Homework 11.

6 – Introduction to Aircraft Electrical Systems

1. What does BITE refer to?

The BITE (Built In Test Equipment) check. This may involve a simple 'Press to Test' button that
causes a lamp to come on if the system is serviceable. The system may be controlled by a
computer and in that case it may carry out a more sophisticated check.

2. What instrument would you use in order to check the continuity of a cable?
A multi meter, set to ohms - showing a low resistance value when continuity is established.
A 'lamp and battery' tester where the lamp comes on when continuity is established.
An electronic tester that not only establishes that there is a break in the wire (no continuity) but
where that break is.

3. What is the typical test voltage when insulation test is carried out?
The test voltage is usually 250V (but check the AMM) and circuits may be tested collectively or
individually depending on the manual.

4. What instrument would you use in order to check fire extinguisher cartridge heads for
continuity and resistance?
The safety ohmmeter is normally used to check fire extinguisher cartridge heads for continuity
and resistance.

5. If an insulation test has been carried out, is it or is it not necessary to carry out a functional test?
After an insulation test a functional test of all circuits should be carried out.

6. In the case of generator failure, what the pilot should do in order to make sure that he will not
go out of electricity?
In the event of one generator (on a multi engined aircraft) failing and demand exceeding supply
automatic Load Shedding will kick-in, which means that some of the less important circuits (non-
essential circuits) will be switch off.

7. What is the standard frequency used in aviation electrical systems?

400Hz
8. What could a frequency wild generator supply?
Most large aircraft employ constant frequency systems.

9. What is a CSD
In general a constant frequency generator must run at a flxed rpm (except some specially
designed generators such as the VSCF generator), so they will require the use of an IDG
 (Integrated Drive Generator), or a CSDU (Constant Speed Drive Unit), or a VSCF (Variable Speed
Constant Frequency) generator.

10. In the case of composite airframe, how is electricity conducted through it?
An earth return system of harnesses/ wires is fitted to provide for the negative return path.

11. If a transformer has the turns ratio of 4:2, and the primary winding carrying 800V, how many
volts would pass the secondary winding?
400V

12. A typical Ground Power Unit coupling has 3 pins: a “plus”, a “minus” and the third one. What is
the function of the third pin? (which usually is smaller than the other two)
If the GPU plug is pulled out with power on, the two short pins will loose contact first. This will
interrupt the control voltage to the contactor and it will go open. No arcing will occur from the
large power pins.

13. What is the minimum fusing current of a fuse?

The minimum current at which a fuse will blow.

14. If a circuit breaker “pops-out” inflight, what should the pilot do? Should he press the circuit
breaker in or not?
They can't be reset

15. What documentation would you use in order to get the Part No. of a cable?
* Cable manufacturer's identification and the
* Aircraft manufacturer's identification.

16. What is used in batteries to prevent the pates touching and still allow free circulation of
electrolyte?
Polymer separator

17. What happens to the gasses generated by chemical action?

are evacuated
18. If a battery reaches its minimum specific gravity, what would this indicate?
less capacity
longer life
more space required
lower monetary discharge rates
more adaptable to 'floating' operation
less standing lose
19. What actions should be taken if the level of electrolyte is to be found low in a battery?
An inherent characteristic of nickel cadmium cells is that when they are in a low or discharged
condition the electrolyte is absorbed within the plates and separators to a point where it is not
visible from the top of the cells When the battery is recharged the electrolyte level rises At full
charge the electrolyte level is at its maximum Electrolyte or distilled water should be added only
at an Intermediate maintenance activity

20. What is the voltage of a fully charged Nickel Cadmium battery cell?
25,6 V

21. If electrolyte gets in your eyes, what should you immediately do? Irrigate eyes with water or go
immediately to the doctor?
If an alkaline electrolyte gets into the eyes wash the eyes with water or a weak solution of boric
acid or vinegar and seek immediate medical attention

22. What is the unit of measure for battery capacity?

Volt and ampere hour

23. What could happen if the microporous plastic separators get damaged?
to prevent the pates touching

24. Name a charging method of batteries that would lower the chance of thermal runaway during
the process.
With constant current charging

25. How should batteries be installed if you want to increase the current capacity of the two?
Must be installed in series to increase voltage

26. Name an adverse effect of flux changes for generators

The field changes or the circuit moves (or both) ...

27. What is Armature Reaction of a generator?

These are employed to brush sparking and communication by counteracting the self induced
emf in the undergoing commutation and by opposing distortion due to armature reaction

28. What types of losses in a dc generator exists?

Between the head of the brush and split rings commutator
29. When inspecting a brush, how should these be handled?
The brushes should take on a high gloss with the exception of a few possible scratches across
the wearing surface of the brush caused by the grit of the stone

30. What are the benefits of a Variable Speed Constant Frequency (VSCF) generator over the
Constant Speed Drive Unit (CSDU)?
VSCF works without constant speed drive unit usually for small aircrafts