How They Work, How They Control RPM, and Why Blade Angle Matters Propellers look simple from the outside. A few blades spin around a hub and pull an airplane through the air. But once you start studying aircraft maintenance, you quickly discover that a propeller is actually a sophisticated aerodynamic system. On many aircraft, it is also part of a hydraulic and mechanical control system capable of automatically changing blade angle, maintaining engine RPM, feathering after an engine failure, and even producing reverse thrust after landing. ...
Understanding Turbine Engines: A Complete A&P Study Guide
Understanding Turbine Engines A Complete FAA A&P Powerplant Study Guide Based on concepts from the FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant (FAA-H-8083-32). Introduction Gas turbine engines are the primary powerplants used in modern commercial, military, and many business aircraft. Their high power-to-weight ratio, reliability, and ability to operate efficiently at high altitudes make them ideal for aviation. Unlike reciprocating engines, turbine engines operate on the Brayton Cycle, where air flows continuously through the engine rather than being drawn into individual cylinders. ...
Physics in Aviation: What Every A&P Student Should Understand
A practical A&P-focused guide to physics in aviation, based on FAA-H-8083-30B Chapter 5, including force, work, torque, pressure, fluids, Bernoulli’s principle, Newton’s laws, heat, sound, atmosphere, and aircraft theory of flight.
FAA FAR-AMT Study Guide: The 14 CFR Parts Every A&P Student Should Know
Studying FAA regulations for the A&P certificate can feel overwhelming at first. There are a lot of regulation numbers, and many of them sound similar until you understand what each one is actually used for. In class, these are often called FARs, meaning Federal Aviation Regulations. Technically, they are found in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, usually written as 14 CFR. So when someone says FAR Part 43, they usually mean 14 CFR Part 43. ...
Math for A&P Students: The Formulas You Actually Need to Know
Math for A&P Students: The Formulas You Actually Need to Know A lot of A&P students get nervous when they hear the word math. That is understandable. Aviation maintenance math can show up in several different areas: weight and balance, electrical circuits, torque, measurement, area, volume, ratios, percentages, and unit conversions. The good news is that A&P math is not advanced math. You do not need calculus. You do not need complicated algebra. What you need is a solid understanding of the basic formulas that aircraft mechanics actually use. ...
How to Read Aircraft Wiring Diagrams: A Beginner's Guide for A&P Students
How to Read Aircraft Wiring Diagrams: A Beginner’s Guide for A&P Students Aircraft wiring diagrams can look intimidating at first. There are lines, symbols, numbers, switches, circuit breakers, grounds, relays, motors, and sometimes several pages that all connect together. But once you understand what the diagram is trying to show you, it becomes one of the most useful tools an aircraft mechanic has. For an A&P student, learning to read wiring diagrams is not just about passing a test. It is about learning how to troubleshoot electrical problems safely and logically. ...
Aircraft Weight and Balance Explained
Aircraft Weight and Balance Explained One of the most important responsibilities of an aviation maintenance technician is understanding aircraft weight and balance. An aircraft that is outside of its approved weight and balance limits may be difficult—or even impossible—to control safely. Every A&P student should have a solid understanding of these concepts. Why Weight and Balance Matters Aircraft are designed to operate within specific weight and center of gravity (CG) limits. Exceeding those limits can affect: ...
A&P Math: The Formulas Every Aviation Maintenance Student Should Know
A&P Math: The Formulas Every Aviation Maintenance Student Should Know Math can make a lot of A&P students nervous, but aviation maintenance math is usually very practical. You are not doing math just to do math. You are using it to solve real aircraft maintenance problems. As an A&P student, math shows up when you are working with: Electrical circuits Weight and balance Torque values Sheet metal layout Hydraulic pressure Fluid quantities Temperature conversions Measurements Engine calculations Aircraft drawings and dimensions The good news is that most A&P math uses the same basic skills over and over: fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, formulas, and unit conversions. ...
Aircraft Magnetos Explained for A&P Students
Aircraft Magnetos Explained for A&P Students Magnetos are one of the most important parts of a piston aircraft engine ignition system. They are also a common topic in A&P school because they connect several important ideas together: electricity, magnetism, ignition timing, engine operation, and troubleshooting. The big idea is this: An aircraft magneto is a self-contained engine-driven ignition generator that creates the electrical energy needed to fire the spark plugs. ...
CFR Parts Every A&P Student Should Know
CFR Parts Every A&P Student Should Know When studying for your A&P certificate, it is easy to focus only on tools, electricity, engines, structures, and systems. But regulations are also a major part of becoming an aviation maintenance technician. You do not need to memorize every word of the Code of Federal Regulations, but you should know which CFR parts apply to aircraft maintenance, mechanic privileges, inspections, records, airworthiness, and repair stations. ...