NCAA AME Avionics flashcards
NCAA AME Avionics · Build recall with a focused review session.
31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Ohm's Law
- The relationship V = I × R states that voltage equals current multiplied by resistance. It is the basis for calculating voltage drop, current draw, and resistance in aircraft electrical circuits.
- Series Circuit Total Resistance
- In a series circuit, total resistance is the sum of individual resistances (R_T = R₁ + R₂ + …). Current is the same through every component, and voltage divides across them.
- Parallel Circuit Total Resistance
- In a parallel circuit, the reciprocal of total resistance equals the sum of the reciprocals of individual resistances. Voltage is common across branches, and current divides among them.
- Bonding Resistance Limit
- A low-resistance bond ensures fault current returns safely to structure. Primary structure bonds are commonly verified to a limit around 2.5 milliohms using a four-wire micro-ohmmeter.
- Insulation Resistance Test
- A megohmmeter applies a specified DC test voltage (often 250 or 500 V) to measure insulation resistance. Temperature and humidity must be recorded because both affect readings.
- ARINC 429 Bus
- A unidirectional, differential, 32-bit word data bus operating at 12.5 or 100 kbit/s. Each word carries a label, parity, and sign/status matrix bits that must be verified.
- Electrostatic Discharge Protection
- Technicians ground through a wrist strap containing a 1 megohm series resistor, work on dissipative surfaces, and store line-replaceable units in shielded bags to prevent damage.
- Built-In Test (BIT)
- An internal self-test that reports fault codes for a line-replaceable unit. BIT results are advisory; a no-fault result does not replace a functional test against manual tolerances.
- 400 Hz AC System
- Aircraft AC systems commonly use 400 Hz instead of 50 or 60 Hz, allowing smaller magnetic components for the same power. Frequency, phase sequence, and balance must be verified.
- Preventive Maintenance Definition
- Limited, simple maintenance that does not involve complex assembly operations. Avionics tasks generally fall outside this category and require certificated personnel to perform and approve.
- Major Alteration Approval
- A major alteration requires approved technical data such as an STC, type certificate holder data, or FAA-approved data, and must be documented on Form 337 or equivalent before return to service.
- Airworthiness Directive Compliance
- An AD is mandatory and must be complied with within its stated interval. Recurring ADs affecting avionics must be tracked, recorded, and verified as current before flight.
- Suspected Unapproved Parts
- Parts lacking traceable airworthiness documentation must be quarantined and reported. Installing an unapproved part compromises airworthiness and violates maintenance regulations.
- Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
- Manufacturer or STC holder documents defining approved maintenance tasks, intervals, and limits for installed equipment. They are the approved data basis for scheduled avionics maintenance.
- Configuration Control
- Verification that the installed part number, modification status, and software load match the approved aircraft configuration and maintenance records before return to service.
- Minor Repair Return to Service
- A minor repair may be returned to service by an appropriately rated person using acceptable data or standard practices, with a maintenance record entry documenting the work.
- Maintenance Record Entry
- A record must state the work performed, date completed, and the name and certificate number of the person approving return to service, in sufficient detail to determine airworthiness.
- Return to Service Certification
- The signer certifies that work was performed using approved data and the item is airworthy. The signer must hold the appropriate rating and authority for that work.
- Annual Inspection
- A required inspection of the aircraft, including avionics items on the applicable checklist, performed and documented by an appropriately rated person with inspection authority.
- 100-Hour Inspection
- An inspection required for certain aircraft operating for hire, performed within the specified interval. It covers avionics items listed on the inspection checklist and must be documented.
- Minimum Equipment List
- An approved document allowing flight with specified inoperative equipment under defined conditions. A deferred avionics discrepancy must be authorized by the MEL before dispatch.
- Maintenance Records Retention
- Maintenance entries are retained until superseded by equivalent work or for the regulatory period, commonly one year for many entries and longer for major alterations and inspections.
- Transponder and Altimeter Certification
- Pitot-static and transponder tests require calibrated test equipment and certification by an appropriately rated repair station, with results recorded in the aircraft maintenance records.
- Discrepancy Documentation
- Every discrepancy found during inspection must be recorded and either corrected or deferred under an approved MEL or CDL before the aircraft is released for flight.
- AME Licence Ratings
- An aircraft maintenance engineer licence is issued with ratings such as airframe, powerplant, or avionics. The holder may certify work only within the ratings held.
- Licence Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants typically must meet a minimum age, complete specified training or practical experience, and pass knowledge and practical examinations before a licence is issued.
- Experience Requirement
- A defined number of months of practical maintenance experience, partly obtained on the relevant aircraft category or systems, is required before applying for a rating.
- Supervision Responsibility
- The licence holder certifying work must ensure it was performed by themselves or under their direct supervision and that approved data was used throughout.
- Rating Scope Limitation
- Privileges are limited to the ratings and any limitations on the licence. Certifying work outside the rating scope is a violation even when the person is technically competent.
- Recency and Currency
- Many authorities require recent maintenance experience or recurrent training to keep certification privileges valid. Lapsed currency may require refresher training or re-examination.
- Repair Station Avionics Rating
- A separate repair station or approved maintenance organization rating is required for certain specialized avionics work and to issue return-to-service approvals for that work.