NCATT AET study plan

Sketch and label the primary structural components of a fixed-wing airframe (fuselage, wing, empennage, landing gear) from memory.

Differentiate between the four forces of flight and explain how control surfaces (aileron, elevator, rudder, flap) modify them.

Identify the major aircraft systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, electrical, pitot-static) and state the function of each in one sentence.

Define standard aviation terminology and abbreviations encountered in maintenance documentation.

Apply Ohm's law and the power law to solve 20 numeric circuit problems without a reference sheet.

Compute series, parallel, and series-parallel equivalent resistance for mixed circuits.

Explain the behavior of inductors and capacitors in DC and AC circuits, including reactance and phase relationships.

Differentiate AC and DC generation, rectification, and transformer action in aircraft power systems.

Identify schematic symbols for resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and switches.

Convert between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal values and perform binary addition/subtraction.

Explain the function of logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR) and complete truth tables for each.

Describe how a microprocessor-based aircraft computer executes instructions (bus, memory, I/O, clock).

Differentiate digital data buses used in aircraft (ARINC 429, ARINC 629, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet) by topology and data rate.

Explain the purpose of built-in test equipment (BITE) and how fault codes are generated and retrieved.

Identify wire types, gauge sizes, and insulation ratings used in aircraft and select the correct replacement for a given application.

Demonstrate the steps for a properly crimped terminal and a soldered splice, listing the inspection criteria for each.

Differentiate connector families (circular, rectangular, rack-and-panel) and describe contact insertion/removal tooling.

Explain shielding, grounding, bonding, and drip-loop practices and why each matters for EMI and moisture control.

Read and interpret a wiring diagram and a wire identification code to trace a circuit end to end.

Select the correct meter (DMM, megohmmeter, oscilloscope, bond tester) for a stated measurement task and justify the choice.

Measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity on a practice circuit and interpret the readings against expected values.

Apply a systematic six-step troubleshooting method to isolate a fault in a described circuit.

Explain safety precautions for live-circuit measurement, high voltage, and electrostatic discharge.

Describe the installation requirements (power, grounding, bonding, cooling, clearance) for a typical avionics line-replaceable unit.

Explain the purpose and routing constraints of coaxial cable, waveguide, and antenna feedlines.

Identify the documentation used to support an installation: wire lists, system schematics, STC/installation instructions, and weight-and-balance records.

Explain how an installation affects aircraft weight and balance and electromagnetic compatibility.

Re-solve every missed question from weeks 2 and 5 and write a one-sentence explanation of the correct concept for each.

Combine electrical theory with measurement practice by diagnosing three circuits that mix power, ground, and connector faults.

Recite key formulas and unit conversions from memory under a 10-minute timed drill.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and record a per-domain score breakdown.

Rebuild the week 1 airframe/system diagram from blank paper in under 15 minutes.

Re-derive the digital and wiring reference cards without notes to confirm retention.

Rank all six domains by score and schedule targeted review for the two weakest.