CAA NZ AME Piston Engines study plan

Sketch the four-stroke cycle from memory and label intake, compression, power and exhaust events with crank-angle ranges for a typical horizontally opposed aircraft engine.

Derive indicated and brake mean effective pressure relationships and calculate brake horsepower from torque and rpm for three sample engines.

Explain why volumetric efficiency falls with rpm and altitude, and state how compression ratio affects detonation margin and thermal efficiency.

Compare opposed, inline, V and radial configurations on crankshaft loading, cooling airflow and maintenance access, listing at least two trade-offs each.

Describe the load path from piston through connecting rod, crankpin, main bearings and crankcase, naming the bearing types used at each joint.

Measure and interpret cylinder taper, out-of-round and piston-to-wall clearance against a manufacturer wear limit, and state the reject criterion.

Explain the function of compression, oil control and scraper rings, and describe how ring end gap and side clearance affect blow-by and oil consumption.

Trace the valve train from camshaft lobe through lifter, pushrod, rocker and valve, and explain how hydraulic lifters and valve clearance are set and checked.

Explain the venturi, float chamber, main metering jet and idle circuit in a float-type carburettor, and predict the mixture effect of a blocked main jet or leaking float.

Describe mixture control (manual leaning, automatic altitude compensating) and the EGT/CHT evidence used to set best power versus best economy.

Describe magneto construction and operation, including rotating magnet, primary and secondary windings, contact breaker, capacitor and distributor, and explain why two magnetos are fitted.

Explain the impulse coupling and retard/advance mechanism, and state how magneto-to-engine timing is set and verified.

Diagnose a magneto drop during run-up: list the causes of excessive drop and of no drop, and the action for each.

Identify spark plug heat range, fouling signs and correct gap setting, and explain the effect of the wrong heat range on pre-ignition.

Trace the dry-sump lubrication system from sump through pressure pump, oil cooler, filter, galleries and scavenge pump, and explain the purpose of each pressure and temperature limit.

Compare air-cooled fin and baffle cooling with liquid cooling, and explain how cowl flaps, cylinder baffles and oil cooler ducting control head temperature.

Explain how an exhaust-driven turbocharger produces boost, and describe the function of the wastegate, overboost valve and critical altitude.

Interpret a turbocharged engine's manifold pressure limits and describe the correct sequence for applying and reducing power to avoid overboost.

Explain the difference between a supercharger driven mechanically and a turbocharger, and state the effect of each on mixture and detonation margin.

Describe a constant-speed propeller governor: flyweights, pilot valve, oil pressure versus spring, and how the governor holds selected rpm through a blade-angle change.

Explain propeller/engine vibration sources, including balance, blade tracking and torsional vibration, and state the purpose of a crankshaft damper.

Interpret tachometer, manifold pressure gauge, oil pressure/temperature, EGT, CHT and fuel flow indications, and state what a specific abnormal reading implies.

Describe fire detection and extinguishing arrangements for an engine compartment, including the agent, the zones covered and the post-discharge procedure.

Write a pre-flight and ground-run checklist covering ignition check, magneto drop, idle and full-power checks, and the pass/fail limits for each.

Explain compression testing, borescope inspection and oil analysis as condition-monitoring tools, and state what each can and cannot detect.

Describe engine preservation for storage, including inhibiting oil, desiccant plugs and the periodic inspection interval.

Re-derive the thermodynamic cycle and power calculations without notes, and explain the effect of altitude on power output and mixture requirement.

Re-work carburettor icing scenarios: identify the conditions, the indications and the corrective action for both float-type and injection systems.

Explain fuel injection system components and how they avoid carburettor icing while introducing vapour lock and hot-start considerations.

Work through five troubleshooting case studies that combine fuel metering, ignition and mechanical faults, and justify the diagnostic order used.

Explain the documentation and release-to-service requirements after maintenance, including the role of the approved manual and the certifying person.

Revisit crankshaft, bearing and connecting rod inspection limits and explain the consequences of exceeding each.

Revisit cylinder, piston and valve wear limits and explain how each out-of-limit condition manifests in engine performance.

Revisit magneto and spark plug fault diagnosis, and explain the ignition timing errors that cause rough running or overheating.

Revisit lubrication and cooling fault diagnosis, including low oil pressure, high oil temperature and uneven cylinder head temperatures.

Answer 60 mixed practice questions across these domains under timed conditions and review every wrong answer to its root cause.

Revisit turbocharger and supercharger boost control, overboost protection and the power-setting sequence until you can state it without notes.

Revisit propeller governor operation and vibration diagnosis, and explain the engine/propeller interface limits.

Revisit instrumentation interpretation and fire protection procedures, and state the immediate action for each abnormal indication.

Revisit maintenance, ground running and preservation procedures, and explain the inspection intervals and their basis.

Complete two full-length timed mock exams covering all ten domains and review both to a written correction list.