Airframe

What is the function of a vortex generator?

-It is designed to delay or prevent separation of the boundry layer

What are the 3 axes of an airplane?

-Lateral, longitudinal, and vertical

What are the 3 primary flight controls of an aircraft?

-Aileron, Elevator, and Rudder

Name several secondary flight controls and describe their general purpose

-Secondary flight controls consist of various types of trim tabs such as balance tabs, anti-servo tabs,
servo tabs, and spring tabs. Their function is to assist the pilot in moving the controls and trim
the aircraft to fly hands off

Name several types of auxiliary flight controls and describe their general purpose

-The auxiliary flight controls consist of various high lift devices used during low-speed flight such as
leading and trailing edge flaps, slats, slot, speed brakes, etc...

What is a servo trim tab?

-It is an auxiliary control positioned by the movement of the cockpit control and designed to create
aerodynamic forces to assist the pilot in moving the control surface

What is a spring tab?

-It is an auxiliary control designed to aid the movement of a primary control at high speeds when
the control forces become too high

What is a balance trim tab?

-It is an auxiliary control designed to create aerodynamic forces to assist in moving the control surface.
The tab is positioned by a control rod connected to a fixed surface on the same side as the horn on the
tab

What are four most common types of high lift devices?

-Leading and trailing edge flaps, slats, and slots

Describe some of the tools used to check control surface travel

-A universal propeller protractor or special control surface protractor

Name 3 mechanical methods by which flight control systems may be actuated

-Cables, push-pull rods, and torque tubes

What is a fairlead?

-It is a device used to prevent a cable from rubbing on the aircraft structure

What are the most likely places for a control cable to wear or break?

-When the cables pass over pulleys or through fairleads

What information is required before a cable or rigging chart can be used?

-Ambient temperature and cable size

What is the function of a cable tension regulator?

-It automatically adjusts the cable tension to a set value, and compensates for expansion and
contraction of the aircraft structure

Describe the function of a rotorcraft collective pitch control

-The collective pitch control causes each rotor blade to change its pitch angle by the same amount
thus increasing or decreasing the lift produced by the rotor

Describe the function of a rotorcraft cyclic pitch control

-The cyclic control tilts the main rotor disc by changing the pitch angle of each rotor blade during
its cycle of rotation which causes the helicopter to move in the direction the rotor tilts

What mechanism is most commonly used to compensate for the torque produced by the main rotor of
the helicopter?

-The tail rotor, or anti-torque rotor

How is the amount of thrust produced by the tail rotor controlled?

-By the foot pedals, or anti-torque pedals

Why should control surfaces be locked when an aircraft is parked?

-To prevent damage from the wind

Sheet Metal Structures

What is the major type of damage to aluminum structures that is caused by exposure to the weather?

-Corrosion

Name several methods by forming sheet metal

-Bending, folding, stretching, shrinking, bumping, and crimping

What are the dimensions of a properly formed rivet head?

-1.5x diameter wide, .5x diameter tall

Describe the markings found on the heads of A, B, D, AD, and DD rivets

A-plain

B-cross

D-raised dot

AD-dimple

DD-double dash

What happens to the stem of a self-plugging friction lock rivet once the rivet is installed?

-The stem is pulled until snapped off, and the remaining projecting part is trimmed flush with the
head

Name at least 3 types of self-plugging mechanical lock rivets

-CherryMax, CherryLock, Olympic-loc, Huck-lock

What is the difference between the tools required to pull a cherry-lock rivet and a cherry-max rivet?

- CherryLock rivets require a tool for each different size and head shape, while one pulling tool will set
any size CherryMax rivet

Which of the 5 stresses is the most common cause of rivet failure

-sheer

If a 2024 rivet must be replaced with a 2017 rivet, how do you determine the size to be used?

-For 5/32 or smaller, use the next larger size 2017 rivet, assuming that the edge distance and spacing
meet the minimum requirements

Describe the process for determining the totl length of a solid rivet for a particular installation

-Add the grip length plus 1.5x the rivet diameter

What minimum edge distance and spacing should be used for a single row of protruding head rivets?

-not less than 2 rivet diameters from the edge, and 3 rivet diameters apart

How can a mechanic determine if the countersink for a flush rivet should be dimpled or drilled?

-By the thickness of the top sheet. Thin sheets are dimpled, while thick sheets may be
countersunk

What actions are taken to prevent cracks from forming while dimpling magnesium or some hard sheet
metal?

-Hot dimpling equipment is used to preheat and soften the metal before the dimple is formed

What type of damage can occur while using a rivet set that does not properly fit the rivet?
-If the radius of the set is too small, the rivet head may be damaged, whereas a set with an
oversized radius may cause damage to the sheet metal

Why is it important to use the proper size and weight bucking bar when performing sheet metal
riveting?

-If a bucking bar is too large or heavy, it may be difficult to control and cause damage to the
surrounding structure, whereas a bucking bar that is too light may not properly upset the rivet
before work hardening occurs

What procedures should be followed to properly remove a solid shank rivet?

-Center punch the rivet, then drill to the base of the rivet head with same size or one size smaller
drill. Once drilled, use a pin punch to tip off the rivet head and drive the remaining shank out of
the hole while supporting the surrounding structure

What are two special calculations that must be made when bending sheet metal?

-Bend allowance and setback

What factors must be considered in order to determine setback?

-Bend radius and material thickness

What is done to a corner where two bends intersect to prevent cracking?

-Relief holes are drilled in the corner

What are two reasons for installing a lightning hole in a sheet metal wing rib?

-lightning holes reduce weight and increase stiffness

Describe a joggle and explain its function

-A joggle if an offset formed at the intersection of two or more sheets of metal to allow the
multiple sheets to be stacked flat against each other

When repairing an all-metal aircraft, how do you determine what metal should be used?

-Always use metal of the same type and thickness as the original structure

Wood, composites, and transparent plastic

structures
What are 3 forms of wood commonly used in wood construction?

-Solid, laminated, and plywood

What type of wood should be used when splicing or reinforcing plywood webs?

-The same type of plywood as originally used

Name at least 4 different types of defects found in wood

-Knots, checks, splits, pitch pockets, cross grain, curly grain, decay, dry rot, etc...

Can a section of wood containing a hard knot be used?

-Yes, within specified limits

What type of glue may have been used in older wooden aircraft construction that requires careful
inspection to detect deterioration?

-Casein glue

What are 3 types of glues used in modern aircraft construction and repair?

-Resorcinol, epoxy resin glue, and Phenyl-formaldehyde glue

Is compression wood acceptable for structural repairs?

-No

Why should the various pieces of wood being joined be kept in the same room for at least 24 hours prior
to joining?

-To allow the moisture content to equalize, thereby minimizing dimensional changes in the wood

Why is it important to consider the open assembly time when gluing wooden structures?

-If the max open assembly time is exceeded, the join may fail because the glue might begin setting
up before the join is assembled

Why is it important to apply the proper clamping pressure to a glue joint?

-clamping forces air out of the joint, brings the wood surfaces together evenly, and in part, is
responsible for the strength of the glue line

Describe some of the methods used to apply pressure to glue joints

-Clamps, nailing strips, power presses, brads, nails, and small screws

What minimum curing temperature should be observed when joining glue with various adhesives?

-70° Fahrenheit or as specified by the glue manufacturer

When inspecting wood structures why might it be important to consider stains and discolored areas?

-Stains and discoloration usually accompany rot

Describe the acceptable methods used to repair elongated bolt holes found in wooden wing spars?

-remove the section containing the elongated holes and splice in a new section or replace the entire
spar

What type of joint is used to splice a solid or rectangular wood spar?

-Scarf joint

In what areas are splices to a wood spar prohibited?

-Under an attachment fitting for wing root, landing gear, engine mount, lift or inter-plane strut

What is the maximum number of splices allowed for any single spar?

-2

Describe the characteristics of a scarf joint

-The pieces to be joined and tapered are beveled on a slope 1:10 or 1:12

Why must the beveled cut be accurate on both pieces of wood being repaired with a scarf joint?

-The two pieces must match exactly to ensure a tight glue joint

What are two primary uses for plywood in aircraft construction?

-Gusset or reinforcing plates and aircraft skin

Provide examples of at least 3 types of plywood skin repairs

-Splayed patches, surface patches, plug patches, and scarfed patches

What type of patch should be used to repair small holes in thin plywood skin if the skin is less than
1/10th of an inch thick?

-A splayed patch may be used if the hole can be cleared out to a diameter less than 15
thicknesses of the skin

What should be done to prevent a plywood patch and the pressure plate from sticking together if glue
was extruded from the joint?

-Place a piece of wax paper between the patch and the pressure plate

Why are light weight steel bushing sometimes used in wooden structures?

-Bushings prevent the wood from being crushed when bolts are tightened

What is the purpose of a large surface area washer when used on wooden structures?

-Large washers provide additional bearing area for hardware to help preclude damage to the wood
when the hardware is tightened

Name several facings and core materials used in bonded honeycomb structures intended for special
applications

-stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, plywood, glass, nylon, cotton cloth

Describe the construction of a bonded honeycomb structure

-It is a laminated structure that has a solid facing bonded to either side of a core consisting of open,
six sided cells
What must be done with a damaged area in a bonded honeycomb structure prior to beginning repairs?

-The area must first be inspected to determine the damaged area prior to removing the
damaged material

A drill bit used for drilling composites should be operated at approximately what speed?

-Use an air powered tool capable of free speed of up to 20,000 RPM

What are the most common causes of delamination of a composite structure?

-Sonic vibration, expansion of internal moisture, liquid leakage, and manufacturing error

What type of defect in, or damage to, a bonded honeycomb structure can be repaired using the potted
repair method?

-Filling a hole

Name some of the factors that cause crazing in transparent plastic windows and windshields

-Exposure to UV light, stress, solvents, and improper handling

How should a hole be drilled in plexiglass to avoid damage to the hole when the drill breaks through on
the other side?

-Back up the plastic with a piece of wood and feed the drill slowly

Aircraft welding
Name the 3 principal types of welding

-Gas, electric arc, and electrical resistance welding

What are some advantages of gas shielded arc welding?

-The weld is stronger, more ductile, and more corrosion resistant

Which method of welding is less likely to cause buckling or warping of the thin metal sheets?

-Electric arc welding

What is the purpose of shielding an arc weld with an inert gas?

-The gas prevents atmospheric oxygen or nitrogen from contaminating the weld

What is a common method of controlling expansion when welding a joint?

-placing tack welds along the length of the joint

What is the effect of inadequate penetration on a weld?

-The weld will be weak

What is the purpose of flux used with brazing and silver soldering?
-the flux cleans the base metal by removing any oxide film

What type of flame is used when torch brazing or silver soldering?

-A neutral flame

What must be done to soldering iron tips to increase the amount of heat transferred from the tip to the
work?

-The tip must be cleaned of contaminates and properly tinned

What is the preferred method for welding aluminum?

-TIG welding

What is the preferred method for welding magnesium?

-TIG welding

What precautions must be observed in order to weld titanium?

-All traces of oxygen and nitrogen must be kept away from the weld area

Describe one type of repair that could be made to a dented steel tube cluster joint

-A formed steel patch plate could be welded over the damaged area

How can a soft flame be obtained without reducing the heat output of the torch?

-use a large tip and adjust the gas pressure accordingly

What factors determine the amount of heat delivered by a gas welding torch?

-The size of the torch tip and gas pressure

When an oxy-acetylene torch is extinguished, which valve Is turned off first?

-Acetylene is turned off first

When a gas welding project is completed, what safety precautions should be accomplished?

-All the valves are turned off, and the gas pressures are relieved

What should be done to a heat-treated aluminum part after welded repairs are completed?

-The part must be re-heat treated

Welding magnesium could create a serious safety hazard. What is the nature of this hazard?

-magnesium burns with a very hot flame that is very hard to extinguish

What techniques must be used to enable tight fitting inner sleeves to be inserted in a tubular repair?

-The inner tube could be chilled while the outer tube could be heated slightly with a torch
Aircraft fabric covering
Aircraft covering fabrics are made of materials from what two sources?

-Organic and synthetic materials

How would you determine the strength requirements for fabric used to recover an aircraft?

-The fabric must be at least the quality and strength of the fabric used by the original
manufacturer

What two types of organic fibers are used in covering aircraft?

-Cotton and linen

What is meant by warp, weft, and bias?

-Warp is the direction along the length of the fabric, weft is the direction across the fabric at right
angles to the warp, and bias is a direction at 45-degree angles to the warp and weft

What is the purpose of a selvage edge on a roll of fabric?

-It prevents the fabric from unraveling

What identification markings are found on the selvage edge and what direction is the warp applied?

-The FAA-PMA stamp is found on the selvage edge and the warp is applied parallel to the line of flight

How are the fabric type and strength requirements determined for fabric covered aircraft?

-The original manufacturer determines the fabric type, and the strength requirements are a
function of never exceed speed and wing loading

What types of synthetic fibers are used for covering aircraft?

-Fiberglass and heat shrinkable polyester fibers

Which of the several types of fabric is unaffected by moisture and mildew?

-Fiberglass

What is the function or purpose of reinforcing tape?

-Reinforcing tape is used between the fabric and rib stitching to prevent the lacing cord from cutting
through the fabric

Where would you use surface tape?

-Over rib stitching and sewed seams, over lapped edges, around corners, and along the leading and
trailing edges

How should the edges of drainage, inspection, and ventilation holes be reinforced?

-With plastic, aluminum, or brass grommets

What are the principal methods used to test the condition of fabric?

-punch testers or laboratory pull testing

Fabric is considered unairworthy when it has deteriorated to what percent of its original strength?

-less than 70% of its original strength

How should a structure that will be covered with doped fabric be prepared following inspection and
prior to covering?

-Treat it with a protective coating of paint or varnish as appropriate

What is the principal advantage of the envelope method for covering wings?

-Almost all the seams are machine-sewed by the envelope supplier

What is a tie-off knot?

-A standard modified seine knot used in all stitches except the starting stitch

Name 3 common types of machine-sewed seams

-plain overlap, folded-fell, French-fell

Where are anti-tear strips used?

-Under wing rib stitching when the never exceed speed is greater than 250mph

How would you determine the correct spacing for rib stitching if the original spacing was unknown?

-Consult the chart in AC43.13-1B

Aircraft painting and finishing

Why is butyrate dope safer to use than nitrate dope?

-It is much less flammable

What are the two types of dope used for fabric finishes?

-Nitrate and Butyrate dope

What is the appearance of a blushing paint finish?

-chalky or cloudy

What finishing defect is the result of a paint room temperature that is too warm?

-pin holes or blisters

What causes dope to blush?

-High humidity, moisture in the paint system, or application over a damp surface
What factors cause spray paint sags and runs?

-Paint sprayed on too quickly or inadequate surface preparation

What components or parts of the airframe must be protected from damage when using paint stripper?

-windshields and windows, plastics, composites, synthetic rubbers, and fabrics

What is the function of a zinc chromate or wash primer?

-Primers serve to inhibit corrosion and provide a good bond between the metal and the top coats

Name several common types of paint used on aircraft

-Zinc chromate and wash primers, synthetic enamels, acrylic lacquers, and polyurethane

What is the proper thinner to be used with zinc chromate primer?

-Toluene

What health and safety precautions must be observed when using the toxic solvents and thinners that
are a part of modern finishing systems?

-Respirators and masks must be worn when spraying finishes

If spray painting dust causes a surface to appear dry and rough what are the most likely causes?

-Too much air pressure or the spray gun is too far from the surface being painted

What causes orange peel?

-Spray pressure too high, used of a thinner that dries too fast, cold temperatures, or a damp draft
over the surface

What regulation governs the application of registration numbers to aircraft registered in the United
States?

-FAR Part 45

Other than appearance, what is another reason for touching up painted surfaces?

-To reduce or eliminate general corrosion problems

What references should be used to determine if a control surface must be checked and/or rebalanced?

-The manufacturers service manual

What should be the effect if dope was used over paint or enamel?

-The dope tends to dissolve these materials

What are the three most commonly used methods of applying paint?

-Dipping, brushing, and spraying

What is the effect on paint finished if too much drier is added to the paint?
-The paint will be brittle and tend to crack and peel

What paint system may be used with epoxy top coats?

-Any paint system in good condition

Airframe electrical systems

What causes an AC eclectic motor to run too fast?

-Excessive applied voltage or shorted field windings

What tool is used to check motor or generator armatures for shorts and opens under load conditions?

-A growler

When using a growler, what indication will occur when a short exists between an armature segment?

-When a metal blade is held over the armature, and a short exists in this segment, the blade will tend to
vibrate and chatter

How is the output voltage of an alternator controlled?

-By varying the field current that excites the alternator

What instruments are used to monitor electrical system loads?

-Ammeters and voltmeters

How would you identify a specific wire in a wire bundle?

-By the ID code marked on the wire

What tool would you use to determine the size of an unmarked wire?

-A wire gauge

What color are navigation lights on the wing tips?

-Red – left, right – green

Name several types of electrical devices that would be considered intermittent loads on an aircraft
system

-Landing gear, cowl and wing flap motors, radio transmitters

Why would it be necessary to analyze an electrical system before increasing the load on the system?

-to determine that the generator capacity, wire size, and protective device capacity will not be
exceeded

What factors should be considered when determining the wire size for a particular application?
-System voltage, permissible voltage drop, current to be carried, wire length, and whether the load is
continuous or intermittent

What is the relationship between the inside diameter of a conduit and the outside diameter of the wire
bundle inside it?

-The conduit must be 25% larger than the wire bundle

What is the maximum number of terminal lugs that can be placed on a single terminal strip stud?

-4

What is the proper length for a bonding jumper?

-as short as possible, but long enough to allow free movement of the component

Under what conditions must a switch be derated for its nominal rating?

-When used with inductive circuits, circuits with high in-rush current, and DC motors

At what point to electrical motors draw the most current?

-When starting

Circuit breakers are designed to open before what condition occurs?

-before the wires emit smoke

At what point in a circuit should the protective devices be located?

-As close to the power source as possible

What type of circuit breaker may not be used in an aircraft?

-An automatic resetting type

What part of an aircraft is identified by a white navigation light?

-The tail

What could cause an AC electrical motor to run too slowly?

-Lack of lubrication, defective wiring, or low applied voltage

What should be done when making bonding or grounding connections between dissimilar materials?

-Use a suitable washer so that if any corrosion occurs, it will occur on the washer

Prior to making a continuity check, what must be done to an electrical circuit?

-The power must be turned off

Hydraulic and pneumatic power systems

What materials form the basis of the 3 types of hydraulic fluid?
-Vegetable, mineral, and phosphate-ester

What colors denote mineral based and phosphate-ester based hydraulic fluids?

-Mineral based fluids are red and phosphate-ester fluids are light purple

What are the results of exposing lacquers, oil-based paints, plastic resins, and vinyl compounds to
phosphate-ester based hydraulic fluid?

-The materials will be damaged and/or softened or the paint will peel

Name several sources used to develop hydraulic pressure

-hand pumps, engine driven pumps, and electrically driven pumps

What would cause the bypass valve in a hydraulic filter to open and allow unfiltered fluid to circulate in
the system?

-A clogged filter

Describe several methods of pressurizing a hydraulic reservoir

-Engine bleed air, system pressure acting on a small piston in the reservoir, using variable
displacement hydraulic pumps

What feature prevents engine damage if an engine driven hydraulic pump seizes or is overloaded?

-A shear section in the pump drive shaft will break, disconnecting the pump from the engine

Describe the purpose of a pressure relief valve

-pressure relief valves limit the maximum pressure produced by the pump thereby preventing failures
of the system components

Engine driven pumps deliver the output fluid flow in what two forms?

-As a constant or variable volume

Describe the operation of a gear type pump

-two meshed gears, driven by a power source, rotate in a housing. Inlet fluid is carried around the
outside of the gears and delivered to the output side as the gears rotate

Describe the purpose of a pressure regulator

-Pressure regulators manage the output of the pump to maintain system pressure

What is the device that is used to supplement the pump output during periods of high demand?

-An accumulator

What are the 3 different types of accumulators?

-Pison, diaphragm, and bladder

What safety precautions must be taken prior to disassembling an accumulator?

-Release all air or preload

When a hydraulic unit is replaced, what precautions should be taken to avoid contamination of the
system?

-All lines should be capped or plugged immediately after they are disconnected

What types of components or systems are pneumatically operated in some aircraft?

-Landing gear, brakes, flaps, and other mechanical actuators

Name several sources of pneumatic power

-Storage bottles, engine bleed air, engine driven compressors, or vane type pumps

What happens to excess pressure in a pneumatic system?

-A relief valve vents it overboard

What is the function of a restrictor in a pneumatic system?

-To control the rate of flow of the air

What are the reasons for periodically purging a pneumatic system?

-to remove moisture and contamination

Aircraft landing gear systems

What is the purpose of a torque link in an oleo strut?

-To keep the wheel in alignment and prevent the piston from coming out of the cylinder

A landing gear shock strut should be inflated with what gasses?

-Nitrogen or dry air

What condition should a mechanic look for during a regular inspection of the exposed piston section of a
landing gear?

-Cleanliness, evidence of damage, and proper extension

What prevents air from leaking out between the two halves of a split wheel assembly?

-An O-ring

Why are fusible plugs installed on some aircraft wheels?

-To release the pressure generated by heat buildup before the tire blows

What safety precaution must be taken when removing a wheel from the axle or disassembling the
wheel?
-Verify the tire is completely deflated before removing a wheel from the axle or before wheel
disassembly

What are the visible signs of excessive heating on a wheel bearing?

-The bearing surface shows discoloration

How are the pilots nose wheel steering commands transmitted to the steering control unit of a large
aircraft?

-Steering signals may be transmitted mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically

How is the nose wheel steering mechanism usually actuated on small aircraft?

-By means of a mechanical linkage connected to the rudder pedals

What is the name of the unit that prevents the nose wheel from vibrating or oscillating?

-A Shimmy damper

What are the most common sources of power used to extend and retract landing gear?

-Hydraulic pressure and electric motors

At what times should a gear retraction check be performed?

-During annual or other inspections, and following a hard landing

What mechanism(s) ensure that a nose wheel is not turned as it retracts into the wheel well?

-Internal centering cams in the strut or an external track

Name several types of brake actuating systems

-Independent master cylinders, boosted brakes, and power-controlled brakes

What is the function of an anti-skid system?

-An antiskid system allows large aircraft to achieve maximum braking effectiveness without
allowing the wheels to skid or lock

What is the purpose of a debooster?

-To reduce hydraulic system high pressure to a lower value for mores satisfactory breaking action

Describe two methods of bleeding brakes

-A pressure pot can be attached to the bleeder valve and fluid forced back towards the master
cylinder, or the master cylinder can be used to force fluid from the reservoir to the brakes

Before a brake system can be inspected for leaks, what action must be accomplished?

-Pressure must be applied to the system

What maintenance function has the greatest impact on tire service life?
-Ensuring that the tires are properly inflated

What effects does under inflation have on aircraft tires?

-Excessive heat, premature tire failure, and the treat tends to wear more on the shoulders than the
center

Position and warning systems

What unit in an antiskid system generates the antiskid warning signal?

-The control unit

How is a pilot alerted that an antiskid system has automatically returned to a manual brake system?

-By a warning light

What is the significance of an antiskid warning?

-The system is off or has failed

By what usual means does a stall warning system alert the pilot of an impending stall?

-An audible alert and/or a warning light

What devices are used to provide warning for a retractable landing gear system?

-A horn or other aural device and a red warning light or lights

How can a pilot determine that the landing gear is down and locked?

-A green light or other type of visual indicator

Name at least two conditions that would activate the takeoff configuration warning system in a jet
transport aircraft

-Incorrect leading or trailing edge flap positions, stabilizer position, or speed brake not stowed, and
others as established by the manufacturer

What landing gear positions must be indicated by regulations?

-Down and locked, and up and locked

Under what conditions will a landing gear aural warning system sound?

-When the throttle is retarded and the landing gear is not down and locked

How does a take-off configuration warning differ from a landing gear warning?

-Take-off warnings are usually intermittent horns while landing gear warnings are steady

What is the function of a Mach airspeed warning system?

-to alert the pilot that the never-exceed airspeed limit has been reached or exceeded
What systems are commonly used to activate the landing gear warning systems?

-The throttles, thrust levers, and wing flaps

Why do airplanes with bleed air anti-icing of the wing leading edge have an anti-ice overhead light?

-To indicate an overtemperature condition, usually as the result of a break in the bleed air ducts

What warning system may be required when a nickel-cadmium battery is installed in an aircraft?

-A battery temperature monitoring system

At what time would a check of the landing gear warning system normally be made?

-During a landing gear retraction test

What is the purpose of an enunciator system?

-To show by means of a warning light that some system parameters require attention by the flight
crew

If an aircraft with a retractable landing gear only has one green light to indicate the gear is down and
locked, how will the switches be connected? In series, or parallel?

-In series

Where would you locate the procedure for checking and adjusting the landing gear switches?

-The aircraft manufacturers maintenance manual

What is the usual means for alerting the crew of a jet transport that the cabin doors are not properly
closed?

-A warning light

Why are transport category aircraft equipped with a maser caution and warning system?

-To alert the crew that a malfunction has occurred and corrective action may be required

Aircraft instrument systems

A static check may be performed on a manifold pressure gauge by using what piece of information?

-Current atmospheric pressure

What aircraft instrument can be used to check a manifold pressure gauge for proper indication?

-Altimeter

Name several of the indication errors that may be found in altimeters

-Scale error, hysteresis, friction, installation

What is a signal source in an electrical resistance type temperature indicating system?

-A temperature bulb or sensing element

What type of temperature sensing system is normally used to measure a turbine engine exhaust gas
temperature?

-A thermocouple type system

What operating parameter is indicated by a tachometer?

-Engine RPM

What is the name of the effect that causes a gyro to respond to an applied force at a point 90 degrees
further in the direction of rotation?

-Gyroscopic precession

What are the three sources of power used to drive a gyroscopic turn indicator?

-Air from a vacuum or pressure source, or an electric motor

What are two items that should be considered during inspection of a magnetic compass?

-The fluid must be clear, the housing must be full with no bubbles, the card must be legible and the
lubber line intact, the compass should be properly calibrated

In what way do magnetic fields generated by electrical equipment and steel parts in the airplane affect a
magnetic compass?

-Stray magnetic fields deflect the compass from correct alignment with the earth's magnetic field

Describe the basic operating concept of a synchro-type remote indicating system

-A remote transmitter electrically signals a receiver inside the instrument

What aircraft instrument are connected to the pitot static system?

-Altimeter, vertical speed indicator, airspeed indicator, and Mach indicator in high performance jets

Why should you avoid cleaning obstructions from the sensing holes in a pitot static system with a tool?

-The holes are aerodynamically critical

After components in a pitot static system have been replaced, what tests or inspections are required?

-The static system leak test specified by FAR 91.411

What quantity is accurately measured by a capacitance type fuel quantity indicating system?

-the mass of the fuel

Who is authorized to apply the range markings to an instrument dial face?

-The manufacturer or a certified instrument repair station

What is the purpose of a slippage mark on an instrument glass?

-to indicate if the glass has moved

What references should be consulted to determine the proper range markings for aircraft instruments?

-the aircraft maintenance manual, aircraft flight manual, and/or TCDS

What is the meaning of the yellow arc on an aircraft instrument?

-A caution or limited flight operations range

What is the reason for swinging a compass and how is it accomplished?

-To compensate for deviations caused by magnetic fields in the aircraft, accomplished by
adjusting the compensating magnets

Aircraft avionics systems

What are the basic components of a radio communication system?

-A microphone, transmitter, transmitting and receiving antennas, receiver, speaker, or

headphones

What frequency range is used by most modern voice communication systems?

-VHF

What does the term ADF stand for?

-Automatic direction finding

What is the function of VOR equipment?

-navigation

Name the components of a typical airborne VOR navigation system

-Receiver, antennas, frequency selector, and a visual display indicator

What does DME stand for?

-Distance measuring equipment

At what interval must an ATC transponder system be certified?

-Every 24 calendar months

Why are two antennas usually required for an ILS system?

-The localizer and glideslope signals are transmitted on different frequencies

What information does the glideslope beam provide?

-Vertical guidance to enable the aircraft to maintain the correct descent angle

What is the power source for an ELT?

-Batteries

Describe one method of monitoring the signal output during an ELT test

-Tune a communications receiver to 121.5MHz

How will you determine if the batteries in an ELT are due for recharge or replacement?

-By looking for an expiration date for recharge or replacement on the battery or in the aircraft
maintenance records

At what times is a test of an ELT permitted?

-Within the first 5 minutes after the hour for no more than 3 sweeps

Where on the aircraft would you expect to find a DME antenna?

-on the bottom of the fuselage in a location that isn’t blocked by the wing during turns

Describe the shape and location of a transponder antenna

-Either a short blade or a short wire with a ball end located on the bottom of the fuselage

Name the basic components of an autopilot system

-Gyros, servos, a controller, and an amplifier or computer

What are the sensing elements of an autopilot system?

-Attitude, direction, turning gyros, and an altitude sensor

What is the function of servos in an autopilot system?

-The servos actuate the flight controls

What is the purpose of a bonding jumper from a radio shock mount to the airframe?

-To provide a low impedance ground return

Describe the procedure to route coaxial cable from an antenna to a receiver

-The cable should be supported every two feet, bends should be 10x cable diameter, and it should
be separated from other wires

Airframe ice and rain control

What controls the temperature in a thermal anti-icing system?

-hot and cold air are mixed

What are other sources of heat for thermal anti-icing systems?

-Bleed air from the compressor section of a turbine engine, engine exhaust heat exchangers, and
combustion heaters
What prevents overheating of the leading edges of a thermal anti-icing system operated by engine bleed
air?

-Overheat sensors signal the anti-icing valves to close and shut off the hot air

What happens to the hot air used by thermal anti-icing systems after it has heated the surface?

-The air is dumped or exhausted overboard

Why is it necessary to provide overheat protection for anti-icing systems that use turbine engine bleed
air?

-The air is hot enough to cause damage to the aircraft structure

What are the effects of arcing on an electrically heated windshield?

-Localized overheating and damage to the windshield

Can the operation of an electrically heated pitot tube be checked with the aircraft ammeter? And if so,
how?

-Yes. Turn the pitot heater on and observe the deflection of the ammeter needle

Describe several potential problems associated with electrically heated windshields

-Arcing, delamination, scratches, and discoloration

Why do some pneumatic deicer boot systems have an electrically operated timer?

-To automatically cycle the boots, provide the proper rest time, and recycle the boots

What are the two common methods for inflating pneumatic deicer boots?

-Bleed air from a turbine engine, or the exhaust from an engine driven vacuum pump

What procedure is used to hold deicer boots flat with the airfoil surface during flight?

-Suction is applied to the boots

Why do some deicer boot systems incorporate an oil separator?

-If a wet pump system is used, the oil must be removed before it reaches the boots because oil
damages the rubber

What methods are used to attach a deicer boot to the leading edge of the wing and tail surfaces?

-Adhesives, fairing strips and screws, or a combination of both

What important step should be taken before making a cold-patch repair to a deicer boot?

-Consult the manufacturers service manual and follow the repair instructions explicitly

Describe the methods commonly used to remove rain from a windshield

-Windshield wipers, a blast of air, or a chemical rain repellent

What power sources are used to operate windshield wipers?

-Electricity or hydraulic pressure

Name two problems associated with in flight operation of aircraft windshield wipers

-Insufficient blade pressure caused by aerodynamic forces, and failure to oscillate fast enough

Describe the operation of a pneumatic rain removal system

-A high velocity air blast prevents the rain from reaching the surface of the windshield

What are the effects of spraying rain repellent on a dry windshield?

-It reduces visibility and is hard to remove when dry

Where would you find information on acceptable limits of windshield delamination?

-In the aircraft maintenance manual or in other reference material provided by the
manufacturer

Cabin atmosphere control systems

Is there any special requirement as to the type of oxygen used in aircraft systems, and if so, what is it?

-Yes, only aviators breathing oxygen should be used

Describe the operating principle of a continuous flow oxygen system

-High pressure oxygen flows from the storage cylinder to a pressure regulator where its pressure
is reduced, and then to the mask outlets whenever the system is turned on

Describe the operating principle of a pressure demand oxygen system

-Demand systems allow oxygen to flow from the cylinder to the regulator and then to the mask only
when the user inhales

What should be used to purge an oxygen system of moisture?

-Oxygen, dry air, or dry nitrogen

What action must be taken when an oxygen system has been open to the atmosphere?

-The system must be purged of moisture

Describe the safety precautions that must be observed when servicing oxygen systems

-Avoid all contact with petroleum oil or grease, do not smoke, keep everything clean, service system
outdoors if possible, and keep the caps on the bottles to protect the valves

What is a roots blower?

-A roots blower is a type of engine driven compressor

Name two different types of independent cabin air compressors

-Positive displacement and centrifugal

What is the source of pressurization air in most jet aircraft?

-Engine bleed air

What device provides the principal means of controlling cabin pressure?

-The outflow valve

What unit regulates the position of the outflow valve?

-The cabin pressure controller

Name several methods used on a reciprocating engine aircraft for providing heated cabin air

-Exhaust shroud heat exchangers, combustion heaters, and electric heaters

What is the function of the ventilating air in a combustion heater?

-Ventilating air transports the heat from the heater into the cabin and prevents combustion gasses
from entering the cabin if the combustion chamber develops a crack

What are the sources of ventilating air in a combustion heater?

-Ram air in flight, a blower on the ground, or possibly a compressor if the airplane is pressurized

Name the basic components of an air-cycle cooling system

-The compressor and expansion turbine, heat exchangers, and various valves

Describe the basic operating principle that allows an air cycle system to produce cool air

-Hot engine bleed air is cooled in the primary heat exchanger, compressed, then cooled again in the
secondary heat exchanger. The air is expanded across the turbine where energy is extracted and the
energy is reduced. This produces a large temperature drop

Describe the basic operating principles of a water separator

-Cool, moist air is swirled so that water droplets are separated by centrifugal force, captured by a sock,
and drained

Name the principal components of a vapor cycle cooling system

-A compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator

In what significant way is a vapor cycle cooling system different from an air cycle cooling system?

-A vapor cycle cool system uses a refrigerant liquid, usually freon

Why is oil added to the refrigerant in a vapor cycle air conditioning system?

-To lubricate the compressor

Aircraft fuel systems
Why do some aircraft have fuel jettison systems?

-To allow the crew to reduce the weight of the aircraft down to or below the maximum
allowable landing weight

Is there any reason why a fuel jettison system may be required on a small aircraft?

-Yes, if the maximum take-off weight exceeds the maximum allowable landing weight, a jettison system
would be required

What are some other names for a single point fueling system?

-A pressure fueling system, or an underwing fueling system

Why do multi engine airplanes have fuel cross feed systems?

-To allow any engine to draw fuel from any tank

The fuel selector valve for a multi engine aircraft must have at least 3 positions, what are they?

-on, off, and cross feed

Why do some fuel tanks have internal baffles?

-To resist fuel surging or sloshing caused by changes in the attitude of the aircraft

What are the two types of fuel cells?

-Integral or wet wing fuel cells, and bladder type fuel cells

What does the term wet wing mean?

-It means that sealed portions of the aircraft wing structure form the fuel tanks

How is the weight of the fuel supported when bladder type fuel cells are used?

-The bladder is supported by the aircraft structure which contains it

Why do turbine engine aircraft have fuel temperature indicating systems?

-To allow the crew to determine if the fuel is cold enough to produce a danger of formation of ice
crystals

Name 4 types of fuel quantity gauging systems currently in use

-sight gauges, mechanical, electric, and electronic gauges

Why are electronic capacitance type fuel quantity indicating systems more accurate than other types?

-They measure the mass of the fuel, instead of the volume

What are drip gauges and sight gauges?

-Underwing bayonet type fuel gauges

What is the purpose of an in-transit light associated with an electrically operated fuel tank shutoff valve?

-To provide an indication that the valve is in motion between one position and the other

For what reason is a fuel jettison system usually divided into two separate independent systems, one for
each wing?

-To help maintain lateral stability by jettisoning fuel from a heavy wing if necessary

What procedure should be followed regarding gaskets and seals when replacing fuel system
components?

-All old gaskets and seals should be replaced with new ones

Is it possible for a fuel system to develop a leak that has no visible evidence such as a stain or spot? And
if so, how?

-Yes, an internal component such as a valve could develop a leak

How is a fuel tank checked for leaks following a patch or welded repair?

-The tank is slightly pressurized with air, and the repaired area is leak checked with a soap and water
solution

Name some advantages of a single point fueling system

-It reduces fueling time, reduces chances for contamination, reduces chance for fire, and
eliminates damage to the aircraft skin

Why should you wait for a period of time after fueling an aircraft before checking the fuel sumps

-To allow time for water and contaminants to settle to the drain point

Fire prevention systems

Briefly describe the components of a thermal switch fire detection system

-Temperature sensitive switches that complete a circuit at a specific temperature and trigger a
warning

Are thermal switches wired in series or in parallel with each other?

-Parallel

How are the detector units in a double-loop Fenwal system wired?

-in parallel between two complete loops of wiring

In what way is a thermocouple fire warning system different from a thermal switch system?
-Thermocouple systems are sensitive to the rate of temperature change, whereas thermal switch
systems respond to a specific temperature value

Briefly describe the components of a Kidde continuous loop fire detection system

- A Kidde system has an Inconel tube containing one or more wires embedded in a ceramic core whose
resistance changes with temperature.

Briefly describe the components and operation of a Lindberg fire detection system

-A stainless steel tube contains an inert gas and a discrete material that absorbs some of the gas.
When the tube heats up, some of the gas is released, raising the pressure in the tube, which
activates a pressure switch

Describe the process or mechanism by which a photoelectric smoke detector generates a warning of a
possible fire

-Smoke particles refract light in the detector unit, causing the photoelectric cell to conduct
electricity and trigger the alarm

How can the operation of a photoelectric smoke detector be tested?

-by actuating a test switch

Name two types of smoke detection systems used in aircraft

-photoelectric and ionization types

What are the usual locations where a carbon monoxide detector would be installed?

-In the cockpit or cabin

How does a carbon monoxide detector indicate the presence of this deadly gas?

-The detector changes color

What are the possible effects in kinds and sharp bends in the sensing elements of a fire warning system?

-false fire warnings caused by short circuits

How is a freon container checked for proper pressure?

-A chart must be used to determine the maximum and minimum gauge pressure based on the
ambient temperature

Name the two basic types of fire extinguishing systems

-The conventional and the high-rate discharge system

Name the extinguishing agent most commonly used by conventional fire extinguishing systems

-Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Name the extinguishing agent most commonly used by high-rate discharge fire extinguishing systems
-Halon

How are freon bottles protected from excessively high temperatures and how can you tell that this has
occurred?

-A thermal fuse or blowout disc will release the agent if the bottle temperature exceeds a certain
limit. This blows out a red indicator disc

What condition is indicated if the yellow disc is missing in a fire extinguishing system?

-The yellow disc missing means that the system has been discharged normally

Describe the mechanism by which a freon bottle is discharged

-An electric signal fires an explosive squib, which ruptures a disc

How is the service life of a discharge cartridge calculated?

-It is calculated from the date stamped on the cartridge by the manufacturer

Aircraft Airworthiness Inspection

Where do you find the regulation that specifies the operating conditions that make 100-hour inspections
mandatory?

-FAR Part 91

A certificated A&P Mechanic may sign off a return to service following what type of inspection?

-100-hour inspection

Under what conditions may a mechanic perform an annual inspection and return the aircraft to service?

-The mechanic must hold an IA

What is the timeframe in which an annual inspection must be performed?

-An annual inspection must be performed within the preceding 12 calendar months

Under what conditions may any checklist be used as a guide for a 100-hour inspection?

-The checklist must meet the minimum standards specified in FAR Part 43, Appendix D

May an aircraft that is overdue for an annual inspection be flown to a place where the inspection can be
performed?

-Yes, provided a ferry permit is obtained

In order for an individual person to conduct a 100-hour inspection and approve the return to service,
that person must have what type of certificates?

-A mechanics certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings

An aircraft is required by FAR Part 91.409 to have a 100-hour inspection. Is it legal to fly the aircraft
beyond the inspection requirement, and if so, for how long?

-Yes, the aircraft may be operated for up to 10 hours if required to reach a place where the
inspection can be accomplished

An airplane is flown 4 hours over the 100-hour inspection limit to reach a maintenance facility. How do
you account for those 4 hours?

-The 4 hours are included in the next 100-hour time in service period

What types of operations require that aircraft operating under Part 91 must undergo 100-hour
inspections?

-Aircraft operated for compensation or hire, or used for flight instruction when provided by a flight
instructor

An aircraft operated under a progressive inspection program is operated for compensation or hire. Does
it need a 100-hour inspection?

-No, progressive inspections replace 100-hour inspections

Who is authorized to supervise a progressive inspection?

-Certified A&P mechanics who hold an IA, certified repair stations, or an Aircraft manufacturer

When a progressive inspection program is discontinued, at what time is the next 100-hour inspection
due?

-100 hours after the last complete inspection of the progressive program

An owner desires to use a progressive inspection program. To whom does the owner apply for
authorization?

-To the FAA Flight Standards District Office having jurisdiction over the area where the owner is located

Is an engine runup required as part of a 100-hour inspection on a turbine powered aircraft?

-Yes

Where would you locate the required items that must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records
following the completion of a 100-hour inspection?

-FAR Part 43

Where might you locate a sample of the recommended statement for recording the approval for return
to service of an aircraft following completion of an annual or 100-hour inspection?

-FAR Part 43

Where would you look to find approved information for work on an aircraft electrical system?

-In the manufacturer's maintenance manual

What are the limitations placed on mechanics with regards to propellers?

-Mechanics may not perform major repairs to or alterations of propellers

After equipment is installed in accordance with an STC, who must approve their return to service?

-An A&P mechanic who holds an IA