CAA NZ Basic Turbine Knowledge (Aeroplane) study guide
CAA NZ Basic Turbine Knowledge (Aeroplane) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CAA NZ Basic Turbine Knowledge (Aeroplane) examination is a Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand theory assessment for pilots and engineers who need a formal grounding in turbine-engine aeroplanes. It sits within the NZ licensing and rating framework, so it is typically taken by candidates working toward a type rating or an engineering qualification that requires turbine knowledge. The CAA NZ Basic Turbine Knowledge (Aeroplane) study guide has 11 sections and about 3,852 words.
01Turbine Engine Fundamentals: Brayton Cycle, Thrust, Efficiency and Station Numbering
The exam checks that you can apply the ideal Brayton cycle to a real turbofan or turboprop, explain where thrust comes from, and read the standard engine station numbers used on diagrams and in fault reports. The Brayton cycle has four processes: ram compression (intake), mechanical compression, constant-pressure heat addition (combustor), and expansion (turbine and nozzle).
424 words, about 2 min02Engine Construction and Major Modules
Construction questions ask you to identify what each module does, how rotors and stators are arranged, and why clearances, cooling and bearing support matter. Compressors are axial (many stages, high mass flow), centrifugal (one or two stages, high pressure rise per stage), or a combination.
390 words, about 2 min03Lubrication and Sealing Systems
You must know the oil system path, oil types and limits, how seals keep oil out of the gas path, and what indications warn of seal or pump failure. Typical turbine oils are MIL-PRF-23699 (standard), MIL-PRF-23899 (high thermal stability) and MIL-PRF-7808 (low temperature).
384 words, about 2 min04Fuel Systems and Controls
This domain covers fuel metering from tank to nozzle, hydromechanical and electronic control, and the way FADEC or EEC schedules fuel while protecting limits. Fuel flows from tanks through boost pumps, shut-off valve, filter and water separator, fuel/oil heat exchanger, fuel metering unit (FMU) and flow divider to the nozzles.
387 words, about 2 min05Ignition and Starting Systems
Starting questions test the sequence, igniter and exciter operation, starter types, and recognition of hot, hung, wet and no-light-off starts. Ignition uses high-energy spark igniters fed by an exciter box.
347 words, about 2 min06Indication and Monitoring
You must interpret EGT, N1/N2, torque, fuel flow, vibration and oil indications, and know what to do when a limit is exceeded. EGT is measured at turbine inlet or interstage; it is the best indicator of turbine stress.
339 words, about 2 min07Propulsion System Operation
This domain covers thrust management in normal operations, reverse thrust, and handling limitations that protect the engine and airframe. Thrust is set by thrust lever position, which commands N1 or EPR through the FADEC or EEC.
340 words, about 2 min08Engine Performance and Limitations
Performance questions test ratings, derates, altitude and temperature effects, and recognition of failure modes such as surge, stall and flameout. Ratings: takeoff (typically 5 minutes), maximum continuous and cruise.
312 words, about 2 min09Auxiliary and Accessory Systems
This domain covers the APU, bleed air, anti-ice and accessory gearbox drives, and how they interact with engine operation. The APU is a small turbine that drives a generator and bleed-air compressor.
322 words, about 2 min10Maintenance, Airworthiness and Defect Reporting
This section tests how defects are reported, how airworthiness is maintained, and what records and inspections apply to turbine aeroplanes. Defects must be recorded in the maintenance log or approved system with enough detail to reproduce the problem: phase of flight, altitude, OAT, N1/N2, EGT, fuel flow and duration.
299 words, about 1 min11Safety, Human Factors and Operational Knowledge
This domain tests threat and error management, ground safety around turbines, fatigue and complacency, and checklist discipline during engine handling. Turbine engines have intake and exhaust hazards: suction can pull people and FOD into the intake; exhaust is hot and fast.
308 words, about 2 min