CAA NZ AME Piston Engines study guide
CAA NZ AME Piston Engines · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CAA NZ Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence is the New Zealand civil credential that lets a licensed AME certify maintenance on aircraft. The piston engines examination is the module-specific paper for engineers whose rating covers reciprocating powerplants, and it is typically attempted alongside airframe, systems and regulatory modules within a Part 66-style licence structure. The CAA NZ AME Piston Engines study guide has 10 sections and about 2,978 words.
01Fundamentals of piston engine operation (thermodynamics, cycles, power and efficiency)
This section examines the thermodynamic cycle, power definitions and efficiency limits that the CAA NZ AME Piston Engines exam uses to test understanding of engine output. Questions often combine a formula with a judgement about detonation or mixture.
294 words, about 1 min02Engine configuration and construction (cylinder arrangements, crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings)
This section tests how cylinder layout, crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rods and bearings carry gas, inertia and propeller loads without distortion or fatigue. Light aircraft commonly use horizontally opposed, air-cooled engines; inline, V and radial layouts also appear.
287 words, about 1 min03Cylinders, pistons, rings, valves and valve train
This section covers the components that seal combustion, transfer heat and control gas flow. The exam tests fits, clearances, ring function and valve-train adjustment.
314 words, about 2 min04Induction, carburation, fuel metering and mixture control
This section tests how air enters the engine, how fuel is metered and how mixture is set for power, economy and cooling. Expect carburettor circuits, fuel-injection differences and mixture/EGT reasoning.
316 words, about 2 min05Ignition systems (magnetos, ignition harness, spark plugs, timing)
This section covers magnetos, the ignition harness, spark plugs and timing. The exam tests how a self-contained magneto produces and distributes the spark, and how timing and plug condition affect operation.
314 words, about 2 min06Lubrication and cooling systems
This section covers oil storage, pressure and scavenge, filtration and temperature control, plus air and liquid cooling. The exam tests system flow, why oil pressure and temperature behave as they do, and cooling limits.
295 words, about 1 min07Exhaust, turbocharging and supercharging systems
This section covers exhaust components and the systems that increase manifold pressure above ambient. The exam tests turbine/compressor function, wastegate control and the hazards of overboost.
288 words, about 1 min08Propellers and engine/propeller interface (governors, vibration)
This section covers propeller types, governors and vibration where the propeller loads the engine. The exam tests how a constant-speed governor controls blade angle and how propeller faults appear.
293 words, about 1 min09Engine instrumentation, indication and fire protection
This section covers the gauges and sensors that show engine health and the systems that detect and suppress fire. The exam tests instrument interpretation and fire-protection logic.
277 words, about 1 min10Maintenance practices, inspection, troubleshooting, ground running and preservation
This section covers the practical AME tasks that verify engine condition and return an engine to service. The exam tests inspection methods, compression testing, run-up limits and preservation.
300 words, about 2 min