Aircraft Systems Knowledge Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Aircraft Systems Knowledge Exam

The Aircraft Systems Knowledge Exam tests your understanding of the various systems that are integral to the safe operation of an aircraft. These systems include propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, air conditioning, flight control, and others. Below is a detailed study guide to help you prepare for the exam.

Key Topics to Study:

1. Propulsion System

Types of Engines:
- Jet engines (turbofan, turbojet, turboprop, etc.).
- Piston engines.
Engine Components:
- Compressor, turbine, combustion chamber, fan, and nozzle.
- Operation of the engine from startup to shutdown.
Engine Instruments:
- RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) gauges.
- Temperature and pressure gauges (e.g., EGT - Exhaust Gas Temperature).
Thrust Reversers:
- Function: Used to slow down the aircraft after landing.
- Types: Cascade, clamshell, and bucket systems.

2. Electrical System

Primary Power Sources:
- Batteries, alternators, and generators.
- AC vs. DC systems.
Power Distribution:
- Bus bars, circuit breakers, fuses, and relays.
- How power is routed to various aircraft components (e.g., avionics, lights, flight instruments).
Back-up Power:
- Inverters and emergency power systems (e.g., standby batteries).
Electrical Instruments:
- Volt and ammeters, bus voltmeters.

3. Fuel System

Fuel Types:
- Jet A, Jet A1, AVGAS (aviation gasoline).
Fuel Tanks and Distribution:
- Wing tanks, fuselage tanks, and auxiliary tanks.
- Fuel lines and pumps.
Fuel Management:
- Balancing fuel between tanks, monitoring fuel quantity.
- Crossfeed systems, fuel flow indicators.
Fuel Quantity Indicators:
- Function of gauges and sensors.
- Fuel flow meters, totalizer systems.

4. Hydraulic System

Components of the Hydraulic System:
- Hydraulic pumps, actuators, accumulators, and reservoirs.
Systems Powered by Hydraulics:
- Flight controls (elevators, ailerons, rudder).
- Landing gear, brakes, flaps, and slats.
- Spoilers, thrust reversers.
Hydraulic Fluids:
- Types of fluid (MIL-H-5606, MIL-H-83282).
Hydraulic Pressure Indicators:
- Monitoring pressure levels, understanding gauges.

5. Flight Control System

Primary Flight Controls:
- Ailerons, elevators, rudder.
- How each control surfaces functions in response to pilot inputs.
Secondary Flight Controls:
- Flaps, slats, speed brakes, and trim systems.
Autopilot and Flight Director:
- Basic functions of the autopilot, including altitude, heading, and speed control.
- Integrated systems with flight management systems (FMS).
Fly-By-Wire vs. Fly-By-Cable:
- Electronic control systems (fly-by-wire) versus mechanical control systems (fly-by-cable).

6. Environmental Control System (ECS)

Air Conditioning and Pressurization:
- Cabin temperature control, pressurization control.
- Air conditioning packs, recirculating fans.
Oxygen System:
- O2 masks for crew and passengers.
- Oxygen generation system (OGS) and supplemental oxygen bottles.
De-icing and Anti-icing:
- Wing and engine anti-ice systems.
- Pneumatic boots, electric heating elements, and fluid-based de-icing systems.
Air Cycle Machines:
- Basic function in regulating temperature and pressure in the cabin.

7. Avionics System

Navigation Systems:
- GPS, VOR, ILS, DME, and their integration with flight management systems.
- Radar, weather radar, and terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS).
Communication Systems:
- VHF radios, HF radios, satellite communication (SATCOM).
- Audio panels and intercom systems.
Flight Data Monitoring Systems:
- Black box, flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders (CVR).
Displays and Instruments:
- Primary flight display (PFD), multi-function display (MFD), and engine indication and crew alerting systems (EICAS).

8. Landing Gear and Brake Systems

Landing Gear Components:
- Main gear, nose gear, shock absorbers, and struts.
Braking System:
- Hydraulically operated disc brakes.
- Anti-skid systems (ABS).
- Reversers and their role in deceleration.
Tire Monitoring:
- Tire pressure and wear indicators.

9. Ice and Rain Protection Systems

Wing and Tail De-Icing:
- Pneumatic boots, electric heaters, anti-icing fluids.
Windshield Wipers and De-Icing:
- Wipers, washers, and electrically heated windshields.
Engine and Propeller Anti-Icing:
- Use of hot air or electrical systems to prevent ice formation.

Example Questions:

What is the purpose of a thrust reverser in an aircraft?
- a) To increase engine power during takeoff.
- b) To slow the aircraft down after landing.
- c) To control the altitude during flight.
- d) To reduce engine fuel consumption.
(Correct Answer: b)
Which of the following is typically used as hydraulic fluid in an aircraft?
- a) Water.
- b) Synthetic oil.
- c) MIL-H-5606 fluid.
- d) Brake fluid.
(Correct Answer: c)
What is the function of the aircraft’s environmental control system (ECS)?
- a) To regulate engine temperatures.
- b) To control cabin pressurization and temperature.
- c) To provide electrical power to avionics.
- d) To supply oxygen to the cockpit.
(Correct Answer: b)
Which flight control surface is used to control the aircraft’s roll?
- a) Elevators.
- b) Rudder.
- c) Ailerons.
- d) Trim tabs.
(Correct Answer: c)
What is the primary function of an aircraft’s anti-icing system?
- a) To maintain cabin temperature.
- b) To prevent the formation of ice on critical surfaces.
- c) To increase engine thrust.
- d) To enhance aircraft performance at high altitudes.
(Correct Answer: b)

Practical Skills to Practice:

Familiarity with aircraft manuals (e.g., Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)) to understand specific aircraft systems.
Interpreting aircraft system displays: Recognizing abnormal indications in flight, understanding warning lights, and responding appropriately.
Operating checklists: Using standard operating procedures (SOPs) to perform routine and emergency procedures for system failures.

Would you like more example questions, detailed explanations of any systems, or additional study materials?

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