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Aeronautical Science: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence
Aeronautical Science: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence
RULE PART 66
SUBJECT 001
AERONAUTICAL SCIENCE
February 2003
DRAFT AME Syllabus
Index of Topics
Topic Page
Code Topic Title Number
1 Atmosphere 5
2 Measurement 7
3 Mathematics 8
4 Matter 9
5 Mechanics 11
6 Kinetics 13
7 Dynamics 14
8 Thermodynamics 16
9 Optics 18
11 Electrical fundamentals 20
12 Generation of electricity 22
13 Resistance 23
14 DC Circuits 24
15 Capacitance 25
16 Magnetism 26
17 Electromagnetic induction 27
19 Transformers 31
Subject 001, Aeronautical Science, is a three-hour closed book examination comprised of 100 multi-
choice questions.
An AME sample question booklet with 15 representative questions pertaining to this subject is
available for purchase from Aviation Services Limited (ASL).
Application to sit the examination is made directly to ASL. Refer to www.aviation.co.nz for
examination information.
Knowledge Levels
LEVEL 1 A familiarization with the principal elements of the subject.
LEVEL 2 A general knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject and
an ability to apply the knowledge.
LEVEL 3 A detailed knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject and
a capacity to combine and apply the separate elements of knowledge in a
logical and comprehensive manner.
The publications listed below contain most of the information required to meet the AME syllabus
requirements for subject 001. A certain number of these books will also be listed for other AME
examination subjects.
Publication references have been placed adjacent to many sub-topic headings in this syllabus. The
references are simply to help candidates make a start in studying the subject and should not be
considered the only or most complete references available.
To be certain that the candidate is well prepared for the examination the CAA subject syllabus is the
definitive guide. Other more appropriate texts should be studied in cases where any of the references
listed in the syllabus do not fully cover the topic.
All examination questions in this subject are covered by information contained in the syllabus.
All of the books listed below may be purchased from Aeromotive Limited, phone 07 8433199,
Hamilton, New Zealand, or E mail hamilton@aeromotive.co.nz
Book list
Note: Syllabus study references relate to the publications contained in this list.
Syllabus Content
1 ATMOSPHERE
1.1.1 Describe the term ISA standard atmosphere. State the following standards atmospheric 2
values for the following.
a. Sea level temperature in degrees C and F.
b. Sea level pressure in inches of mercury, PSI, millibars and SI units.
c. Standard pressure lapse rate.
d. Temperature lapse rate.
e. Absolute pressure.
f. Gauge pressure.
1.1.2 Describe the relationship between temperature, pressure and density with changes in 3
altitude.
1.1.4 Describe the measurement of atmospheric pressure in the British, American and Metric 3
systems.
1.1.5 Describe cabin altitude and its relationship to aircraft construction, operation, 1
maintenance and passenger comfort.
1.1.6 Carry out simple calculations relating to aircraft cabin pressure and altitude from given 3
information.
1.1.7 Describe how viscosity affects the movement of air between atmospheric layers. 1
1.1.8 Describe the following atmospheric layers and the approximate altitude and temperature 1
range of each. State where temperature change with altitude is nearly constant.
a. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere
c. Ionosphere
1.1.9 Describe ambient air pressure and how it acts on and around the surface of a body. 1
Describe the term “atmosphere” for pressure measurement
1.1.10 Describe the properties of moving air in respect of Newton’s laws of motion. 1
1.1.12 Explain the operation of aneroid and mercury barometers in measuring atmospheric
pressure.
1.2.2 Describe the difference between density altitude and pressure altitude and give 3
examples of where each phenomenon plays an important part in the performance or
operation of an aircraft.
1.3.2 Describe the basic effects of fog, water vapour and humidity on the performance of 3
piston and turbine engines.
1.4.1 Understand the following atmospheric phenomenon and their effects on aircraft 2
operations, aircraft structure, components and internal furnishings.
a. Lightning and its effects.
b. Glare and glare protection.
c. Frost.
d. Types of ice, the formation of ice, and the effects of ice on aircraft operation.
e. Extremes of temperature.
f. Acid rain, dust and salt deposits.
g. Volcanic ash and smoke.
1.4.2 Give reasons why air is warmer near the earth’s surface. 1
2 MEASUREMENT
2.1.1 State without reference to tables, the following standards in the British, Imperial and 3
Metric systems.
a. Pounds in a kilogram.
b. Ounces to grams and visa versa.
c. Imperial pints/quarts/gallon relationship.
d. Litres in an Imperial/American gallon.
e. MPH in a knot.
f. Miles in a nautical mile.
g. Metres in a nautical mile.
h. Centimetres in an inch.
i. Square inches in a square foot.
j. American gallons in an Imperial gallon.
k. Freezing point of water in degrees centigrade and fahrenheit.
l. Degrees absolute.
m. Weight of one Imperial gallon of water.
n. Weight of one kilogram of water.
o. Gallons in a cubic foot.
p. Litres in a cubic metre.
q. Gravitational acceleration.
2.2.1 State the British, American and SI systems for measuring the following. 3
a. Length
b. Mass
c. Weight
d. Time
e. Volume
f. Distance
g. Speed
h. Velocity
i. Acceleration
j. Fluid flow
k. Density
l. Area.
3 MATHEMATICS
3.1.1 Use a scientific electronic calculator to perform the mathematical functions applicable to 3
all AME syllabuses.
3.2 Arithmetic
Ref. 1
3.2.3 List the base and derived International System (SI) of units and convert from one value 2
to another and between the Metric, Imperial and US units of measurement.
3.2.5 Round decimals and convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. 3
3.3 Algebra
Ref. 1
3.4 Graphs
Ref. 2
3.4.2 Describe the construction of graphs that contain linear, simple exponential, sine and 2
cosine equations and functions.
3.4.3 Extract performance information off graphs found in aircraft flight manuals and 3
manufacturer’s maintenance manuals. For example, fuel consumption, power and
engine performance graphs.
3.4.4 Describe the difference between scalar and vector quantities and give examples of each. 1
3.5.3 Describe trigonometrical relationships such as; sine, cosine, tangent and cotangent 2
ratios used in trigonometry. Use these ratios (and appropriate tables or calculator) to
calculate the length of sides and angles in a right angle triangle.
3.5.4 State Pythagoras’ theorem and be able to use it to solve problems relating right angle 1
triangles.
4 MATTER
4.1.1 Describe the characteristics and general properties of matter including the following. 1
a. Volume
b. Mass
c. Attraction
d. Weight
e. Density
f. Inertia
g. Porosity
h. Impenetrability
4.2.1 Describe the three states of matter and give aeronautical examples. 1
4.2.2 List the properties of solids, liquids and gasses and how each changes state. 1
4.2.3 Define a chemical element and describe the information contained in the atomic chart. 1
4.3.2 Describe the significance of electrons, protons and neutrons and how they act in solids, 1
liquids and gasses.
4.3.3 Define the following terms and give aviation examples of each. 2
a. Gravity
b. Relative density
c. Specific gravity
d. Energy
e. Potential energy
f. Kinetic energy
g. Units of energy
4.3.5 In relation to solids, describe the basic theory of stress, strain, elasticity, tension, 1
compression, shear and torsion.
5 MECHANICS
5.1.3 Describe the theory of torque measurement and its various applications in aviation, 3
including calculations of torque values.
5.2 Levers
Ref. 1
5.2.1 In relation to levers and simple machines describe; forces, moments and couples. 3
5.2.2 Describe the theory and principles of first, second and third class levers. 2
5.2.3 Calculate load, effort and mechanical advantage relating to each class of lever. 3
5.3.1 Describe the effects of raising or lowering objects using an inclined plane. 1
5.3.2 Carry out simple calculations relating to the use of an inclined plane. 2
5.4 Pulleys
Ref. 1
5.4.2 Calculate load, effort, velocity ratio and mechanical advantage relating to each system. 2
5.5.1 Describe aircraft centre of gravity and carry out simple calculations using positive and 3
negative moments.
5.6 Gears
Ref. 1
5.6.1 Describe spur, bevel, helical, worm and planetary gear systems and where each has an 1
aeronautical application.
5.6.3 Describe how changes to speed and direction of rotation are achieved in the different 2
gear systems.
5.6.6 Describe common terms relating to the design and mesh of gear teeth. Includes internal 1
and external applications.
5.7.1 Describe the theory of operation of a screw jack and solve simple lifting problems. 2
6 KINETICS
6.1 Motion
Ref. 2
6.1.2 Use the laws of motion formulae to solve simple problems relating to acceleration, 2
velocity, distance and time.
6.1.3 Describe the difference between average speed, displacement, acceleration and 1
velocity. Understand the use of velocity time graphs.
6.1.4 Describe linear movement i.e. uniform motion in a straight line and motion under 2
constant acceleration. (Motion under the force of gravity)
6.1.5 Describe rotational movement i.e. uniform circular motion, centripetal and centrifugal 1
forces, centripetal acceleration. State the relationship between centrifugal force and
speed in a rotating body.
6.1.7 Define Newton’s three laws of motion giving practical examples and solving calculations 3
for each. (for example basic engine thrust calculations)
7 DYNAMICS
7.1.1 Define the following terms and state their units of measurements. 1
a. Force
b. Resultant force and equilibrium
c. Gravity
d. Inertia
e. Work
f. Power
g. Energy (Potential, Kinetic and total)
h. Efficiency
i. Conservation of momentum
j. Impulse
7.1.2 Perform calculations relating to simple aeronautical applications for each of the above 2
terms.
7.2 Fluids
Ref. 1
7.2.2 Describe the similar and dissimilar characteristics of liquids and gasses with particular 1
respect to compressibility, flow, force, and expansion.
7.2.3 Calculate aircraft fuel loads and fuel conversions with respect to variation in temperature 3
and fuel specific gravity.
7.2.4 Describe the nature of fluid flow through a venturi tube with regard to velocity and 3
pressure.
7.2.5 Describe and solve simple floatation problems of an aeronautical nature relating to 2
Archimedes’s Principle.
7.3.1 Describe and show by calculation the following factors relating to hydraulic and 3
pneumatic power systems.
a. Force and pressure.
b. Pascal’s principles.
c. Computing force, pressure and area.
d. Multiplication of forces.
e. Differential areas.
f. Volume, distance and area factors.
g. Effects of atmospheric pressure.
7.3.2 Solve simple problems relating to the use of a hydraulic press, hydraulic actuator, or 3
pressure-operated valve.
7.4 Friction
Ref. 2
7.4.1 Describe the following types of friction and give examples of where each may be found. 1
a. Static (starting) friction or stiction
b. Sliding friction
c. Rolling friction
7.4.2 Describe the term coefficient of friction and relate it to common materials used in aircraft 2
or aircraft component construction.
7.4.3 With the use of appropriate formulae, solve practical problems relating to frictional forces. 3
7.4.6 Describe the effects of bearing friction and air resistance on rotating components. 2
7.4.8 Identify common defects found in aircraft components that have arisen as a result of 3
excessive friction. (Includes overheating, excessive/ premature wear out and faying
surface deterioration such as galling, spalling and welding.)
8 THERMODYNAMICS
8.1 Heat
Ref. 1
8.1.1 Describe the following terms, provide practical aeronautical applications, and as 1
appropriate, solve problems relating to each.
a. Latent heat.
b. Latent heat of fusion.
c. Latent heat of evaporation (vaporisation).
d. Cooling produced by evaporation.
e. Expansion and coefficient of linear expansion.
f. Expansion of solids and liquids.
g. Volumetric expansion.
h. Specific heat.
i. Sensible heat.
j. Heat capacity.
k. Heat definition.
l. Heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation.
m. Radiant energy.
n. Thermal energy.
o. Heat of combustion.
p. Mechanical equivalent of heat.
8.1.2 Explain how thermal expansion and the coefficient of linear expansion are used in the 3
operation of a bi-metallic strip.
8.1.3 Define and describe in practical terms, the first and second laws of thermodynamics. 1
8.1.4 Describe the types of surfaces that radiate or absorb heat more readily and how 3
heating/cooling is effected in aircraft using the three methods of heat transfer.
8.1.7 Describe the calorific value of fuels and make calculations relating to energy and power 3
production in a heat engine.
8.1.8 Describe how water pipes are affected when water freezes. 3
8.2 Temperature
Ref. 1
8.2.1 Describe the following temperature scales and convert between them. 2
a. Centigrade (Celsius) scale
b. Fahrenheit scale
c. Kelvin scale
d. Rankine scale
8.2.2 Define absolute zero and relate it to the above temperature scales. 3
8.2.3 Identify freezing and boiling points on each of the temperature scales. 3
8.2.4 Describe the boiling point of a fluid in terms of saturated vapour pressure and 2
atmospheric pressure including the effects of altitude changes.
8.3.1 State and apply to practical problem solving exercises the following gas laws. 2
a. Boyle’s Law
b. Charles’ Law
c. Gay-Lussac’s Law
d. General gas laws
e. Dalton’s law
f. Gas law formulae
g. Kinetic theory of gasses
8.3.2 Describe the work done by expanding gasses and describe the temperature rise during 1
compression of a gas.
9 OPTICS
9.1 Light
Ref. 6
9.1.5 Describe the use of various shaped lenses for carrying out practical inspection tasks and 1
describe the visual results gained from using these lenses.
9.1.6 Describe the transmission of light through an optical fibre cable and factors that will affect 1
the transmission.
10.1.4 Describe the transmission of sound through solid and gaseous mediums. 1
10.1.5 Describe how noise intensity is minimised. Identify sound reducing materials and 2
insulation techniques.
10.1.6 Describe how resonance is caused in a body and the adverse effects resonance can 2
have on aircraft structure or aircraft components.
11.1.1 Describe the structure and distribution of electrical charge within the following. 1
a. Atoms
b. Compounds
c. Ions
d. Molecules
11.1.2 Describe the molecular structure of conductors, semi-conductors and insulators. Give an 2
example of each.
11.2.1 Describe how static electricity is produced and how electrostatic charges are distributed. 2
11.2.6 Describe positive and negative charges and their attraction and repulsion of each other. 1
11.2.8 Describe how electrostatic charges are distributed throughout aircraft structure and 3
components.
11.2.10 State the direction of an electrical field around positive and negative charges. 1
11.2.11 Describe the distribution of charges on a regular shaped solid, hollow disc or sphere. 1
11.2.13 Describe the effects of attraction and repulsion of parallel current carrying conductors. 1
11.3.1 Define the following terms, their units, their symbols, factors affecting them and their 1
impact on circuit performance.
a. Charge
b. Conductance
c. Current flow
d. Electromotive force
e. Potential difference
f. Resistance
g. Voltage
11.4.1 State the following metric prefixes, the symbols and multiplier for each. 2
a. Giga
b. Mega
c. Micro
d. Milli
e. Kilo
f. Pico
g. Nano
12.1.1 Describe how electricity is produced by the following methods. Give typical examples of 1
each.
a. Chemical action
b. Friction
c. Heat
d. Light
e. Magnetism and motion
f. Pressure
12.1.2 Describe Fleming’s left and right hand rules and how these rules apply to current 1
carrying conductors.
12.1.3 Describe how the following factors affect the magnitude of an induced current in a 1
conductor as it passes through a magnetic field.
a. Magnetic field strength.
b. Angle at which the magnetic lines are cut.
c. Rate at which the magnetic field is cut.
12.2.1 a. In basic terms, describe the construction and basic chemical action of the following 1
sources of electricity.
b. Primary cells
c. secondary cells
d. lead acid cells
e. Nickel cadmium cells
f. Other alkaline cells
13 RESISTANCE - ATA 24
13.1.3 Describe the composition, performance (stability and tolerance) and limitations of the 1
following fixed resistors.
a. Carbon composition
b. Carbon film
c. Metallic film
d. Wire wound
13.1.7 Describe the advantages of connecting resistors in series, parallel and combinations 2
thereof.
13.1.9 State the factors that affect the resistance of a wire conductor. Carry out resistance 3
calculations from given information.
13.1.10 Describe the construction and use of potentiometers and rheostats. State the effect on 1
the output voltage when the load is varied.
14 DC CIRCUITS - ATA 24
14.1.2 Define Ohm’s law and Kirchoff’s voltage and current laws. 1
14.1.3 Perform calculations using the above laws to find resistance, voltage and current in a 2
circuit, including the effects of adding or removing electrical components.
14.2 Power
Ref. 2
14.2.6 Perform calculations involving power, work and energy in the aviation context. 2
15 CAPACITANCE - ATA 24
15.1.2 Describe the unit of capacitance and explain the following relationships. 1
a. C= KA/D
b. Q=CV
15.1.5 Describe the construction, principles of operation and application of the following 1
capacitors.
a. Ceramic
b. Electrolytic
c. Mica
d. Paper
e. Tantalum
15.1.6 Describe the preferred values of capacitors and the method of colour coding. 1
15.1.8 Calculate capacitance and voltage for series and parallel circuits. 1
15.1.9 Describe the exponential charge and discharge of a capacitor and state the time 1
constant (T=CR).
15.1.11 Describe the procedure for testing a capacitor with an ohmmeter and be able to identify 2
the following.
a. Leaking capacitor
b. Open circuit
c. Short circuit
16 MAGNETISM - ATA 24
16.1.1 Describe the properties of a magnet and the molecular theory of magnetism, including: 1
a. artificially made magnets.
b. domain theory.
c. laws of attraction and repulsion.
d. magnetic shielding techniques and shielding materials.
e. magnetisation and demagnetisation.
f. the action of a magnet suspended in the earth’s magnetic field.
16.1.3 Describe the precautions associated with the handling, care and storage of permanent 3
magnets, including the requirement for keepers.
16.2 BH Curves
Ref. 1
16.2.2 Describe the following terms and their relationship in a magnetic circuit. 1
a. Coercive force
b. Flux density
c. Permeability
d. Reluctance
e. Retentivity
f. Saturation
16.2.4 Describe eddy currents, how they are produced, their effects on the performance of an 2
electromagnetic component, and the methods used to reduce adverse effects.
17.1.1 Describe the production of an induced voltage in a conductor when relative motion 1
occurs between a conductor and a magnetic field.
17.1.3 Describe the effect of the following criteria on the magnitude of an induced voltage. 1
a. Magnetic field strength.
b. The number of conductor turns.
c. The rate of change of flux.
17.1.4 Describe the production of an induced voltage in a secondary coil. (mutual inductance) 1
17.1.5 Describe the effects that the rate of change of primary current and mutual inductance 1
have on the value of an induced voltage.
17.1.6 Describe the following factors which have an affect on mutual inductance. 1
a. Permeability of each coil.
b. Position of the coils with respect to each other.
c. The number of turns in each coil.
d. The physical size of each coil.
17.1.7 Describe: 2
a. back emf.
b. Lenz’s Law and the rule for determining the polarity of an induced voltage.
c. the production of an induced voltage in a coil. (self induction)
d. the unit of inductance.
17.1.8 Calculate total inductance in a series, parallel and series parallel circuit. 1
17.1.9 Describe the exponential rise and fall of a current in an inductive resistive (LR) circuit. 1
17.1.11 Describe the condition known as saturation, where a change in magnetising force 1
produces no change in flux density.
18.1.1 In relation to voltage, current and power, define and perform calculation involving the 1
following factors.
a. Average
b. Instantaneous
c. Peak
d. Peak to peak
e. Root mean square (RMS)
18.1.3 Describe sinusoidal waveform and perform calculations in respect of the following. 1
a. Angular velocity (Radians).
b. Cycle.
c. Frequency and resonant frequency.
d. Period.
e. Phase.
18.1.4 Calculate the effects on frequency with variation in the number of alternator poles and 2
RPM.
18.1.5 Describe harmonics and the effect that odd and even harmonics have on fundamental 1
wave shapes.
18.3.1 In relation to series and parallel L, C and R circuits, describe the relationship between 1
voltage and current across the circuit components.
18.3.2 Calculate: 3
a. applied and component voltage.
b. current.
c. impedance.
d. phase angle.
e. power factor.
18.4.1 Define resonance, and describe how the properties of a series reactive circuit change at 1
resonance.
18.4.2 When the frequency of a series resonant circuit is varied, describe the effect on: 1
a. current.
b. impedance.
c. phase angle.
18.4.3 Describe and interpret frequency response curves for series resonant circuits. 2
18.4.6 Describe the effect that resonance has on Q and resonance curves. 1
18.4.8 Describe how the properties of a parallel resonant circuit change at resonance. 1
18.4.9. When the frequency of a parallel circuit is varied, describe the effect on: 1
a. current.
b. impedance.
c. phase angle.
18.4.10 Describe and interpret frequency response curves for parallel resonant circuits. 1
19 TRANSFORMERS - ATA 24
19.1.3 Describe the action of a transformer under load and no load conditions. 1
19.1.4 Describe power transfer, efficiency and the relevance of polarity markings. 1
19.1.6 Describe the operation and use of autotransformers, current transformers and variacs. 1