ANAC GMP Theoretical Exam (Powerplant Group) study guide
ANAC GMP Theoretical Exam (Powerplant Group) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ANAC GMP Theoretical Examination for the Powerplant Group is a knowledge test for candidates seeking the powerplant endorsement on an aircraft maintenance engineer licence issued under Canadian aviation regulation. It suits apprentices completing a GMP (aircraft maintenance) training programme, experienced technicians adding a rating, and anyone preparing for licensing. The ANAC GMP Theoretical Exam (Powerplant Group) study guide has 8 sections and about 2,315 words.
01Aircraft Powerplant Fundamentals and Theory
Every powerplant question starts with the same physics: convert chemical energy into shaft work (reciprocating) or into shaft work plus jet thrust (turbine). Understand the four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, combustion, exhaust) and the Brayton cycle (intake, compression, combustion, exhaust at constant pressure).
328 words, about 2 min02Reciprocating Engine Construction and Operation
Know the major components and their functions: crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinders, cylinder heads, valves, camshaft, valve train, and accessory housing. Understand cylinder arrangements (horizontally opposed, radial, in-line, V), cooling fin design, and the difference between direct-drive and geared engines.
304 words, about 2 min03Gas Turbine Engine Construction and Operation
Know the sections and their jobs: inlet, compressor (axial or centrifugal), diffuser, combustion chamber (can, annular, can-annular), turbine (nozzle guide vanes and rotor blades), exhaust, and accessory gearbox. Understand how compressor stages raise pressure while turbine stages extract energy to drive the compressor and accessories.
295 words, about 1 min04Engine Systems: Fuel, Ignition, Lubrication, Cooling, and Starting
For fuel systems, know carburetion versus fuel injection, mixture control, fuel/air ratio, and the purpose of the fuel control unit or hydro-mechanical unit. For ignition, understand magnetos, spark plugs, ignition timing, and the difference between reciprocating and turbine ignition systems (turbines often use exciters and igniter plugs).
308 words, about 2 min05Propellers and Engine Controls
Understand propeller theory: blade angle, pitch, angle of attack, slip, and the difference between fixed-pitch and constant-speed propellers. Learn how a governor controls RPM by varying blade angle, and how manifold pressure and RPM are managed together.
283 words, about 1 min06Engine Inspection, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Know the types of inspections: preflight, postflight, progressive, phase, and annual/100-hour inspections. Understand borescope inspection, compression testing, oil analysis, and vibration analysis.
261 words, about 1 min07Powerplant Airworthiness and Regulatory Requirements
Understand the regulatory framework: type certificates, airworthiness certificates, and the role of approved manuals. Know the difference between maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration.
281 words, about 1 min08Safety, Human Factors, and Environmental Practices
Understand human factors: fatigue, complacency, distraction, pressure, and communication. Learn the dirty dozen and how to mitigate each.
255 words, about 1 min