EASA Module 7 study materials
EASA Module 7 study resources

EASA Module 7 cheat sheet

EASA Module 7 · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

Safety precautions - aircraft and workshop

  • FOD prevention: account for every tool and loose item before and after a task; stray objects can jam flight controls or be ingested by engines.

  • Compressed gas cylinders are stored upright, secured, with valve caps fitted; oxygen is kept at least 6 m from flammable gas or separated by a fire-resistant wall.

  • Before fuelling or defuelling, bond the aircraft to earth and the fuel source to the aircraft; no ignition sources or transmitting HF radios within the fuelling zone.

  • Hydraulic fluids such as Skydrol are skin and eye irritants; use nitrile gloves and eye protection, and flush spills with water as stated on the safety data sheet.

  • Fire classes: A = solids, B = flammable liquids, C = gases, D = metals; select an extinguisher rated for the class - water on a metal fire is dangerous.

  • Lock out and tag out electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems before maintenance; verify zero energy and fit pins or covers to actuators.

  • Jacking: confirm weight and CG are within jacking limits, use the specified jack points, fit safety locks, and keep personnel off the aircraft unless the procedure requires it.

  • Hearing protection is required where noise exceeds 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour exposure; use additional protection above 105 dB(A).

  • Ladder use: 4:1 slope, extend about 1 m above the landing, secure top and bottom, and maintain three points of contact.

Quick reference

Workshop practices

  • Torque wrenches are calibrated at defined intervals (commonly 12 months) and after any overload or drop; the calibration record is retained.

  • Cap or plug all open lines, ports and fittings immediately after disconnection to prevent contamination and FOD ingress.

  • Lockwire is fitted so tension pulls the fastener in the tightening direction, with 6–8 twists per inch and a 3–6 mm pigtail.

  • Cotter pins: use the correct diameter, fit a plain washer where specified, and spread the legs 90°–120° with one leg bent down and one up.

  • Thread repair inserts (e.g. Helicoil) restore damaged threads; the hole is drilled and tapped oversize and the insert is locked by tang or key.

  • Corrosion protection: abrade to bare metal, apply conversion coating, prime within the specified time, then seal joints with approved sealant.

  • Use only approved cleaning agents; chlorinated solvents are prohibited on titanium and on stressed stainless steel because of stress-corrosion cracking.

  • Shadow boards and tool control reduce FOD; tools are marked and inventoried, especially for fuel tank and engine work.

Quick reference

Tools

  • Micrometer reading = barrel main scale + (thimble scale × 0.01 mm); check the zero setting before use.

  • Vernier caliper resolution is typically 0.02 mm; read the main scale, then the vernier graduation that aligns with a main-scale line.

  • Torque = force × perpendicular lever arm; a torque wrench measures applied torque, not bolt preload, which depends on friction and lubrication.

  • Calibrated measuring tools carry an ID and a calibration label traceable to a national standard; out-of-date tools are quarantined.

  • Borescopes allow internal inspection of engines and structures without disassembly; findings are recorded by location and orientation.

  • Use a torque wrench within its stated range (typically 20–100 % of full scale); a click-type wrench is not used to loosen fasteners.

  • Screwdrivers must match the slot or recess size; an ill-fitting blade damages the fastener and surrounding structure.

  • Multimeters: select function and range before connecting; voltage is measured in parallel and current in series.

Quick reference

Engineering drawings, diagrams and standards

  • Third-angle projection places each view on the side of the object from which it is seen; first-angle places it on the opposite side.

  • The title block carries drawing number, part number, scale, revision, sheet number and approvals; always work to the latest revision.

  • Hidden features are shown by dashed lines; section views use hatching to show cut material.

  • A tolerance is the permitted variation from the nominal dimension, stated as limits, plus/minus values or a fits symbol.

  • ATA 100 chapters group aircraft systems (e.g. 27 flight controls, 32 landing gear) and are used for manuals and maintenance tasks.

  • The aircraft zone system locates components by major zone, sub-zone and station for maintenance and weight records.

  • A bill of materials lists part numbers, descriptions and quantities needed to assemble the item shown.

  • Drawing scales express the ratio of drawing size to actual size; dimensions are never scaled from the drawing - use the stated values.

  • Standards such as ISO, AN, MS and NAS define fastener and fitting dimensions; substitutions require approval.

Quick reference

Fits and clearances

  • Clearance fit: the largest permissible shaft is smaller than the smallest permissible hole, so a gap always exists.

  • Interference fit: the smallest permissible shaft is larger than the largest permissible hole, so the parts must be pressed or shrunk together.

  • Tolerance is the difference between upper and lower limits; allowance is the intentional minimum clearance or maximum interference between mating parts.

  • Hole-basis system uses H for the hole (lower deviation zero), with a–h for clearance, j–n for transition and p–zc for interference shafts.

  • A transition fit may give either a small clearance or a small interference depending on the actual sizes produced.

  • Surface roughness Ra is the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile; a lower Ra value means a smoother surface.

  • Thermal expansion: ΔL = L × α × ΔT; allow clearance for dissimilar materials at operating temperature.

  • Wear limits in the maintenance manual give the maximum permissible clearance before repair or replacement is required.

Quick reference

Electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) and electrical cables

  • Wire size is specified in AWG; a smaller AWG number means a larger cross-section and higher current capacity.

  • Current rating is derated for bundles, high ambient temperature and altitude; use the ratings in the aircraft maintenance manual.

  • Minimum bend radius for a wire bundle is typically 10 times the bundle outer diameter; support at the intervals stated in the manual.

  • Route power and signal wires separately to avoid EMI; where separation cannot be maintained, cross at 90°.

  • Bonding resistance between primary structure and equipment is typically 2.5 mΩ or less; recheck after paint or structural repair.

  • Connectors: check pin and socket condition, keyway, contact retention and torque; never force a connector into engagement.

  • Insulation resistance is measured with a megohmmeter at the specified test voltage; a low reading indicates moisture, contamination or damage.

  • Splices are limited by the maintenance manual; they must be accessible and are not permitted in fuel tanks or fire zones without approval.

Quick reference

Riveting, pipes and hoses, springs, bearings, transmissions, control cables

  • Rivet pitch is typically 3–4 diameters and edge distance at least 2 diameters, increased near joint ends and edges.

  • Deburr rivet holes and apply primer before riveting; a countersink must be flush with the skin within the specified tolerance.

  • AN/JIC flare fittings use a 37° flare; SAE 45° fittings are not interchangeable with 37° fittings and must not be mixed.

  • Hose installation: respect minimum bend radius, avoid twist by clocking the hose, and torque fittings with a backup wrench.

  • Control cable tension is set with a tensiometer and corrected to a reference temperature; turnbuckles are lockwired or fitted with locking clips.

  • Swaged cable terminals require a go/no-go gauge check and proof load; thimbles protect the cable eye.

  • Bearings: preload removes internal clearance; excessive preload causes overheating and early failure, so lubricate with the specified grease.

  • Springs are rated by rate (N/mm), free length and solid height; replace if cracked, permanently set, or shorter than the minimum length.

Quick reference

Material handling and welding, brazing, soldering

  • Soldering melts filler below 450 °C; brazing melts filler above 450 °C; welding melts the parent metal.

  • Cleanliness is critical: oxides and grease prevent wetting, so use the specified flux and remove residues after soldering.

  • Heat sinks protect nearby components during soldering; use the minimum heat and time consistent with a sound joint.

  • Aluminium alloys 2024 and 7075 are heat-treatable; welding them needs special processes and usually reduces strength in the heat-affected zone.

  • Welding symbols show joint type, weld size, length, spacing and finish on a reference line with an arrow to the joint.

  • Hydrogen embrittlement can affect high-strength steel that has been plated, pickled or welded; baking after processing reduces the risk.

  • Store electrodes and filler rods dry and as specified by the manufacturer; damp electrodes cause porosity.

  • Material certificates give chemical composition and mechanical properties; maintain traceability from receipt to installation.

Quick reference

Aircraft weight and balance; aircraft handling and storage

  • Moment = weight × arm; CG = total moment ÷ total weight.

  • The datum is the fixed reference from which all arms are measured; arms forward of the datum are negative.

  • Weight shift: ΔCG = (weight moved × distance moved) ÷ total aircraft weight.

  • Empty weight includes unusable fuel and full oil; adding crew, payload and usable fuel gives the take-off weight.

  • Maximum take-off, landing and zero-fuel weights are limits that must never be exceeded.

  • Ballast may be fixed or removable; its location and attachment must be approved and recorded in the weight report.

  • Towing: use the approved tow bar and tow points, do not exceed turning limits, and keep a qualified person at the controls.

  • Storage: fit covers and control locks, use desiccant and preservative oil, and run or rotate engines at the specified intervals.

Quick reference

Disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly and maintenance procedures

  • Tag every disconnected part and line with its part number and location; record serial numbers before removal.

  • NDT methods: dye penetrant (surface), magnetic particle (ferromagnetic surface and near-surface), eddy current, ultrasonic and radiography (internal).

  • Torque sequences are usually crisscross or spiral from the centre outward, applied in stages where specified.

  • Use the approved lubricant on threads and seats; wet and dry torque values differ and are not interchangeable.

  • Rigging restores control surface travel and cable tension to manual values; check clearances through the full range of movement.

  • Corrosion removal must not exceed allowable blend-out limits; blend out smoothly and restore protective coatings.

  • After assembly, perform functional and leak tests and record the results in the maintenance record.

  • Return to service requires a certified release by appropriately approved personnel with the correct documentation.