Airframe — Powerplant

This course provides an overview of the theory, construction, and operation of aircraft reciprocating engines and the physical laws and characteristics governing propeller operation. Emphasis is based on gaining a basic understanding of reciprocating engines and of fixed and variable pitch propellers. Upon completion, students should understand the inspection, service, and repair requirements of reciprocating engines, be able to demonstrate an understanding of propeller fundamentals, and remove, troubleshoot, and install propellers.

This course focuses on the inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of engine systems. Emphasis is on inspection, troubleshooting, and repairs of ignition systems, fuel and induction systems, lubrication systems, and cooling and exhaust systems. Upon completion, students should be able to inspect, service, troubleshoot, and repair ignition, lubrication, fuel, induction, and cooling and exhaust systems. This is a CORE course.

This course is a study of theory, construction, operation, and timing mechanisms associated with aircraft reciprocating powerplant; overhaul to include disassembly, cleaning, measuring, inspecting, reassembly, and troubleshooting in accordance with appropriate FAA and manufacturers’ regulations and practices. Emphasis is placed on overhauling a reciprocating engine. Upon completion, students should be able to overhaul a reciprocating engine.

This course is a study of engine instruments, electrical systems, and ignition systems and aircraft powerplant inspections, as well as the study of rotary wing aircraft, rotary wing aerodynamics, main and tail rotor systems, rotor blades, primary and secondary controls, and general maintenance practices. Emphasis is placed on the theory of operation of these systems, analysis of system performance and faults, interpretations of instrument indications, and the performance of powerplant conformity and airworthiness inspections. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret instrument readings, analyze faults in instruments and electrical and ignition systems, and perform conformity and airworthiness inspections of reciprocating engines.

This course introduces the turbine engine. Emphasis is placed on turbine engine development, application, theory, components, materials and construction, and operating and power extraction principles. Upon completion, students should be able to explain turbine engine theory and operating principles, describe procedures for 100-hour and Borescope inspections, and perform a hot section inspection by disassembling and reassembling a turbine engine.

This course provides a study of turbine engine systems. Emphasis is placed on starter, ignition, anti-ice, fire detection, and fire extinguishing systems. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot and repair turbine engine systems, remove and install engines in test cells and airframes, explain engine analysis and troubleshooting techniques, and describe correct procedures for rigging and running a turbine engine.

This course is a combination self-directed program review and comprehensive examination covering all materials in the generals and/or powerplant courses. Students successfully completing the course will be certified as eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) General and Powerplant written examination.