CAA NZ AME Subject 2: Aircraft Engineering Knowledge study guide
CAA NZ AME Subject 2: Aircraft Engineering Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Subject 2 - Aircraft Engineering Knowledge is one of the theory examinations that sits inside the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand's aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) licensing system, which is administered under the Part 66 licence framework. It is aimed at engineers who already hold practical maintenance experience, or are building it, and who need to demonstrate the broad engineering knowledge that underpins certification work on aircraft and their systems. The CAA NZ AME Subject 2: Aircraft Engineering Knowledge study guide has 7 sections and about 2,099 words.
01Aircraft Structures
The exam tests whether you can relate load paths, materials and inspection findings. A semi-monocoque fuselage uses skin, stringers, frames and bulkheads: the skin carries shear and hoop tension, stringers carry bending, frames keep the shape and stabilise the skin, and bulkheads collect concentrated loads.
309 words, about 2 min02Aerodynamics and Flight Controls
The exam tests practical relationships: lift L = ½ρV²SC L; induced drag falls as speed rises; parasite drag rises with V². Total drag is minimum where they cross.
318 words, about 2 min03Airframe Systems: Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Fuel, Ice/Rain and Cabin
Hydraulic systems transmit force through confined fluid: pressure = force/area. A 3,000 psi system with a 1.5 in² piston gives 4,500 lbf.
279 words, about 1 min04Powerplant: Reciprocating and Turbine Engines
The four-stroke cycle is induction, compression, power and exhaust. Compression ratio CR = (swept + clearance)/clearance.
282 words, about 1 min05Electrical and Electronic Systems, Instruments and Avionics
Aircraft DC systems usually use a 28 V bus, with batteries for starting and emergency power and alternators/generators for normal supply. Power = volts × amps.
290 words, about 1 min06Materials, Hardware, Fasteners and Corrosion Control
Aluminium alloys are common: 2024 has good fatigue strength but lower corrosion resistance; 7075 has high strength but is more notch-sensitive. Heat treatment: solution treatment, quench, then natural or artificial aging.
302 words, about 2 min07Maintenance Practices, Ground Handling and Airworthiness Awareness
In the NZ system, Part 43 sets general maintenance requirements and Part 66 covers licensing. The exam tests whether you can work to published data and release an aircraft correctly.
319 words, about 2 min