Aircraft General Knowledge (Airframe, Systems, Powerplant, Electrics)
Core concepts
Expect questions on airframe structures (stressed skin, spars, ribs, stringers, load paths), flight controls and their secondary effects, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, fuel system layout and venting, electrical generation and distribution, and piston or turbine powerplant fundamentals. Understand the constant-speed propeller and manifold pressure versus RPM relationships, magneto operation and the ignition check, carburettor icing and mixture control, and the purpose of each instrument in the engine cluster.
Traps
Questions target misconceptions: a magneto is independent of the aircraft electrical system; the carburettor heat control reduces power when applied; the fuel selector must not be moved through OFF in flight; an ammeter shows current flow, not battery condition. Watch for questions on which system fails first with a given electrical fault, and on the difference between a generator and an alternator in self-excitation. Also be careful with flap types and their effect on stall speed and pitch trim changes.
Worked example
During a run-up, the RPM drop on one magneto exceeds the limit. Rule of thumb: an excessive drop or no drop signals ignition trouble, and the flight should not proceed. A normal drop is small and roughly equal on both magnetos; a rough engine during the check suggests fouled plugs. Compare each drop against the aircraft flight manual limit rather than a memorised figure.
Exam technique
Link each system to a failure symptom. If an answer describes a component doing something physically impossible (fuel flowing with the selector OFF), discard it.