NZ CAA PPL Aircraft Technical case studies
NZ CAA PPL Aircraft Technical · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NZ CAA PPL Aircraft Technical examination is the technical knowledge paper that New Zealand private pilot licence candidates sit alongside the other PPL theory subjects. It tests the aircraft itself rather than navigation, meteorology or human factors: general aircraft knowledge, airframes, engines, systems and instruments; flight performance, loading and weight and balance; and aircraft maintenance, airworthiness and the documents that must be on board and current. The NZ CAA PPL Aircraft Technical case studies are 5 cases and about 2,900 words.
1Alternator failure after departure in a Cessna 172S
You are pilot-in-command of a Cessna 172S (Lycoming IO-360, 28 V electrical system) on a day VFR flight from Nelson (NZNS) to Wellington (NZWN), planned 35 minutes. Cruising at 2,500 ft, the alternator warning light illuminates and the ammeter shows a steady 10 A discharge.
674 words, about 3 min2Takeoff from a short grass strip at high density altitude
You plan a departure in a Cessna 172S from a 600 m grass strip. Elevation 1,400 ft, QNH 1013 hPa, OAT 27°C, wind calm, upslope 1.5%.
523 words, about 3 min3Aft centre of gravity in a loaded PA-28-161
You are loading a Piper PA-28-161 for a private day VFR trip. The AFM uses pounds and inches.
555 words, about 3 min4Intermittent alternator and a day VFR release
You are planning a 2-hour private day VFR flight in a Cessna 172N with one passenger over sparsely populated hill country. The maintenance release was issued 11 months ago; the annual inspection is due in 3 weeks.
626 words, about 3 min5Ferry flight with an expired maintenance release
You have agreed to buy a Cessna 150 based at Christchurch. The aircraft has a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) and Certificate of Registration, but its maintenance release expired 10 days ago.
522 words, about 3 min