CAA NZ CPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge study guide
CAA NZ CPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Aircraft Technical Knowledge (ATK) is one of the theory examinations you must pass before a Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane or Helicopter) can be issued under Part 61 of the New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules. It is aimed at pilots who already hold, or are close to completing, a PPL and are moving into commercial operations, where understanding why a system fails matters as much as knowing that it exists. The CAA NZ CPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge study guide has 6 sections and about 2,095 words.
01Basic Aerodynamics and Flight Controls
Basic aerodynamics and flight controls tests lift and drag, the stall, stability, and how the controls change the aircraft's flight path. CL depends on angle of attack and configuration, not on airspeed directly.
366 words, about 2 min02Airframe Construction and Structural Components
Airframe construction and structural components tests structural types, load paths, materials and the inspection consequences of damage. Truss: steel tube or wood members in tension and compression; the skin is non-structural.
342 words, about 2 min03Piston Engines and Propellers
Piston engines and propellers tests the four-stroke cycle, mixture and ignition, engine cooling, and how propeller pitch and RPM are controlled. Four strokes: induction, compression, power, exhaust.
354 words, about 2 min04Aircraft Systems
Aircraft systems tests fuel, oil, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, ice and rain protection, and fire protection - mainly the checks, indications and failure actions. Avgas 100LL is blue; Jet A-1 is kerosene for turbines.
344 words, about 2 min05Flight Instruments and Avionics
Flight instruments and avionics tests pitot-static instruments, gyros, the magnetic compass and the avionics fitted to typical CPL aircraft. The ASI measures dynamic pressure.
350 words, about 2 min06Weight, Balance and Aircraft Performance
Weight, balance and performance tests mass limits, centre of gravity, loading calculations and the use of POH performance data. Datum, arm and moment: moment = weight × arm; total moment divided by total weight gives the CG.
339 words, about 2 min