Chapter 2 - Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK)

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These notes are exam-focused for CASA PPL AGK and aligned with FAA PHAK system knowledge where technically applicable. Use your aircraft POH/AFM as final authority for numbers, limitations, and procedures.


2.0 Terminology: POH and AFM


2.1 Airframe, Structure, and Flight Controls

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 3: Aircraft Construction, FAA PHAK — Chapter 6: Flight Controls

Visual references (primary and secondary controls)

Primary flight controls (aileron, elevator, rudder):

Primary flight controls diagram

Source page: Wikimedia Commons - ControlSurfaces.gif

Secondary/high-lift and drag devices on wing (flaps, slats, spoilers, etc.):

Wing control surfaces and high-lift devices

Source page: Wikimedia Commons - Control surfaces at the wing of a plane.svg

Exam cues


2.2 Piston Engine Fundamentals

Induction systems

Ignition

Lubrication and cooling

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (powerplant, induction, ignition, oil)

Figure (four-stroke airflow overview): Wikimedia Commons — 4-stroke engine with airflows

Four-stroke engine animation (single-cylinder)


2.3 Propellers

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (propellers)

Figure (propeller blade angle / terminology): Wikimedia Commons — Propeller blade AOA (adapted from FAA PHAK figures)

Propeller blade angle of attack


2.4 Fuel System and Fuel Management

CASA exam-relevant points

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (fuel systems), CASA workbook


2.5 Electrical System

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (electrical)


2.6 Vacuum/Pressure, Gyros, and Modern Avionics

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 8: Flight Instruments

Figure (vacuum instrument cluster concept): see gyro instruments section figures in PHAK Chapter 8 PDF.


2.7 Pitot-Static Instruments and Errors

Blockage scenarios (high-yield)

Airspeed terminology

Instrument/position errors

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 8: Flight Instruments

Figure (pitot / static pressure concepts): Wikimedia Commons — Pitot tube types

Pitot, static, and pitot-static tubes (schematic)


2.8 Magnetic Compass and Turning/Acceleration Errors

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 8: Flight Instruments (magnetic compass)

Figure (compass errors overview): see compass turning/acceleration illustrations in PHAK Chapter 8.


2.9 Landing Gear, Brakes, and Hydraulics

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (landing gear, hydraulics)


2.10 Environmental, Ice/Anti-Ice, and Oxygen Basics

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (environmental/icing concepts)


2.11 AFM/POH Knowledge You Must Know for Exam and Flight Test

Typical AFM/POH section layout (terminology varies slightly by manufacturer):

About V-speeds

All numerical values are aircraft-specific. Memorize concepts and where to look them up; never use generic numbers on a checkride or in flight—only your POH/AFM and placards.

Naming: V = velocity (knots IAS in US/POH convention unless the POH states otherwise). Subscripts describe configuration or flight phase.

Symbol Common name Meaning
VS Stall speed (general) Minimum steady flight speed at which the aircraft is controllable in the stated condition (stall warning may occur slightly before).
VS0 Stall speed, landing config Stalling speed in landing configuration (e.g., gear down if retractable, flaps at landing setting—per POH).
VS1 Stall speed, specified config Stalling speed in a defined configuration—often “clean” or a stated flap setting; POH defines exactly which.
VFE Max flap extended speed Do not exceed this IAS with flaps extended to the associated position(s); risk of overload or loss of control authority.
VX Best angle of climb speed Speed giving greatest altitude gain per unit of horizontal distance—used for obstacle clearance after takeoff when POH recommends it.
VY Best rate of climb speed Speed giving greatest altitude gain per unit of time—used for routine climb when obstacle clearance is not limiting.
VLE Max landing gear extended speed Safe speed with gear extended (retractables).
VLO Max landing gear operating speed Safe speed to extend or retract gear (sometimes split into separate extend vs retract limits in POH).
VA Maneuvering speed Below this speed (at or below max gross weight per POH), full abrupt control deflection should not exceed limit load factor—still avoid abusive inputs. Often decreases at lighter weight (see POH).
VNO Maximum structural cruising speed Upper limit of the green arc; do not deliberately fly in rough air above VNO unless authorized by POH for smooth air only (yellow arc rules).
VNE Never-exceed speed Red radial line—do not exceed under any circumstances; structural/red-line limit.
Best glide Best glide / minimum sink (terms vary) Speed for maximum distance or minimum descent rate in power-off glide—POH may list separate “best glide” and “minimum sink”; names vary by manufacturer.

Multi-engine (awareness for theory): VMC / Vmca is minimum control speed with one engine inoperative—primarily multi-engine training; your POH if applicable.

ASI color bands (typical light aircraft—confirm against your POH figure)

Arc / mark Typical meaning
White arc Full-flap operating range (lower end ~ VS0, upper end VFE).
Green arc Normal operating range (low end often VS1 clean at gross, high end VNO).
Yellow arc Caution range—smooth air only; no abrupt maneuvers; understand POH wording for flight in turbulence.
Red radial line VNE—never exceed.

Operational reminders

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 8: Flight Instruments (airspeed indicator markings), FAA PHAK — Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance (Vx, Vy, glide), FAA PHAK — Chapter 9 (where limits live in POH)

High-value memory set

References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents, FAA PHAK — Chapter 10: Weight and Balance, FAA PHAK — Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance


References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 10: Weight and Balance


2.13 Key Definitions and Practical Examples

Scenario: carb icing recognition


2.14 Common AGK Exam Traps


2.15 Rapid Revision Checklist (Pre-Exam)


References (Primary)

References (Supplementary)


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prepared by Raptor K