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CASA Aeronautical Knowledge Standards > BAKC: Basic Aeronautical knowledge > Flashcards

BAKC: Basic Aeronautical knowledge Flashcards

(89 cards)

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1
Q

Describe direction using the main methods

A

3 figure - 270 degrees (west)
2 figure - 09 = 90 degrees (east)
clock code - 6 o’clock = behind, 3 o’clock = right, etc.

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2
Q

Define aircraft heading (HDG)

A

The compass direction in which an aircrafts nose (longitudinal axis) is pointing

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3
Q

Difference between true (T), magnetic (M), and compass (C)

A

True - refers to geographic North; a fixed point on the Earth’s surface.
Magnetic - the direction that a compass needle points to influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field.
Compass - a variation of magnetic north, accounting for local magnetic anomalies

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4
Q

Units used for lateral distance in navigation

A

Nautical miles (NM)

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5
Q

Units used for lateral distance in visibility

A

METARs and TAFs - Metres (m)
Planning - kilometres (km)

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6
Q

Define the meaning of knot (KT)

A

Nautical mile per hour

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7
Q

Define wind velocity (W/V)

A

Direction and speed of the wind
W/V = wind direction (in degrees true) / wind speed (in knots)
E.g. W/V 270/15
METARs and TAFs - degrees true
ATC communications - usually degrees magnetic

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8
Q

Define IAS

A

Indicated Airspeed
The speed read directly from the air speed indicator (ASI)

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9
Q

Define CAS

A

Calibrated Airspeed
IAS corrected for instrument and position error

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10
Q

Define TAS

A

True Airspeed
CAS corrected for air density, which varies with altitude and temperature.
Actual speed of the aircraft through the air mass.

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11
Q

Define GS

A

Ground Speed
TAS adjusted for wind effect.
Speed of aircraft over the ground.
GS = TAS += wind component (head or tail)

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12
Q

Express time as a 4 figure group

A

0700 = 7 AM
1500 = 3 PM
etc.

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13
Q

Convert local standard time (LTS) to universal coordinated time (UTC aka Zulu)

A

Take LTS and add/subtract time zone offset
E.g. QLD is UTC +10
so for 1800 LST subtract 10 hours = 0800 UTC

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14
Q

State the units to describe vertical measurement

A

Feet (ft)

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15
Q

Define height

A

Vertical distance above ground or specific point

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16
Q

Define altitude

A

Vertical distance above mean sea level (AMSL)

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17
Q

Define elevation

A

The height of a fixed point (like an airport or runway) AMSL

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18
Q

State the unit of measurement used to express:
(a) Runway dimensions
(b) Temperature
(c) Atmospheric pressure
(d) Weight
(e) Volume (liquids)
(f) Visibility

A

(a) Metres
(b) Degrees Celsius (°C)
(c) Hectopascals (hPa)
(d) Kilograms (kg)
(e) Litres (L)
(f) Metres (m) in aviation forecasts or kilometres in general usage

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19
Q

Describe the meaning of kinetic and potential energy and the relationship to basic aircraft
operations.

A

Kinetic energy relates to an aircrafts airspeed.
Potential energy relates to an aircrafts altitude (gravitational potential).

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20
Q

Describe the meaning of ‘aircraft energy state’ with respect to kinetic and potential
energy

A

Refers to the combination of its kinetic energy and potential energy.

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21
Q

Describe the effects on ‘aircraft energy state’ of acceleration, deceleration, climb and
descent.

A

Acceleration - increases kinetic energy
Deceleration - decreases kinetic energy
Climb - increased potential energy
Descent - decreases potential energy

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22
Q

Describe the basic principle of operation of a 4 stroke cycle internal combustion engine

A

Suck, squash, bang, blow

Intake stroke (suck) – Inlet valve opens, piston moves down, drawing in fuel-air mixture

Compression stroke (squash) – Valves close, piston moves up, compressing the mixture

Power stroke (bang) – Spark plug ignites mixture, explosion forces piston down

Exhaust stroke (blow) – Exhaust valve opens, piston moves up, expelling burnt gases

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23
Q

Purpose and function of the cylinders

A

Contains the pistons and form the combustion chamber where fuel is burned

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24
Q

Purpose and function of the pistons

A

Move up and down within the cylinders, transferring the force of combustion into mechanical motion

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25
Purpose and function of the piston rings
Seal the gap between piston and the cylinder wall to prevent gas leakage, maintain compression, and control oil
26
Purpose and function of the inlet/exhaust valves
Control the entry of the fuel-air mixture and the exit of exhaust gases in coordination with the piston strokes
27
Purpose and function of the crankshaft
converts rociprical motion to rotational motion to drive the prop
28
Purpose and function of the camshaft
Operates the inlet and exhaust valves in correct timing with the piston movement
29
Purpose and function of the spark plugs
To ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture
30
Describe the effect of increasing altitude and temperature on engine performance
Altitude increase - decreased air density, less oxygen, reduced air mass entering engine = decreased engine power output Temp increase - air less dense, reduced intake per cycle = reduced power output
31
How does the throttle lever position affect the power output of an engine
Advancing the throttle increases airflow and fuel mixture, boosting power. Retarding the throttle reduces power.
32
How does RPM affect power output
Higer RPM generally means more power. Extremely high RPM can lead to inefficiencies, mechanical strain, or power loss depending on prop and engine design.
33
State the function of the carburettor
Mixes fuel and air in the correct ratio before delivering it to the engine
34
State the function of the throttle
Controls the amount of air (and fuel) entering the engine, thereby regulating engine power
35
State the function of the magneto, dual ignition
Magnetos generate electrical spark independently of the aircraft's electrical system. Dual ignition means each cylinder has two spark plugs, powered by separate magnetos, improving reliability.
36
State the function of the alternator
Supplies electrical power to the aircraft and charges the battery during engine operation
37
State the function of the battery and battery compartment vent
The battery provides electrical power for starting and backup when the alternator isn't functioning. The battery vent allows gases produced during charging to escape safely, preventing pressure build-up or explosion.
38
State the function of the propeller
Converts the engine's rotational power into thrust to propel the aircraft forward
39
State the function of the circuit breaker, fuses, and bus bar
Circuit breakers and fuses protect electrical systems from overload. A bus bar is a common connection point that distributes electrical power to multiple circuits.
40
State the function of the impulse start
A device attached to the magneto that briefly delays ignition and boosts spark energy during start-up to help ignite the mixture at low cranking RPM
41
State the function of the oil cooler
Reduces the temperature of engine oil to keep the engine operating within safe thermal limits
42
State the function of the fuel tank vents
Allow air to enter the tank to replace fuel as it's used. Prevents tank vacuum.
43
State the purpose and importance of monitoring the RPM (tachometer)
Indicates engine speed (revolutions per minute) Helps the pilot manage power settings, stay within operational limits, and dectect engine over-speed or under-speed conditions
44
State the purpose and importance of monitoring the CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature) and EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature)
CHT monitors engine cooling efficiency and thermal load on the cylinders. EGT helps monitor mixture settings and combustion efficiency. Abnormal readings may indicate overheating, lean mixture, or engine trouble.
45
State the purpose and importance of monitoring the voltmeter, ammeter, loadmeter.
Voltmeter shows system voltage - helps detect charging system issues. Ammeter shows current flow - positive = charging; negative = discharging. Loadmeter shows the percentage of electrical system load on the alternator. Monitoring prevents/detects battery depletion or electrical failure.
46
State the purpose and importance of monitoring the fuel pressure
Ensures proper delivery of fuel to the engine. Low pressure can indicate fuel pump failure, vapour lock, or a blockage.
47
State the purpose and importance of monitoring the oil temperature and pressure
Oil pressure ensures proper lubrication of engine components. Oil temperature shows if the oil is cooling properly. Abnormal reading may signal engine damage, leaks, or imminent failure.
48
Describe the purpose and function of an engine lubrication system in relation to engine cooling
Reduce friction heat. Carry heat away from internal engine components.
49
State the purpose of fuel mixture control
Adjusts the air-fuel ratio to compensate for changes in air density. Helps to optimise engine performance, fuel efficiency, and cooling.
50
Describe the effect of excessively rich mixture strengths on engine operation
Too rich - too much fuel, not enough air. Can cause fouled spark plugs, rough running, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption.
51
Describe the effect of excessively lean mixture strengths on engine operation
Too lean - too little fuel, too much air. Can cause overheating, detonation, rough running, and potentially engine damage.
52
Simple carburettor advantages
Simple, lightweight, inexpensive. Easy to maintain. Reliable under normal conditions.
53
Simple carburettor disadvantages
Susceptible to carburettor icing. Less precise fuel-air mixing, esp. at high altitudes. Less efficient and responsive than fuel injection.
54
Direct Fuel Injection advantages
More precise fuel delivery. Better fuel econom and performance. Not prone to icing. More effective at high altitudes.
55
Direct Fuel Injection disadvantages
More complex and expensive. Requires electrical power. Can be harder to diagnose or repair in the field.
56
Hydraulic system typical services
Operates wheel brakes, retractable landing gear and flaps (if hyraulically powered)
57
Hydraulic system signs of malfunction
Spongy or unresponsive brakes. Failure of gear to extend/retract. Loss of hydraulic pressure (if gauge fitted). Fluid leaks observed.
58
Pilot actions if hydraulic system fails
Use emergency systems. If brakes are affected, plan for a longer landing roll and use rudders/steering carefully. Divert to longer runway if needed. Inform maintenance after landing.
59
Electrical system typical services
Powers avionics, lights, instruments, starter motor, fuel pumps, flaps (if electric), pitot heat, radios, and tranponder.
60
Electrical system signs of malfunction
Low or no charge on ammeter/voltmeter. Failure of electrical components (e.g. radio shuts off). Warning lights.
61
Pilot actions if electrical system fails
Load shedding: turn off non-essential equipment. Try recycling the alternator (if switchable). If total electrical failure, use handheld radio and visual procedures. Land as soon as practicable if a full failiure occurs.
62
Ignition system typical services
Powers the spark plugs that ignite the fuel-air mixiture. Includes magnetos, which operate independently of the electrical system.
63
Ignition system signs of malfunction
Engine running rough or misfiring. Frop in RPM during magneto check. Engine won't start.
64
Pilot actions if ignition system fails
Perform a magneto check during run-up. If running rough, try switching to the oher magneto. Use mixture and trhottle adjustments to help smooth operation. If engine fails in flight, perform engine failure procedures (pitch for best glide, look for landing site).
65
Vacuum system typical services
Attitude indicator. Heading indicator.
66
Vacuum system signs of malfunction
Suction gauge outside normal range. Gyros spinning down (slow or erratic movement) Unreliable or sluggish attitude/heading indication.
67
Pilot actions if vacuum system fails
Cross-check instruments (compass and turn coordinator) Use standby instruments if available (e.g. electric backup AI) Report failure and rely on visual references where possible.
68
Sources of fuel contamination
Water: from condensation, rain, of fuel delivery. Dirt or debris: dirty refuelling equipment or poorly maintained tanks. Microbial growth: esp. in tanks with water present. Incorrect fuel type: misfuelling with wrong grade. Rust or corrosion particles: from inside fuel tanks or lines.
69
Pros and cons of fuelling prior to overnight parking
Advantages: Reduces condensation and water contamination. Saves time before next flight. Disadvantages: Fuel weight - may need defuelling if lighter takoff weight is needed next day. Temperature changes may cause fuel to overflow or create vacuum. Security risks - full tanks may attract tampering if not secure.
70
How to identify different grade of aviation fuel
Colour coding: Avgas 100LL: blue Avgas 100: green Jet A-1: clear or straw/yellow Smell: Avgas smells like petrol; Jet A-1 smells like kero Labelling: On fuel drum, bowser, or nozzle Fuel test: Observe colour during preflight fuel drain.
71
Hazards/problems mixing different hydraulic fluids
Fluids may be chemically incompatible. Can lead to seal damage, leaks, or system failure.
72
Hazards/problems using incorrect grade of fuel
Engine knocking/pre-detonation: low-octane fuel in a hight-compression engine. Loss of power, rough running, or engine damage. Fuel system damage. Potential fire hazard.
73
Cause of detonation - mixture control
Running engine too lean at high power setting. Insufficient fuel to absorb heat -> excessive cylinder temps.
74
Cause of detonation - Manifold Pressure (MP) / RPM
High MP with low RPM can cause detonation in constant-speed propeller aircraft. Creates high cylinder pressure that may exceed safe limits.
75
Cause of detonation - incorrect fuel octane
Using lower octane fuel than required. Lower octane resists detonation LESS effectively -> premature combustion.
76
Effects of detonation
Rapid temperature and pressure rise in the cylinder. Rough running or power loss. Damage to pistons, valves, and cylinder heads. Pre-ignition can develop if detonation continues. Ultimately leads to engine failure if not corrected.
77
Desciribe the effect on an engine of prolonged idling
Engine runs at low temperature and low RPM. Spark plug fouling due to carbon build-up. Incomplete combustion -> increased deposits in combustion chamber. Engine cooling issues (may not reach optimal operatin temperature). Potential for engine roughness or misfiring. Poor lubrication flow -> increased wear over time.
78
Describe the effects of setting mixture too rich in flight
Fouled spark plugs. Increased fuel consumption. Reduced engine efficiency and power. Cooler exhaust temperature (can be misleading). Potential for engine rough running.
79
Describe the effects of setting mixture too lean in flight
Overheating of cylinder heads and exhaust valves. Risk of detonation or pre-ignition. Power loss. Potential for engine damage, esp. at high power settings.
80
Reason for minimum oil pressure
Ensures adequate lubrication of engine components. Low oil pressure -> metal-to-metal contact -> rapid wear or seizure. Can help detect oil system failure.
81
Reason for minimum/maximum oil temperature
Minimum: Cold oil is thicker (higer viscosity) -> poor circulation and ineffective lubrication Can cause inaccurate pressure readings. Maximum: Hot oil loses viscosity -> reduced lubrication. Can lead to engine overheating, wear, or failure.
82
Reason for min/max cylinder head temp (CHT)
Min: If too cold, poor fuel-air vaporisation -> ineffective combustion. Increased engine wear from incomplete thermal expansion. Max: Overheating damages valves, spark plugs, and pistons. Can lead to detonation or pre-ignition. Critical for engine longevity and safety.
83
Reason for maximum RPM
Exceeding max RPM stresses crankshaft, bearings, and propeller. Can cause engine overspeed, mechanical failure, or excessive heat.
84
Reason for ignition checks - pre-take-off and shutdown
Pre-take-off: Ensures both magnetos are working. Confirms independent ignition systems in case one fails during flight. Checks for smooth running and no excessive RPM drop. Shutdown: Ensure magnetos ground properly (engine should stop when switched off). Prevents run-on or potential for engine start with ignition off. Safety check to avoid propeller movement hazard on the ground.
85
Reason for limitation of prolonged use of starter motor
Starter motor can overheat or burn out. Drains the battery quickly. Excessive cranking may flood engine or cause starter gear damage.
86
Reason for not using pitot heat on the ground
Pitot heat can overheat and burn out on the ground ( no airflow for cooling). Wastes electrical power.
87
Reason for engine warm-up on prolonged descents
At idle power during descent, engine can cool too much. Can lead to shock cooling, risking cylinder cracking. Periodic warm-up (small throttle increases) helps maintain temperature balance.
88
Explain the significance of blue or black smoke (piston engine)
Blue smoke: Oil is being burned in the combustion chamber. Worn piston rings or valve guides. Overfilled oil sump. Oil leaking into combustion area. Black smoke: Rick fuel mixture. Mixture set too rich. Chock/enrichments system stuck. Dirty/blocked air filter/air intake. Faulty carb
89

CASA Aeronautical Knowledge Standards (25 decks)

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