PNG CASA Basic Gas Turbine study plan
PNG CASA Basic Gas Turbine · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Gas Turbine Engine Fundamentals and Thermodynamics
Explain the Brayton cycle stage by stage and state where heat is added, work is extracted and heat is rejected
Derive and use the pressure ratio versus thermal efficiency relationship for an ideal cycle without reference notes
Convert between temperature, pressure and mass-flow units used in engine data sheets
Describe how compressor pressure ratio, turbine inlet temperature and component efficiency each shift specific fuel consumption
Your checkpoint
A one-page handwritten cycle summary plus five worked numerical problems (efficiency, pressure ratio, work output) solved with correct units and signed off against your own re-derivation
Gas Turbine Engine Fundamentals and Thermodynamics & Engine Construction, Materials and Components
Compare axial and centrifugal compressor construction and state where each is typically used
Trace the gas path from intake through compressor, combustor, turbine and exhaust, naming each component's function
Identify common blade, vane, disc and casing materials and justify the choice by temperature and stress
Explain creep, fatigue and thermal barrier coating degradation in turbine sections
Your checkpoint
A labelled hand-drawn engine cross-section with at least 15 components annotated by name, function and typical material
Engine Construction, Materials and Components & Lubrication, Fuel and Ignition Systems
Describe the lubrication system layout including tank, pump, filter, cooler and scavenge returns
Explain oil pressure, temperature and chip detection indications and what each reveals
Outline the fuel system from tank to fuel nozzle, including filtration, metering and shut-off
State the purpose and sequence of the ignition system and differentiate exciter, igniter plug and ignition unit
Your checkpoint
Two system schematics (oil and fuel) drawn from memory with every component labelled and a short note on the consequence of each component failing
Lubrication, Fuel and Ignition Systems & Starting, Operating and Engine Instrumentation
Sequence a normal start from cranking to idle and state the indications expected at each step
Identify hot start, hung start and wet start by their instrument signatures and state the correct crew or maintenance action
Interpret start envelope limits such as EGT, N1 or N2 and time limits
Explain what each cockpit or panel instrument measures and its normal range
Your checkpoint
A start-sequence table listing each step, expected indication, limit and abort action, produced without notes and checked against your study references
Starting, Operating and Engine Instrumentation & Engine Performance, Ratings and Limitations
Differentiate take-off, maximum continuous, cruise and idle ratings and state when each may be used
Explain flat rating and how ambient temperature and pressure alter available thrust or power
Calculate the effect of altitude and temperature on performance using a supplied or self-built trend chart
State the purpose of each limitation in the engine flight manual and where it is published
Your checkpoint
A ratings and limitations summary sheet covering at least six parameters with their limits, sources and the operational consequence of exceeding each
Airworthiness, Maintenance Practices and Documentation
Identify the documentation required before and after maintenance, including logbook, work card and release to service
Explain the role of approved data, service bulletins and airworthiness directives in planning a task
Describe lock-out, tag-out, tool control and independent inspection practice for engine work
Outline borescope inspection, compressor wash and oil sampling as scheduled maintenance activities
Your checkpoint
A mock maintenance package for one engine task: work card, required references, tool and parts list, inspection points and a completed release-to-service entry
Fault Diagnosis and Troubleshooting
Build a symptom-to-cause map for high EGT, low oil pressure, vibration, fuel odour and slow acceleration
Apply a structured troubleshooting sequence from indication to confirmed fault
Distinguish sensor or indication faults from genuine engine faults
State when to stop operation and when to continue under a permitted deviation
Your checkpoint
A troubleshooting matrix of at least eight symptoms, each with probable causes ranked, confirming tests and the decision to continue or ground
Airworthiness, Maintenance Practices and Documentation & Safety, Human Factors and Regulatory Requirements
Apply human factors concepts such as fatigue, complacency, distraction and communication to engine maintenance scenarios
State the regulatory framework for maintenance, licensing and defect reporting that applies to your operation
Explain fire protection, fuel handling and foreign object debris control around engines
Complete a timed mixed-topic revision set and review every wrong answer to its source
Your checkpoint
A timed 60-question mixed mock exam scoring at least 80 percent, with a written correction note for every incorrect answer citing the reference used
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain the Brayton cycle and label a full engine cross-section from memory in under 15 minutes
Week 4: Can draw the oil and fuel systems and walk through a normal start sequence with expected indications, scoring at least 75 percent on a self-set quiz
Week 6: Can produce a complete maintenance package and state the ratings and limitations for six parameters without notes
Week 8: Achieves at least 80 percent on the timed mixed mock exam with all errors corrected and referenced