Faa

If you’re learning to work on reciprocating aircraft engines, the magneto is one of the most important components of the ignition system to understand. Magnetos have been used on aircraft engines for decades because they are simple, reliable, and—most importantly—do not depend on the aircraft’s electrical system to produce ignition. Understanding magnetos is also important for anyone pursuing an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. Magneto operation, inspection, and timing are fundamental Powerplant subjects. ...

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. ...

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: ...

AC 43.13-1B: Things Every A&P Student Should Know If you are studying to become an A&P mechanic, you are going to hear about AC 43.13-1B a lot. It is one of those references that shows up in school, in FAA test prep, in practical maintenance discussions, and in real hangar conversations. The full title is: Advisory Circular 43.13-1B — Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices: Aircraft Inspection and Repair That title tells you exactly why it matters. It is not just a book of random maintenance tips. It is FAA-published guidance on maintenance methods, inspection practices, and repair techniques that the FAA considers acceptable when they are properly applied. ...

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. ...

Aircraft batteries are one of those A&P topics that seem simple at first, but they show up in a lot of test questions. Batteries connect directly to basic electricity, Ohm’s law, series circuits, parallel circuits, charging systems, corrosion, and aircraft safety. For an A&P student, you do not just need to know that a battery stores electricity. You need to understand what type of battery is being used, how cells combine to create voltage, how charging works, and why battery maintenance is so important. ...