POWERPLANT
The basic information on principles, fundamentals, and technical procedures in the subject matter areas relating to the powerplant rating and contains an explanation of the units that make up each of the systems that bring fuel, air, and ignition together in an aircraft engine for combustion. It also contains information on engine construction features, lubrication systems, exhaust systems, cooling systems, cylinder removal and replacement, compression checks, and valve adjustments. Because there are so many different types of aircraft in use today, it is reasonable to expect that differences exist in airframe components and systems.An aircraft engine, or powerplant, produces thrust to propel an aircraft. Reciprocating engines and turboprop engines work in combination with a propeller to produce thrust. Turbojet and turbofan engines produce thrust by increasing the velocity of air flowing through the engine. All of these powerplants also drive the various systems that support the operation of an aircraft.
Aircraft Engines
Most small aircraft are designed with reciprocating engines. The name is derived from the back-and-forth, or reciprocating, movement of the pistons that produces the mechanical energy necessary to accomplish work. An aircraft turbine engine consists of an air inlet, compressor, combustion chambers, a turbine section, and exhaust. Thrust is produced by increasing the velocity of the air flowing through the engine. Turbine engines are highly desirable aircraft powerplants.Refer Aircraft Engines section
Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems
The engine fuel system supply fuel to the engine’s fuel metering device under all conditions of ground and air operation. The engine fuel system usually includes the engine-driven pumps and the fuel metering systems.Refer Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems section
Induction and Exhaust Systems
The induction system brings in air from the outside, mixes it with fuel, and delivers the fuel-air mixture to the cylinder where combustion occurs.Refer Engine Induction and Exhaust Systems section
Ignition and Electrical Systems
In a spark ignition engine, the ignition system provides a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders and is made up of magnetos, spark plugs, high-tension leads, and an ignition switch.Refer Engine Ignition and Electrical Systems section
Engine Starting Systems
Most aircraft engines, reciprocating or turbine, require help during the starting process. Hence, this device is termed the starter.Refer Engine Starting Systems section
Lubrication and Cooling Systems
The purpose of a lubricant is to reduce friction between moving parts. Because liquid lubricants or oils can be circulated readily, they are used universally in aircraft engines.Refer Engine Lubrication and Cooling Systems section
Propeller
The propeller is a rotating airfoil, subject to induced drag, stalls, and other aerodynamic principles that apply to any airfoil. It provides the necessary thrust to pull, or in some cases push, the aircraft through the air.Refer Aircraft Propellers section
Engine Removal and Replacement
Procedures for removing or installing an aircraft engine usually vary widely with the type of aircraft and the type of engine.Refer Engine Removal and Replacement section
Engine Fire Protection Systems
Because fire is one of the most dangerous threats to an aircraft, the potential fire zones of all multiengine aircraft currently produced are protected by a fixed fire protection system.Refer Engine Fire Protection Systems section
Engine Maintenance and Operation
Both maintenance and complete engine overhauls are performed normally at specified intervals. This interval is usually governed by the number of hours the powerplant has been in operation.Read more Engine Maintenance and Operation section
Light-Sport Aircraft Engines
Engines used for light-sport aircraft and other types of aircraft, such as some experimental aircraft, ultralight aircraft, and powered parachutes, must be very light for the power they develop.Refer Light-Sport Aircraft Engines section
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AIRFRAME
The basic information on principles, fundamentals, and technical procedures in the subject matter areas relating to the airframe rating and contains information on airframe construction features, assembly and rigging, fabric covering, structural repairs, and aircraft welding. This section also contains an explanation of the units that make up the various airframe systems. Because there are so many different types of aircraft in use today,
Refer Aircraft Structures section
Refer Aerodynamics, Aircraft Assembly, and Rigging section
Refer Aircraft Fabric Covering section
Refer Aircraft Metal Structural Repair section
Aircraft Structures
The history of aircraft structures underlies the history of aviation in general. Advances in materials and processes used to construct aircraft have led to their evolution from simple wood truss structures to the sleek aerodynamic flying machines of today.Refer Aircraft Structures section
Aerodynamics, Aircraft Assembly, and Rigging
Three topics that are directly related to the manufacture, operation, and repair of aircraft are: aerodynamics, aircraft assembly, and rigging.Refer Aerodynamics, Aircraft Assembly, and Rigging section
Aircraft Fabric Covering
Fabric-covered aircraft play an important role in the history of aviation. The use of fabric covering on an aircraft offers one primary advantage: light weight. In contrast, fabric coverings have two disadvantages: flammability and lack of durability.Refer Aircraft Fabric Covering section
Aircraft Metal Structural Repair
It is important that metal structural repairs be made according to the best available techniques because improper repair techniques can pose an immediate or potential danger.Refer Aircraft Metal Structural Repair section
Aircraft Welding
As the technology and manufacturing processes evolved in the aircraft and aerospace industry, lighter metals were used in their construction. New processes and methods of welding these metals were developed.
Refer Aircraft Welding section
Aircraft Wood and Structural Repair
Wood was among the first materials used to construct aircraft. Most of the airplanes built during World War I (WWI) were constructed of wood frames with fabric coverings.Refer Aircraft Wood and Structural Repair section
Advanced Composite Materials
Composite materials are becoming more important in the construction of aerospace structures. Aircraft parts made from composite materials were developed during the 1960s for their weight savings over aluminum parts.
Refer Advanced Composite Materials section
Aircraft Painting and Finishing
Paint, or more specifically its overall color and application, is usually the first impression that is transmitted to someone when they look at an aircraft for the first time.
Refer Aircraft Painting and Finishing section
Aircraft Electrical System
The satisfactory performance of any modern aircraft depends to a very great degree on the continuing reliability of electrical systems and subsystems.Refer Aircraft Electrical System section
Aircraft Instrument Systems
Since the beginning of manned flight, it has been recognized that supplying the pilot with information about the aircraft and its operation could be useful and lead to safer flight.Refer Aircraft Instrument Systems section
Communication and Navigation
Avionics is a conjunction of the words aviation and electronics. It is used to describe the electronic equipment found in modern aircraft.Refer Communication and Navigation section
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems
The word “hydraulics” is based on the Greek word for water and originally meant the study of the physical behavior of water at rest and in motion. Hydraulic systems in aircraft provide a means for the operation of aircraft components.Refer Aircraft Hydraulic Systems section
Landing Gear Systems
Aircraft landing gear supports the entire weight of an aircraft during landing and ground operations. They are attached to primary structural members of the aircraft.Refer Aircraft Landing Gear Systems section
Aircraft Fuel System
All powered aircraft require fuel on board to operate the engine(s). A fuel system consisting of storage tanks, pumps, filters, valves, fuel lines, metering devices, and monitoring devices.Refer Aircraft Fuel System section
Ice and Rain Protection
Rain, snow, and ice are transportation’s longtime enemies. Flying has added a new dimension, particularly with respect to ice.Refer Aircraft Ice and Rain Protection section
Cabin Environmental Control Systems
Crew and passengers use oxygen systems, in conjunction with pressurization systems, to prevent hypoxia. Pressurized aircraft that use air cycle air conditioning systems mix bleed air with cold air produced by the air cycle machine expansion turbine to obtain warm air for the cabin.Refer Cabin Environmental Control Systems section
Fire Protection Systems
A fire zone is an area, or region, of an aircraft designed by the manufacturer to require fire detection and/or fire extinguishing equipment and a high degree of inherent fire resistance.Refer Aircraft Fire Protection Systems section
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