FAA Aviation Mechanic - Powerplant (AMP) study plan

Draw and label the four-stroke cycle, marking intake, compression, power, and exhaust events and the valve timing points on each stroke.

Explain how the crankshaft, camshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and cylinders convert reciprocating motion into rotation, and state the function of each part.

Compare horizontally opposed, radial, and inline configurations in terms of firing order, power stroke overlap, and cooling method.

Trace airflow and the accompanying pressure and temperature changes through the compressor, diffuser, combustor, turbine, and exhaust sections of a turbine engine.

Distinguish turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft engines by how each produces thrust or shaft horsepower.

Trace fuel from the inlet through the venturi, main metering jet, idle circuit, and discharge nozzle of a float-type carburetor.

Explain how the mixture control, accelerator pump, economizer valve, and idle cut-off each alter the fuel/air ratio and when each is used.

Describe the operating principle of a pressure carburetor and of a continuous-flow fuel injection system, naming the function of the fuel control unit and the flow divider.

Trace the magneto circuit from the rotating magnet through the breaker points, condenser, coil, distributor, and spark plug, and explain how an impulse coupling produces a retarded spark at low cranking speed.

Sequence the steps of a turbine engine start from motoring through light-off to stabilized idle, naming the starter types and the ignition exciter components involved.

Identify the oil tank, pressure pump, scavenge pump, filter, cooler, pressure relief valve, and check valve in a lubrication system and state the function of each.

Differentiate wet-sump from dry-sump lubrication and explain how oil is scavenged, deaerated, and returned to the tank.

Interpret abnormal oil pressure and oil temperature indications by naming three probable causes and the corrective action for each.

Explain what spectrometric oil analysis measures and what a rising concentration of a specific metal suggests about internal wear.

Describe how the battery, generator or alternator, voltage regulator, and bus share electrical load, and identify the circuit protection used for a starter circuit.

Trace induction air from the inlet through the airbox, filter, and ducting to the carburetor or fuel control, and explain the purpose of alternate air.

Explain how cowl flaps, baffles, and pressure differential across the engine regulate cylinder head temperature, and state what happens when cooling airflow is insufficient.

Identify mufflers, heat exchangers, turbochargers, and wastegates in an exhaust system and list the visual signs of an exhaust leak or cracked stack.

Explain blade element theory, geometric versus effective pitch, and how a constant-speed propeller governor changes blade angle to hold selected RPM.

Describe how a propeller is checked for track, static balance, and blade damage, and state the rejection criteria for a nicked or bent blade.

Describe what an engine logbook entry must contain and the conditions under which a mechanic may approve an engine for return to service.

List the inspection items unique to a 100-hour inspection of a reciprocating engine, including cylinder, ignition, fuel, and exhaust checks.

Explain how a differential compression test, a borescope inspection, and an oil filter cut-and-inspect are used to judge internal engine condition.

State what each of the following indicates and its normal range: tachometer, manifold pressure gauge, oil pressure gauge, fuel flow indicator, and EGT/CHT gauge.

Interpret a given manifold pressure and RPM combination to determine approximate percent power and explain why manifold pressure alone is not sufficient.

Identify the designated fire zones of an aircraft and state the detection and extinguishing requirements applicable to each.

Compare thermocouple, continuous-loop, and optical fire detection systems by their sensing element and the indication each produces in the cockpit.

Explain the operation of a fire extinguishing agent bottle, the discharge mechanism, and what the yellow discharge disc or indicator signifies.

State the inspection and servicing cautions for fire detection and extinguishing systems, including what must never be done to a squib circuit.

Explain the purpose of fire sleeve, firewalls, and firewall seals, and describe how a chafed wire is inspected and repaired in a fire zone.

Rank all ten domains by practice-test accuracy and allocate the week's hours to the three lowest-scoring domains.

Reconstruct from memory the key facts for each weak domain, then correct each written statement against the source text.

Complete two 25-question mixed timed sets with no reference material available and record the score for each.

Complete three full-length timed practice exams under simulated test conditions with no notes or references.

Review every missed item and write out the reasoning that leads to the correct answer.

Recite from memory the normal operating limits for oil pressure, oil temperature, cylinder head temperature, EGT, and fuel flow for a representative reciprocating engine.