Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and PowerplantFAA-S-ACS-1
Section III
Powerplant
13 Subjects
Subject A Reciprocating Engines
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft reciprocating engines.
Knowledge
Types of reciprocating engines.
Reciprocating engine operating principles/theory of operation.
Internal combustion engine operating principles/theory of operation.
Horizontally-opposed engine construction and internal components.
Radial engine construction and internal components.
Storage and preservation.
Reciprocating engine performance (e.g., PLANK, SFC).
Reciprocating engine maintenance and inspection.
Reciprocating engine ground operations.
Diesel engine operating principles/theory of operation.
Risk Management
Maintenance that requires moving the propeller.
Preparation for and ground operation of a reciprocating engine.
Actions in the event of a reciprocating engine fire.
Use of other than manufacturer's procedures during maintenance.
Skills
Perform a cylinder assembly inspection.
Operate and troubleshoot a reciprocating engine.
Install piston and knuckle/wrist pin(s).
Identify the parts of a cylinder.
Identify the parts of a crankshaft.
Identify and inspect various types of bearings.
Inspect and rig cable and push-pull engine controls.
Locate top dead-center position of number one cylinder.
Install a cylinder on a horizontally-opposed engine.
Subject B Turbine Engines
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft turbine engines.
Knowledge
Turbine engine operating principles/theory of operation.
Types of turbine engines.
Turbine engine construction and internal components.
Turbine engine performance and monitoring.
Turbine engine troubleshooting, maintenance, and inspection procedures.
Procedures required after the installation of a turbine engine.
Causes for turbine engine performance loss.
Bleed air systems.
Storage and preservation.
Auxiliary power unit(s).
Turbine engine adjustment and testing.
Risk Management
Operation of a turbine engine.
Performing maintenance on a turbine engine.
Actions in the event of a turbine engine fire.
Foreign object damage.
Skills
Identify different turbine compressors.
Identify different types of turbine engine blades.
Identify components of turbine engines.
Map airflow direction and pressure changes in turbine engines.
Remove and install a fuel nozzle in a turbine engine.
Inspect a combustion liner.
Locate the procedures for the adjustment of a fuel control unit.
Perform turbine engine inlet guide vane and compressor blade inspection.
Locate the installation or removal procedures for a turbine engine.
Locate and explain the procedure for trimming a turbine engine.
Identify damaged turbine engine blades.
Identify causes for turbine engine performance loss.
Inspect the first two stages of a turbine fan or compressor for foreign object damage.
Subject C Engine Inspection
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft engine inspections.
Knowledge
Inspection requirements under 14 CFR part 43 and 14 CFR part 91.
Identification of life-limited parts and their replacement interval.
Special inspections.
Use of FAA-approved data.
Compliance with service letters, service bulletins, instructions for continued airworthiness, ADs, or TCDSs.
Maintenance recordkeeping requirements under 14 CFR part 43.
Engine component inspection, checking, and servicing.
Engine mounts, mounting hardware, and the inspection and checking of each.
Risk Management
A compression test on a reciprocating engine.
Maintenance on an operating reciprocating engine.
Maintenance on an operating turbine engine.
Skills
Perform a compression check on a cylinder.
Evaluate powerplant for compliance with FAA-approved or manufacturer data.
Perform a powerplant records inspection.
Inspect for compliance with applicable ADs.
Determine engine installation eligibility.
Determine compliance with engine specifications, TCDS, or engine listings.
Perform a portion of a required inspection on an engine.
Check engine controls for proper operation and adjustment.
Inspect an engine for leaks after performing maintenance.
Inspect an aircraft engine accessory for serviceability.
Inspect engine records for time or cycles on life-limited parts.
Perform an engine start and inspect engine operational parameters.
Perform a portion of a 100-hour inspection on an engine in accordance with part 43.
Inspect an engine mount to determine serviceability.
Subject D Engine Instrument Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft engine instrument systems.
Knowledge
Fuel flow.
Temperature (e.g., exhaust gas, oil, oil cylinder head, turbine inlet).
Engine speed indicating systems.
Pressure (e.g., air, fuel, manifold, oil).
Annunciator indicating systems (e.g., warning, caution, and advisory lights).
Torquemeters.
Engine pressure ratio (EPR).
Engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS).
Digital engine control module (e.g., full authority digital engine controls (FADEC)).
Electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM).
Engine instrument range markings and instrument conditions.
Risk Management
Maintenance damage to the instrument or indicating system.
Engine instrument calibration or instrument error.
Skills
Troubleshoot an engine oil temperature/pressure instrument system.
Troubleshoot a low fuel pressure indicating system.
Remove, inspect, and install a fuel-flow transmitter.
Remove, inspect, and install fuel-flow gauge.
Identify components of an electric tachometer system.
Check fuel-flow transmitter power supply.
Inspect tachometer markings for accuracy.
Perform resistance measurements of thermocouple indication system.
Remove, inspect, and install turbine engine exhaust gas temperature (EGT) component.
Locate procedures for troubleshooting a turbine EPR system.
Troubleshoot a tachometer system.
Replace a cylinder head temperature thermocouple.
Inspect EGT probes.
Locate and inspect engine low fuel pressure warning system components.
Check aircraft engine manifold pressure gauge for proper operation.
Inspect a manifold pressure system.
Repair a low oil pressure warning system.
Troubleshoot an EGT indicating system.
Inspect an oil temperature probe.
Subject E Engine Fire Protection Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft engine fire protection systems.
Knowledge
Types of fires and engine fire zones.
Fire detection warning system operation.
Fire detection system maintenance and inspection requirements.
Fire extinguishing agents, types of systems, and operation.
Fire extinguishing system maintenance and inspection.
Risk Management
Container discharge cartridges.
Extinguishing agents.
Maintenance on circuits associated with electrically-activated container discharge cartridges (squibs).
Skills
Troubleshoot and repair an engine fire detection system.
Identify fire detection sensing units.
Inspect fire detection continuous loop system.
Inspect fire detection thermal switch or thermocouple system.
Locate troubleshooting procedures for a fire detection system.
Inspect engine fire extinguisher system blowout plugs.
Inspect a turbine engine fire extinguisher container.
Inspect fire extinguisher discharge circuit.
Troubleshoot and repair a fire extinguishing system.
Inspect a fire extinguisher container discharge cartridge (squib).
Inspect fire extinguisher container and determine hydrostatic test requirements.
Inspect flame detectors for operation.
Check operation of fire warning press-to-test and troubleshoot faults.
Identify continuous-loop fire detection system components.
Subject F Engine Electrical Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft engine electrical systems.
Knowledge
Generators.
Alternators.
Starter generators.
Voltage regulators and overvoltage and overcurrent protection.
DC generation systems.
AC generation systems.
The procedure for locating the correct electrical cable/wire size needed to fabricate a cable/wire.
The purpose and procedure for paralleling a dual-generator electrical system.
CSD and IDG systems and components.
Engine electrical wiring, switches, and protective devices.
Risk Management
Polarity when performing electrical system maintenance.
Actions in response to a warning or caution annunciator light.
Maintenance on energized aircraft circuits/systems.
Routing and security of wiring near flammable fluid lines.
Skills
Inspect engine electrical wiring, switches, and protective devices.
Determine suitability of a replacement component by part number.
Replace an engine-driven generator or alternator.
Inspect an engine-driven generator or alternator in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Troubleshoot an aircraft electrical generating system.
Remove and install an engine direct-drive electric starter.
Troubleshoot a direct-drive electric starter system.
Inspect an electrical system cable.
Determine wire size for engine electrical system.
Repair a broken engine electrical system wire.
Replace a wire bundle lacing.
Troubleshoot an electrical system using a schematic or wiring diagram.
Fabricate a bonding jumper.
Inspect a turbine engine starter generator.
Inspect engine electrical connectors.
Subject G Engine Lubrication Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft engine lubrication systems.
Knowledge
Types, grades, and uses of engine oil.
Lubrication system operation and components.
Wet-sump system.
Dry-sump system.
Chip detectors.
Lubrication system maintenance, inspection, servicing, and analysis.
Excessive aircraft engine oil consumption.
Risk Management
Use or mixing of engine oils.
Following other than manufacturer's recommendations regarding the use of engine lubricants.
Handling, storage, and disposal of used lubricating oil.
Skills
Inspect an oil cooler or oil lines.
Determine the correct type of oil for a specific engine.
Identify turbine engine oil filter bypass indicator.
Determine approved oils for different climatic temperatures.
Locate procedures for obtaining oil samples.
Inspect an oil filter or screen.
Perform oil pressure adjustment.
Identify oil system components.
Replace an oil system component.
Identify oil system flow.
Troubleshoot an engine oil pressure malfunction.
Troubleshoot an engine oil temperature system.
Identify types of metal found in an oil filter.
Remove and inspect an engine chip detector.
Subject H Ignition and Starting Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft ignition and starting systems.
Knowledge
Ignition system theory.
Spark plug theory.
Shower of sparks and impulse coupling.
Three electrical circuits of a magneto system.
Solid-state ignition systems.
Digital engine control module (e.g., FADEC).
Engine starters.
Magneto system components and operation.
Turbine engine ignition systems.
Risk Management
Advanced and retarded ignition timing (piston engine).
Maintenance on engines with capacitor discharge ignition systems.
Working around reciprocating engines with an ungrounded magneto.
Skills
Set magneto internal timing.
Time magneto to engine.
Remove, clean, and install spark plug.
Troubleshoot and repair an ignition system.
Inspect an electrical starting system.
Inspect magneto breaker points.
Inspect an ignition harness.
Inspect a magneto impulse coupling.
Troubleshoot an electrical starting system.
Troubleshoot ignition switch circuit.
Inspect and check gap of spark plugs.
Identify the correct spark plugs used for replacement installation.
Troubleshoot a turbine or reciprocating engine ignition system.
Identify the correct igniter plug and replace turbine engine igniter plugs.
Troubleshoot turbine engine igniters.
Inspect turbine engine ignition system.
Inspect igniters.
Subject I Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for engine fuel and fuel metering systems.
Knowledge
Fuel/air ratio and fuel metering, and carburetor theory and operation.
Float carburetor theory, components, operation, and adjustment.
Pressure carburetor theory, operation, and adjustment.
Continuous-flow fuel injection theory, components, operation, troubleshooting and adjustment.
Digital engine control module (e.g., FADEC).
Hydromechanical fuel control system design and components.
Fuel nozzles and manifolds design, operation, and maintenance.
Components, theory, and operation of turbine engine fuel metering system.
Inspection requirements for an engine fuel system.
Fuel system operation.
Fuel heaters.
Fuel lines.
Fuel pumps.
Fuel valves.
Fuel filters.
Engine fuel drains.
Risk Management
Adjusting a turbine engine fuel control.
Adjusting reciprocating engine fuel control systems.
Handling of fuel metering system components that may contain fuel.
Considerations during fuel system maintenance.
Handling of engine fuel control units that may contain fuel.
Skills
Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair a continuous-flow fuel injection system.
Remove, inspect, and install a turbine engine fuel nozzle.
Identify carburetor components.
Identify fuel and air flow through a float-type carburetor.
Remove and install a carburetor main metering jet.
Inspect a carburetor fuel inlet screen.
Adjust a continuous-flow fuel injection system.
Inspect the needle, seat, and float level on a float-type carburetor.
Remove and install a float-type carburetor.
Adjust carburetor idle speed and mixture.
Locate procedures for a turbine engine revolutions per minute (rpm) overspeed inspection.
Inspect fuel metering cockpit controls for proper adjustment.
Locate procedures for adjusting a hydromechanical fuel control unit.
Locate and explain procedures for removing and installing a turbine engine fuel control unit.
Identify components of an engine fuel system.
Remove and install an engine-driven fuel pump.
Inspect a remotely-operated fuel valve for proper operation.
Locate and identify fuel selector placards.
Inspect a main fuel filter assembly for leaks.
Inspect fuel boost pump.
Locate and identify a turbine engine fuel heater.
Inspect fuel pressure warning light function.
Adjust fuel pump fuel pressure.
Inspect engine fuel system fluid lines and components.
Troubleshoot abnormal fuel pressure.
Locate the procedures for troubleshooting a turbine engine fuel heater system.
Remove, clean, and reinstall an engine fuel filter.
Troubleshoot engine fuel pressure fluctuation.
Inspect fuel selector valve.
Determine correct fuel nozzle spray pattern.
Subject J Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft reciprocating engine induction and cooling systems.
Knowledge
Reciprocating engine induction and cooling system theory, components, and operation.
Causes and effects of induction system icing.
Superchargers and controls.
Turbochargers, intercoolers, and controls.
Augmenter cooling system.
Induction system filtering.
Carburetor heaters.
Pressure cowling air flow and control.
Reciprocating engine baffle and seal installation.
Liquid cooling system theory, components, and operation.
Risk Management
Maintenance on turbochargers.
Ground operation of aircraft engines.
Maintenance-related FOD.
Chemicals used in liquid cooling systems.
Skills
Inspect a carburetor heat system.
Inspect an alternate air valve for proper operation.
Inspect an induction system drain for proper operation.
Inspect engine exhaust augmenter cooling system.
Service an induction air filter.
Inspect a turbocharger for leaks and security.
Inspect and service a turbocharger waste gate.
Inspect an induction system for obstruction.
Inspect an air intake manifold for leaks.
Locate the proper specifications for coolant used in a liquid-cooled engine.
Inspect reciprocating engine cooling ducting (rigid or flexible) or baffle seals.
Identify components of a turbocharger induction system.
Identify exhaust augmenter-cooled engine components.
Inspect an air inlet duct for security.
Perform an induction and cooling system inspection.
Repair a cylinder baffle.
Inspect cylinder baffling.
Inspect cowl flap system for normal operation.
Inspect cylinder cooling fins.
Subject K Turbine Engine Air Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft turbine engine air systems.
Knowledge
Air cooling system theory, components, and operation.
Turbine engine cowling air flow.
Turbine engine internal cooling.
Turbine engine baffle and seal installation.
Turbine engine insulation blankets and shrouds.
Turbine engine induction system theory, components, and operation.
Turbine engine bleed air system theory, components, and operation.
Turbine engine anti-ice system
Risk Management
Maintenance on compressor bleed air systems.
Ground operation of aircraft engines following other than manufacturer's instructions.
Skills
Perform an induction and cooling system inspection.
Identify location of turbine engine insulation blankets.
Identify turbine engine cooling air flow.
Inspect turbine engine cooling ducting (rigid or flexible) or baffle seals.
Inspect a turbine engine air intake anti-ice system.
Identify turbine engine ice and rain protection system components.
Inspect a particle separator.
Inspect/check a bleed air system.
Subject L Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft engine exhaust and reverser systems.
Knowledge
Reciprocating engine exhaust system theory, components, operation, and inspection.
Turbine engine exhaust system theory, components, operation, and inspection.
Noise suppression theory, components, and operation (e.g., mufflers, hush kits, augmenter tubes).
Thrust reverser theory, components, and operation.
Risk Management
Maintenance and inspection of exhaust system components.
Operation of turbine engine reversing systems.
Operation of reciprocating engines with exhaust systems leaks.
Exhaust system failures.
Ground operation of aircraft engines.
Skills
Identify the type of exhaust system on a particular aircraft.
Inspect a turbine engine exhaust system component.
Inspect a reciprocating engine exhaust system.
Inspect exhaust system internal baffles or diffusers.
Inspect exhaust heat exchanger.
Locate procedures for testing and troubleshooting a turbine thrust reverser system.
Perform a pressure leak check of a reciprocating engine exhaust system.
Subject M Propellers
Objective
The following knowledge, risk management, and skill elements are required for aircraft propellers.
Knowledge
Propeller theory and operation.
Types of propellers and blade design.
Pitch control and adjustment.
Constant speed propeller and governor theory and operation.
Turbine engine propeller reverse/beta range operation.
Propeller servicing, maintenance, and inspection requirements.
Procedures for removal and installation of a propeller.
Propeller TCDS.
Propeller synchronization systems.
Propeller ice control systems.
Risk Management
Ground operation.
Propeller maintenance and inspections.
Skills
Remove and install a propeller.
Check blade static tracking.
Inspect a propeller for condition and airworthiness.
Measure propeller blade angle.
Perform a minor repair to a metal propeller blade.
Perform propeller lubrication.
Locate and explain the procedures for balancing a fixed-pitch propeller.
Adjust a propeller governor.
Identify propeller range of operation.
Perform a 100-hour inspection of a propeller and determine airworthiness.
Determine what minor propeller alterations are acceptable using the propeller specifications, TCDS, and listings.
Inspect and repair a propeller anti-icing or de-icing system.