraft.
 One under each wing, and one under the tail. Mooring rings are
provided to secure tie down ropes into the mooring points
6. Enumerate the ground power units.
A Ground Power Unit (GPU) can be either a fixed or mobile unit which
can be connected to the electrical system of an aircraft while on the
ground to provide either 120V AC or 28V DC power
7. Mention the various classes of fire and give an example for each
classes.
 Class A: Class A fires use flammable material as their fuel source.
Wood, fabric, paper, trash,and plastics are common sources of
Class A fires. Class A fires are commonly put out with water or
monoammonium phosphate.
 Class B: The Class B fire use flammable liquid or gas as its fuel
base. For example petroleum based oils and paints, kerosene, and
gasoline. Smothering these types of fires to remove oxygen is a
 common solution to extinguish these types of fires.
 Class C: The Class C fire use electrical components and energized
equipment as its fuel source. Electrical fires are often fueled by
motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. To extinguish such
fires you cut the power off and use non-conductive chemicals to
extinguish the fire.
 Class D:The Class D fire use combustible metal as its fuel source.
Examples of such combustible metals include titanium,
magnesium, aluminum, and potassium. To extinguish a Class D
fire, use a dry powder agent. This absorbs the heat that fire requires
to burn and smothers it as well.
 Class K: A Class K fire is defined as a cooking fire involving
combustion from liquids used in food preparation. Wet chemical
fire extinguishers are used to extinguish these types of fires.
8. What is jacking?
 Jacking points tend to be located in relation to the aircraft's center
of gravity so that the airplane will be well balanced when on the
aircraft jacks.
 Having the jacking points perfectly centered prevents them from
cocking when you raise the aircraft
9. Differentiate Turboprop and Turbojet Engines.

10. List out the general procedure for towing the aircraft.
1. The towing vehicle driver is responsible for operating the vehicle in
a safe manner and obeying emergency stop instructions given by
any team member.
2. The person in charge assigns team personnel as wing walkers. A
 wing walker is stationed at each wingtip, in such a position that he
or she can ensure adequate clearance of any obstruction in the path
of the aircraft. A tail walker is assigned when sharp turns are to be
made or when the aircraft is to be backed into position.
3. A qualified person occupies the pilot’s seat of the towed aircraft to
observe and operate the brakes as required. When necessary,
another qualified person is stationed to watch and maintain aircraft
hydraulic system pressure.
4. The person in charge of the towing operation verifies that, on
aircraft with a steerable nosewheel, the locking scissors are set to
full swivel for towing. The locking device must be reset after the
tow bar has been removed from the aircraft. Persons stationed in
the aircraft are not to attempt to steer or turn the nosewheel when
the tow bar is attached to the aircraft.
5. Under no circumstances is anyone permitted to walk or to ride
between the nosewheel of an aircraft and the towing vehicle, nor
ride on the outside of a moving aircraft or on the towing vehicle. In
the interest of safety, no attempt to board or leave a moving aircraft
or towing vehicle is permitted.
6. The towing speed of the aircraft is not to exceed that of the walking
team members. The aircraft’s engines usually are not operated
when the aircraft is being towed into position.
7. The aircraft brake system is to be charged before each towing
operation. Aircraft with faulty brakes are towed into position only
for repair of brake systems, and then personnel must be standing by
ready with chocks for emergency use. Chocks must be immediately
available in case of an emergency throughout any towing operation.
8. To avoid possible personal injury and aircraft damage during
towing operations, entrance doors are closed, ladders retracted, and
gear-down locks installed.
9. Prior to towing any aircraft, check all tires and landing gear struts
for proper inflation. (Inflation of landing gear struts of aircraft in
overhaul and storage is excluded.)
10.When moving aircraft, do not start and stop suddenly. For added
safety, aircraft brakes must never be applied during towing, except
upon command by one of the tow team members in an emergency
situation.
11.Aircraft are parked in specified areas. Generally, the distance
between rows of parked aircraft is great enough to allow immediate
 access of emergency vehicles in case of fire, as well as free
movement of equipment and materials.
12.Wheel chocks are placed fore and aft of the main landing gear of
the parked aircraft.
13.Internal or external control locks (gust locks or blocks) are used
while the aircraft is parked.
14.Prior to any movement of aircraft across runways or taxiways,
contact the airport control tower on the appropriate frequency for
clearance to proceed.
15.An aircraft parked in a hangar must be statically grounded
immediatel

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UNIT 2 – GROUND SERVICING OF VARIOUS SUBSYSTEMS

1. What is the purpose of purging the system of airconditioning and

pressurization?

2. Define Cabin Pressurisation.

 Cabin pressurization is a process in which conditioned air is
pumped into the cabin of an aircraft or spacecraft, in order to create
a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and crew flying
at high altitudes.
 The cabin pressure is regulated by the outflow valve
3. Name the three units used in temperature control system.
 The basic unit of temperature in the International System of Units
(SI) is the kelvin.
 It has the symbol K. For everyday applications, it is often
convenient to use the Celsius scale, in which 0°C corresponds very
closely to the freezing point of water and 100°C is its boiling point
at sea level.
4. List out the various types of valves used in pressure demand oxygen
systems.
Learn about 9 Different Types of Valves used in Piping such as
 Gate Valve,
 Globe Valve,
 Check Valve,
 Plug valve,
 Ball Valve,
 Butterfly Valve,
 Needle Valve,
 Pinch Valve and
 Pressure Relief Valve.
Basically, it controls flow & pressure. Different types of valves are used
to serve these functions
5. Explain the sources of Cabin Pressure.
In airliners, cabin altitude during flight is kept above sea level in order to
reduce stress on the pressurized part of the fuselage; this stress is
proportional to the difference in pressure inside and outside the cabin.
6. What is the function of air conditioning system?
As refrigerant travels from the compressor to the condenser, it
expels the heat collected from indoors to the outside.
Once the refrigerant is cooled to a liquid, it circulates back inside to
collect more heat in the evaporator coil
7. What is Oxygen Hazard?
 Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas.
 Liquid Oxygen has a light blue color and is odorless.
 It is used for resuscitation, in welding and blast furnaces, as an
oxidizer, and in many industrial processes.
 Oxygen is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by
DOT and NFPA
8. List out the safety around compressed gases.

9. What do you understand by Risk diamond.

10. What is FOD?

11. Name any two safety precautions to be observed while operating CO2
.
12. What are the various inspections carried out on Fire Extinguishers?
13. What are the checks should be carried out on ground on Oxygen
systems.
14. What are the checks should be carried out on ground on Oil systems.
15. How Oil charger is maintained ?
16. How Hydraulic charger is maintained?
17. How air charger is maintained?
18. What are the maintenance to be carried out on starting trolley?
19. What are the functions of smoke protection Equipment?
 20. What are the preflight checks carried out on the oil systems of an
aircraft?

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UNIT 3 – MAINTENANCE OF SAFETY

1. What is meant by shop safety?

 Keeping hangars, shop, and the flight line orderly and clean is
essential to safety and efficient maintenance.
 The highest standards of orderly work arrangements and
cleanliness should be observed during the maintenance of aircraft.
2. Enumerate the safety precautions to be followed while performing
welding operation in a serviceable aircraft.

3. What is Flight safety?

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 4. State the importance of Aircraft Tie –Down.
5. Define Maintenance Safety,
6. Enumerate the safety precautions while Handling compressed air
system.

7. State the precautions followed before the start of an electrical

working an aircraft.
8. List out the basic things for the inspection of Fire Extinguishers.
9. Mention the various Fire Extinguisher Markings.
10. List out the safety precautions to be carried out during shop safety.
11. Expand 3 R’S in cleanliness of environment.

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UNIT 4 – INSPECTION

1. Describe Aircraft Logs.

“Aircraft logs,” as used in this handbook, is an inclusive term which
applies to the aircraft logbook and all supplemental records concerned
with the aircraft. They may come in a variety of formats.
2. Define Inspection Technique.
Techniques/Practices
 Before starting an inspection, be certain all plates, access doors,
fairings, and cowling have been opened or removed and the
structure cleaned.
 When opening inspection plates and cowling and before cleaning
the area, take note of any oil or other evidence of fluid leakage
3. What is service Bulletin?
A Service Bulletin is the document used by manufacturers of aircraft,
their engines or their components to communicate details of modifications
which can be embodied in aircraft.
4. Define Overweight landing inspection.
 An overweight landing is defined as a landing made at a gross
weight in excess of the maximum design (i.e., structural) landing
 weight for a particular model.
 For this reason, a special inspection should be performed after a
landing is made at a weight known to exceed the design landing
weight or after a rough landing, even though the latter may have
occurred when the aircraft did not exceed the design landing
weight.
5. Mention the importance of Overhaul Manual.
The manufacturer’s overhaul manual contains brief descriptive
information and detailed step by step instructions covering work
normally performed on a unit that has been removed from the
aircraft.
Simple, inexpensive items, such as switches and relays on which
overhaul is uneconomical, are not covered i the overhaul manual.
6. Define Airworthiness Directives.
 The Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are published to notify aircraft
owners and other interested persons of unsafe conditions and to
prescribe the conditions under which the product may continue to
be operated.
 Airworthiness Directives are Federal Aviation Regulations and
must be complied with unless specific exemption is granted.
7. What are the categories of Airworthiness Directives.
Airworthiness Directives may be divided into two categories:

Those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance

upon receipt and
Those of a less urgent nature requiring compliance within a
relatively longer period of time. Also, ADs may be a onetime
compliance item or a recurring item that requires future inspection
on an hourly basis (accrued flight time since last compliance) or a
calendar time basis
The contents of ADs include the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance
model and serial numbers affected.
Also included are the compliance time or period, a description of the
difficulty experienced, and the necessary corrective action.
8. Expand ATA and List out some of the ATA specifications.
Expand ATA for Altimeter and Transponder Inspections
 ATA Number ATA Chapter name

ATA 00 GENERAL

ATA 01 MAINTENANCE POLICY

ATA 02 OPERATIONS

ATA 03 SUPPORT

ATA 04 AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS

ATA 05 TIME LIMITS/MAINTENANCE CHECKS

9. Define Type Certificate Data sheets and mention its uses.

 The type certificate data sheet (TCDS) describes the type design
and sets forth the limitations prescribed by the applicable CFR part.
It also includes any other limitations and information found
necessary for type certification of a particular model aircraft.
 Type certificate data sheets are numbered in the upper right-hand
corner of each page. This number is the same as the type certificate
number
Uses:
Each section is identified by a Roman numeral followed by the model
designation of the aircraft to which the section pertains
The data sheet contains information regarding:
1. Model designation of all engines for which the aircraft manufacturer
obtained approval for use with this model aircraft.
2. Minimum fuel grade to be used.
3. Maximum continuous and take-off ratings of the approved engines,
including manifold pressure (when used), rpm, and horsepower (hp).
4. Name of the manufacturer and model designation for each propeller for
 which the aircraft manufacturer obtained approval will be shown together
with the propeller limits and any operating restrictions peculiar to the
propeller or propeller engine combination.
5. Airspeed limits in both mph and knots.
10. What is severe Turbulence inspection?
 When an aircraft encounters a gust condition, the airload on the
wings exceeds the normal wingload supporting the aircraft weight.
 The gust tends to accelerate the aircraft while its inertia acts to
resist this change.
 If the combination of gust velocity and airspeed is too severe, the
induced stress can cause structural damage.
 A special inspection should be performed after a flight through
severe turbulence.
11. What are the major roles of FAR in Aviation
Regulating civil aviation to promote safety within the U.S. and abroad;
Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation
technology; Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and
navigation for both civil and military aircraft; .
Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation
Purpose
The Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs, are rules prescribed by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing all aviation activities
in the United States. The FARs are part of Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR).
12. Define check list
Always use a checklist when performing an inspection. The checklist may
be of your own design, one provided by the manufacturer of the
equipment being inspected, or one obtained from some other source.
13. Mention the uses of check list during the process of inspection.
1. Fuselage and hull group.
 Fabric and skin—for deterioration, distortion, other evidence of
failure, and defective or insecure attachment of fittings.
 Systems and components—for proper installation, apparent defects,
and satisfactory operation.
 Envelope gas bags, ballast tanks, and related parts—for condition.
2. Cabin and cockpit group.
 Generally—for cleanliness and loose equipment that should be
secured.
Seats and safety belts—for condition and security.
Flight and engine controls—for proper installation and operation.
Batteries—for proper installation and charge.
All systems—for proper installation, general condition, apparent
defects, and security of attachment.
3. Engine and nacelle group.
 Engine section—for visual evidence of excessive oil, fuel, or
hydraulic leaks, and sources of such leaks.
 Studs and nuts—for proper torquing and obvious defects
4. Landing gear group.
5. Wing and center section.
6. Propeller group.
 Propeller assembly—for cracks, nicks, bends,and oil leakage.
 Bolts—for proper torquing and safetying.
 Anti-icing devices—for proper operation and obvious defects.
14. Define Maintenance manual and also its uses.
The manufacturer’s aircraft maintenance manual contains complete
instructions for maintenance of all systems and components
installed in the aircraft.
It contains information for the mechanic who normally works on
components, assemblies, and systems while they are installed in the
aircraft, but not for the overhaul mechanic.
Uses
 Pressures and electrical loads applicable to the various systems,
 Tolerances and adjustments necessary to proper functioning of the
airplane,
 Methods of leveling, raising, and towing,
 Methods of balancing control surfaces,
 Identification of primary and secondary structures,
15. What is publications?
 Aeronautical publications are the sources of information for
 guiding aviation mechanics in the operation and maintenance of
aircraft and related equipment.
 The proper use of these publications will greatly aid in the efficient
operation and maintenance of all aircraft.
 These include manufacturers’ service bulletins, manuals, and
catalogs; FAA regulations; airworthiness directives; advisory
circulars; and aircraft, engine and propeller specifications.
16. Define catalog
This catalog presents component breakdowns of structure and
equipment in disassembly sequence.
Also included are exploded views or cutaway illustrations for all
parts and equipment manufactured by the aircraft manufacturer.
17. What is structural repair manual?
 This manual contains the manufacturer’s information and specific
instructions for repairing primary and secondary structures.
 Typical skin, frame, rib, and stringer repairs are covered in this
manual.
 Also included are material and fastener substitutions and special
repair techniques.

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UNIT 5 – AIRCRAFT HARDWARE ,MATERIALS ,SYSTEM
PROCESSES

1. What is Aircraft Hardware?

 The term aircraft structural hardware refers to many items used in
aircraft construction.
 These items include such hardware as rivets, fasteners, bolts, nuts,
screws, washers, cables, guides, and common electrical system
hardware.
2. Enumerate the types of screws used in aircraft.
 The most common threaded fastener used in aircraft construction is
the screw.
 The three most used types are the machine screw, structural screw,
and the self-tapping screw, as shown in figure 5-4.
  Figure 5-4 also shows the three head slots—straight, Phillips, and
Reed and Prince.

3. What are the types of gears used in aero engine.

There are many types of gears such as spur gears, helical gears,
bevel gears, worm gears, gear rack, etc.
But in addition to these, there are other types such as face gear,
herringbone gear (double helical gear), crown gear, hypoid gear,
these are used in aero engine
4. Differentiate Taps and Reamers.
Taps Reamers
After drilling a cylindrical hole,
boring can be utilized to make a
taper hole.
A drilling hole is known as taps

Taper holes cannot be fabricated

by only drilling.

Reaming can be utilized for

smoothening surfaces of a taper
hole
5. Differentiate between Splicing and Swaging.
6. What are the types of bearings used in aero engine?
 Plain Bearings
 Roller Bearings and
 Ball Bearing
7. Write down the general safety wiring rules.
When using the safety wire method of safetying, the following general
rules should be followed:
1. A pigtail of 1/4 to 1/2 inch (three to six twists) should be made at the
end of the wiring. This pigtail must be bent back or under to prevent it
from becoming a snag.
2. The safety wire must be new upon each application.
3. When castellated nuts are to be secured with safety wire, tighten the nut
to the low side of the selected torque range, unless otherwise specified,
and if necessary, continue tightening until a slot aligns with the hole.
4. All safety wires must be tight after installation, but not under such
tension that normal handling or vibration will break the wire.
5. The wire must be applied so that all pull exerted by the wire tends to
tighten the nut.
6. Twists should be tight and even, and the wire between the nuts as taut
as possible without overtwisting.
7. The safety wire should always be installed and twisted so that the loop
around the head stays down and does not tend to come up over the bolt
head, causing a slack loop.
8. What are the different types of Rivets?
There are a number of types of rivets, designed to meet different cost,
accessibility, and strength requirements:
 Solid/round head rivets.
 Semi-tubular rivets.
  Blind rivets.
 Oscar rivets.
 Drive rivet.
 Flush rivet.
 Friction-lock rivet.
 Rivet alloys, shear strengths, and driving condition.

9. What are the uses of Reamers and Drills?

 There are also non-precision reamers which are used for more basic
enlargement of holes or for removing burrs.
 The process of enlarging the hole is called reaming.
 There are many different types of reamer and they may be designed
for use as a hand tool or in a machine tool, such as a milling
machine or drill press.
10. Mention the different types of Chisels.
Types of chisels
Mortise chisels. Mortise chisels are heavy chisels, thicker than they
are wide, with giant forged bolsters and oval beech or oak handles
to take pounding.
Sash mortise chisels. Sash mortise chisels are simply lighter
versions of mortise chisels.
Paring chisels.
Japanese chisels
11. Write down the general purpose tools used in airplane maintenance
workshop.
 All tools, equipment and vehicles must be properly maintained so
 that workers are not endangered. Construction regulations require
inspections of vehicles, tools, machines and equipment before use.
 Preventive maintenance is the systematic care and protection of
tools, equipment, machines and vehicles in order to keep them in a
safe, usable condition, limit downtime and extend productivity. We
must always be aware that maintenance tasks themselves are
potentially hazardous and can result in injury.
 The successful maintenance program is:
 well organized and scheduled,
 controls hazards,
 defines operational procedures, and
 trains key personnel.
12. Write down the Measuring devices used in airplane maintenance
workshop.
 Layout and measuring devices are precision tools. They are
carefully machined, accurately marked and, in many cases, are
made up of very delicate parts.
 When using these tools, be careful not to drop, bend, or scratch
them. The finished product will be no more accurate than the
measurements or the layout; therefore, it is very important to
understand how to read, use, and care for these tools.
13. What are the uses of Hand Files.
 HAND FILE: Used for general filing of metals such as steel. They
are rectangular in section and are the most common type of file
used in workshops.
 HALF ROUND FILE: Used for filing curved surfaces. A normal
hand file with its flat cutting edges is unsuitable for filing curved
surfaces.
14. List out the measuring tools used in aircraft maintenance workshop.
☺ Combination set.
☺ Scriber
☺ Dividers and Pencil Compasses
☺ Calipers
☺ Micrometer Calipers
 ☺ Reading a Micrometer
☺ Vernier Scale
☺ Electronic and dial indicator slide calip
☺ Dial Indicator.
15. What is the function of Scriber?
 A scriber is a hand tool used in metalworking to mark lines on
workpieces, prior to machining.
 The process of using a scriber is called scribing and is just part of
the process of marking out.
16. What is Combination set?
The combination square set (also simply called a "combination
set") is a measuring tool which is designed primarily for measuring
angles and lengths.
It is used by people working in a number of different trades,
including woodworkers and engineers.
17. Define Swaging.

18. Define TAPS &DIES.

 Taps and dies are tools used to create screw threads, which is called
threading. Many are cutting tools; others are forming tools.
 A tap is used to cut or form the female portion of the mating pair
(e.g. a nut).
 A die is used to cut or form the male portion of the mating pair (e.g.
a bolt).
 19. What is the function of Cotter pin?
 A cotter pin is a fastener that is placed through two holes on one
end of a clevis pin.
 It is used for locking and to hold an object in place.
 It is commonly split in the middle and has two tines that can be
bent around the nut or bolt to secure machinery.
20. Write down the classification of Threads.
 External threads are on bolts or screws.
 Internal threads are on nuts.
There are many forms of threads but two types are in common use on fasteners.
 Machine Screw Threads - used on bolts, setscrews, machine screws
and designed to mate with preformed threads in nuts or tapped holes.
Exceptions may be thread forming screws like Taptite or self-drilling
screws like Teksor thread cutters like Type 23's, which form or cut their
own machine screw thread.
 Spaced Threads - used on woodscrews, self-tapping screws, coach
screws and Type 25 thread cutters. Designed to form its own thread,
usually in a pre-drilled hole.

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