CAA NZ AME Licence Exam - Rotorcraft study plan

Map the rotorcraft airframe syllabus into a one-page structure tree covering fuselage, tail boom, landing gear, rotor head and controls

Explain in writing how a semi-rigid teetering rotor head differs from an articulated head, naming the hinges and their degrees of freedom

Trace the load path from main rotor mast through the transmission deck to the airframe and identify the fatigue-critical fittings

Solve five vibration and track-and-balance scenario questions, writing the reasoning for each answer

Describe inspection methods and typical defect locations for tubular tail booms, boom-to-fuselage attachments and stabilisers

Compare composite and metallic skin repair limitations, stating when a repair scheme needs engineering approval

List the checks required after a hard landing or rotor overspeed, and justify each one

Interpret a corrosion-prone-area map for a helicopter and write a preventive maintenance note

Draw a schematic of a turboshaft engine showing compressor, combustion section, turbine stages, free power turbine and exhaust

Explain how a free power turbine decouples engine speed from rotor speed and why this matters for autorotation

Describe the function and failure modes of the fuel control unit, and how a governor maintains rotor RPM

Explain the purpose of the engine anti-ice, bleed and over-speed protection systems and how each is tested

Compare piston and turboshaft engine maintenance schedules and identify the inspection intervals that drive shop visits

Explain compressor wash procedure, its purpose and the precautions needed

Describe borescope inspection of combustion chambers and turbine blades, including what damage types are sought

Explain chip detection, oil analysis and trend monitoring, and how each supports condition-based maintenance

Map the electrical system from battery through bus bars, relays and circuit breakers to major loads, and explain the split-bus concept

Explain how a magneto or electronic ignition system works and how to check for correct timing and drop

Describe the operation of rotor RPM sensing, torque sensing and the engine and rotor tachometer systems

Explain how static and dynamic balance data are collected and used, and why vibration limits are set

State the legal and practical requirements for pitot-static and instrument system checks before return to service

Explain how a slip ring and swashplate-mounted sensors transmit blade data to the cockpit, and how to test them

Describe the checks and limitations applying to avionics installations on rotorcraft, including vibration, shielding and bonding

Summarise the regulatory framework for maintenance, including who may certify release to service and what records must be kept

Apply human factors concepts such as fatigue, complacency and shift handover to a rotorcraft maintenance scenario

Explain the role of the maintenance organisation exposition, quality system and defect reporting

Write out the documentation chain from work order to certificate of release to service, naming each record

Explain weight and balance, jacking, hoisting and ground handling precautions specific to rotorcraft

Describe the requirements for rotorcraft lifting equipment, sling inspection and periodic load testing

Revisit weak airframe topics identified in earlier weeks and close the gaps with targeted revision

Work through a full timed mock examination under exam conditions and mark it against the syllabus

Analyse every incorrect answer, classify the error as knowledge, misreading or calculation, and write a corrective note for each

Re-drill the three weakest sub-topics until you can explain them from memory without notes

Build a one-page formula and fact sheet for final revision