CAA NZ AME Radio study plan

Map the full Part 66 AME licence syllabus structure for the radio/avionics strand, listing every module, sub-topic and required knowledge level into a single index sheet.

Identify which syllabus modules carry the largest topic count and cross-reference them against the CAA NZ licence requirements so the heaviest areas are named explicitly before study begins.

Collect the permitted reference set (regulations, advisory material, standard technical texts) and note for each syllabus item which source you will use, flagging any item with no confident source.

Define your baseline by attempting 20 mixed recall prompts drawn across the syllabus and recording a percentage per module.

Build foundational knowledge of radio wave propagation, frequency bands and the decibel, then explain each concept aloud without notes.

Derive and apply the core formulas for wavelength, characteristic impedance and power ratios until you can solve them unaided.

Distinguish the properties of transmission lines, standing waves and impedance matching, and describe the practical consequences of mismatch.

Write 15 original practice questions on propagation and transmission lines and answer them closed-book.

Explain the operating principles of antennas, including resonance, polarisation, gain, directivity and radiation patterns.

Compare common airborne antenna types and describe where each is typically mounted and why.

Trace the signal path through a basic airborne communication and navigation installation from antenna to indicator.

Diagnose three written fault scenarios involving antenna or feeder faults and justify each diagnosis.

Describe the architecture and function of VHF/HF communication and VOR/ILS/DME/ADF navigation systems at system-block level.

Explain the role of transponders, altitude encoding and SSR interrogation in the air traffic surveillance chain.

Interpret the practical implications of frequency allocation and licensing requirements for airborne radio equipment in the NZ context, noting any area needing verification.

Complete a timed 30-question mixed set covering weeks 2 to 4 and review every wrong answer to root cause.

Explain the operating principles of pulse, Doppler and frequency-modulated radar and relate them to airborne weather and surveillance equipment.

Describe how primary and secondary radar differ in principle, hardware and information output.

Identify the safety precautions for working near radiating equipment and state the reasoning behind each.

Solve numerical problems on pulse repetition frequency, range resolution and duty cycle.

Describe the construction, characteristics and failure modes of cables, connectors and coaxial terminations used in aircraft radio systems.

Explain bonding, shielding and electromagnetic interference control measures and how each is verified.

Outline the inspection, testing and return-to-service process for radio and avionics installations, including the records required.

Practise interpreting wiring diagrams and identify five deliberate errors inserted into a redrawn diagram.

Consolidate weak areas by re-testing every module that scored below 80 percent at baseline and recording the improvement.

Explain each key term in the syllabus from memory in a single written glossary pass, marking any term you cannot define.

Work through 40 mixed exam-style questions under time pressure and classify every error as knowledge, calculation or misreading.

Rewrite your formula sheet and index sheet from memory, then compare against the originals to expose remaining gaps.

Sit two full-length timed mock papers under exam conditions and record scores per module.

Review every incorrect or guessed answer and close each gap with a targeted note of no more than three lines.

Recite the licence syllabus structure, key formulas and safety precautions from memory in a final self-audit.

Confirm administrative readiness: licence application route, evidence of experience and any items still flagged for verification.