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
- AFM (Airplane/Aircraft Flight Manual): the approved flight manual containing aircraft-specific operating limitations, procedures, and performance data that pilots must comply with.
- POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook): the manufacturer handbook used in day-to-day operations; for most light aircraft, the POH includes the approved AFM sections and is commonly referred to as the aircraft’s
AFM/POH. - Why this matters for exam and flight: if a generic rule conflicts with aircraft documentation, follow the approved
AFM/POH, placards, and limitations for that specific aircraft.
2.1 Airframe, Structure, and Flight Controls
- Major airframe groups
- Fuselage: central structure that carries occupants, payload, and connects wings/tail; houses cockpit/cabin.
- Wings: generate lift; attach engines on many types; carry fuel tanks on many GA aircraft.
- Empennage: tail assembly—usually horizontal stabilizer (pitch stability) and vertical stabilizer (directional stability/yaw damping).
- Landing gear: supports aircraft on ground; absorbs loads on takeoff/landing (fixed or retractable).
- Engine mount: structure attaching engine to airframe; transmits thrust/vibration loads.
- Control surfaces: movable surfaces that change lift/drag/moment for control (primary and secondary).
- Primary controls (rotate aircraft about its axes—see PHAK flight controls chapter):
- Ailerons: trailing-edge wing surfaces that move differentially → roll about longitudinal axis.
- Elevator (or stabilator): horizontal tail surface(s) → pitch about lateral axis.
- Rudder: vertical tail surface → yaw about vertical axis.
- Secondary / high-lift / drag devices
- Flaps (plain / split / slotted / Fowler): extend camber and/or wing area → more lift and drag at low speed (takeoff/landing).
- Trim tabs (and related trim systems): small surfaces that reduce steady control forces so the pilot is not holding pressure continuously.
- Typical construction
- Semi-monocoque: loads carried by skin plus internal frames/stringers (common metal GA construction).
- Stressed skin: outer skin participates in carrying flight loads.
- Frames, stringers: circumferential/longitudinal stiffeners forming fuselage shape and strength.
- Spars, ribs: main wing beams (spar) and cross-section supports (rib) that define wing shape and carry bending/torsion.
- Structural terms
- Datum: reference plane/line for measuring arms in weight and balance.
- Stations / arms: distance from datum to each weight item (moment arm).
- Limit load: maximum load for normal operation certification basis; ultimate load: higher structural proof margin (typically 1.5× limit load conceptually—always use POH/AFM wording).
- Normal vs utility category: operating categories with different approved manoeuvre/weight limits—must match POH.
- Common failure risks
- Corrosion: metal loss from environment; inspect joints and drain holes.
- Fatigue cracking: cracks from repeated stress cycles; inspect high-stress areas per maintenance guidance.
- Buckling: thin panels failing under compression/shear.
- Control cable wear / hinge damage: can cause binding or restricted surface movement—preflight free movement checks.
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):

Source page: Wikimedia Commons - ControlSurfaces.gif
Secondary/high-lift and drag devices on wing (flaps, slats, spoilers, etc.):
Source page: Wikimedia Commons - Control surfaces at the wing of a plane.svg
Exam cues
- Know what each control does and opposite control combinations for coordinated turns.
- Understand flap effects on stall speed, drag, climb performance, and go-around behavior.
2.2 Piston Engine Fundamentals
- Four-stroke cycle (one thermodynamic cycle per two crankshaft revolutions per cylinder):
- Intake: piston descends, inlet valve open—air/fuel charge enters.
- Compression: valves closed, piston rises—pressure/temperature rise.
- Power: spark ignites mixture near TDC—expansion drives piston down.
- Exhaust: exhaust valve opens—burned gases expelled.
- Engine layout (typical light GA piston):
- Opposed cylinders: cylinders arranged on opposite sides of crankcase—often horizontally opposed flat engines.
- Crankshaft: converts reciprocating piston motion to rotary output (drives prop).
- Camshaft / valve train: controls intake and exhaust valve opening/closing timing.
- Spark plugs: ignite mixture each cycle (two plugs per cylinder common for redundancy).
- Power output factors
- Mixture strength: fuel-to-air ratio; affects power, cooling margin, and detonation margin (lean/rich per POH).
- RPM: revolutions per minute; with constant-speed prop, manifold pressure (MP) also defines power.
- Volumetric efficiency: how well cylinders fill with fresh charge (affected by induction design, altitude, throttle).
- Density altitude: non-standard temperature/pressure reduces mass airflow → less power.
- Detonation vs pre-ignition
- Detonation: abnormal rapid pressure rise after spark—can damage pistons/cylinder heads.
- Pre-ignition: mixture ignites before intended spark timing due to hot spot—often very destructive quickly.
- Both demand mixture/power adjustments and maintenance attention.
- Shock cooling risk: rapid power reduction can drop cylinder head temperatures (CHT) quickly; some POHs caution against abrupt cooling in descent—follow type guidance.
Induction systems
- Carburettor
- Venturi: narrows duct to speed airflow and lower pressure for fuel discharge.
- Fuel metering: jets/mixture control set fuel flow for throttle position and altitude.
- Throttle butterfly: restricts airflow to control manifold pressure/RPM.
- Mixture control: adjusts fuel flow at a given throttle (often pulled lean for cruise).
-
Fuel injection: meters fuel at injectors—typically better cylinder-to-cylinder distribution and no carb icing in the carb (induction icing can still occur at filter/throttle plate on some systems).
- Carb icing (induction ice in carb systems):
- Forms when moisture and cooling from fuel evaporation/vaporization chill the venturi.
- Often worst at partial throttle (partially closed butterfly).
- Symptoms: falling RPM (fixed pitch), rough running, MP drop (constant speed).
- Action: carb heat routes warm air to melt ice—expect temporary rougher running during clearing.
Ignition
- Magneto: self-contained ignition generator driven by engine—does not require aircraft electrical bus power for spark.
- Dual magnetos: two independent systems + two plugs per cylinder improve combustion and provide redundancy.
- Magneto check (run-up): verifies drop within POH limits—large/no drop can indicate faulty grounding/wiring/plugs.
Lubrication and cooling
- Engine oil: lubricates bearings/cam, cools pistons via jet/spray, cleans/contaminant suspension, seals, corrosion protection.
- Air cooling: cylinder fins plus baffles and cowl flaps (if fitted) direct cooling airflow.
- Trend monitoring: watch oil pressure/temperature and CHT/EGT together—not isolated snapshots.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (powerplant, induction, ignition, oil)
Figure (four-stroke airflow overview): Wikimedia Commons — 4-stroke engine with airflows

2.3 Propellers
- Fixed-pitch propeller: blade angle fixed by manufacture—simple, lighter; power absorbed varies strongly with airspeed/RPM.
- Climb prop: lower pitch—better climb/acceleration; typically lower cruise speed at same RPM.
- Cruise prop: higher pitch—better cruise efficiency; often weaker climb margin.
- Constant-speed (variable-pitch) propeller: governor changes blade angle to maintain pilot-selected RPM as load changes.
- Fine pitch / low blade angle: lower blade AoA—typically higher RPM capability at low speed (takeoff/climb context).
- Coarse pitch / high blade angle: higher blade AoA—typically holds cruise RPM with lower tip speeds / better efficiency.
- Key terms
- Blade angle: angle between blade chord and plane of rotation (often controlled via governor).
- Geometric pitch: theoretical distance blade would move forward per revolution if in solid medium (idealized).
- Effective pitch: actual advance per revolution after losses—related to slip (propeller not screwing through air perfectly).
- Operational considerations
- Overspeed: RPM exceeds limit—reduce power/pitch per POH immediately.
- Control sequence: throttle → mixture → propeller order varies by POH—always follow AFM.
- Avoid prohibited combinations: many POHs chart RPM × manifold pressure regions that damage engine.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (propellers)
Figure (propeller blade angle / terminology): Wikimedia Commons — Propeller blade AOA (adapted from FAA PHAK figures)

2.4 Fuel System and Fuel Management
- Typical components
- Fuel tanks: store usable fuel; know usable vs unusable per POH.
- Vents: equalize tank pressure with atmosphere—blocked vent can cause feed failure or structural stress.
- Fuel selectors / valves: route fuel from selected tank(s) to engine; incorrect position → starvation.
- Strainers / filters: trap debris; blocked filter reduces flow—follow inspection/replacement schedule.
- Sumps / drains: lowest points for water/sediment sampling—preflight until clean sample.
- Pumps: engine-driven primary pump (often); electric auxiliary boost on many types for priming/takeoff/climb/emergency.
- Lines: rigid/flexible plumbing—inspect for leaks, chafing, security.
- Gauges: often permissive indication—cross-check with visual/timed consumption per POH.
- Metering to engine: fuel injection or carburettor delivers metered fuel to cylinders.
- Fuel contamination
- Water: heavier than AVGAS—settles in sumps; dangerous if ingested.
- Sediment / rust: from tanks/lines—can block filters/injectors.
- Microbial growth: more common in jet fuel storage; still understand contamination risk for training.
- Fuel grade / type discipline
- Use only grades stated in POH/placards (AVGAS vs Jet-A confusion is catastrophic—different engines).
- Fuel starvation vs fuel exhaustion
- Starvation: fuel remains but engine starved (wrong selector, blocked vent, pump failure, blocked line).
- Exhaustion: usable fuel consumed—planning error.
- Balancing and feed management
- Switch tanks per POH for lateral balance and reliable feed.
- Some POHs warn against certain attitudes with low fuel—follow explicitly.
CASA exam-relevant points
- CASA workbook uses AVGAS specific gravity 0.72 kg/L in loading/fuel calculations.
- Fuel planning questions may reference CASR Part 91 MOS day VFR fuel policy.
- In exam scenarios, read whether operation assumptions are Part 91/other as stated.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (fuel systems), CASA workbook
2.5 Electrical System
- Battery: chemical storage for starting and emergency/bus support; typically 12 V or 24 V DC in GA.
- Alternator / generator: alternator is most common on modern GA—produces AC converted to DC at higher efficiency than old generators; provides primary electrical power in flight.
- Voltage regulator: maintains bus voltage within limits as electrical load changes.
- Bus bars: electrical “distribution rails” feeding avionics, lights, pumps—often split essential vs non-essential conceptually.
- Circuit breakers / fuses: protect wiring from overcurrent—reset breakers only once per POH guidance (avoid repeated cycling faults).
-
Master / avionics switches: master connects battery/alternator to electrical system; avionics master often delays power-on spikes.
-
System types: direct current (DC) typical for light aircraft.
- Failure indications
- Ammeter / loadmeter: shows charge/discharge abnormal patterns.
- Low voltage annunciator: warning of bus voltage decay.
- Avionics degradation: dropped radios/autopilot may indicate partial electrical failure.
- Typical actions (always POH-specific)
- Load shedding: turn off non-essential consumers to preserve battery.
- Alternator reset: only if POH permits procedure.
- Land as soon as practical if unable to restore charging—battery time is finite.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (electrical)
2.6 Vacuum/Pressure, Gyros, and Modern Avionics
- Gyro power sources
- Vacuum system: suction spins gyro rotors in some legacy panels—vacuum pressure low can degrade AI/HI.
- Electric gyros / AHRS: solid-state or electric spin—failure modes differ; may have battery backup on some avionics suites.
- Gyroscopic principles
- Rigidity in space: spinning gyro resists reorientation of its spin axis (basis for AI/HI behavior).
- Precession: when torque applied, response is 90° “around” the spin in classical explanation—used in turn instruments’ design.
- Classic gyro flight instruments
- Attitude indicator (AI): displays pitch/bank vs horizon relative to gyro stability—must periodically align with reality via cues/synchronization procedures per type.
- Heading indicator / directional gyro (HI/DG): displays heading but drifts due to gyro precession/earth rate—must be periodically reset to magnetic compass.
- Turn coordinator: indicates rate of turn (and slip/skid via inclinometer ball); useful partial-panel instrument.
- Common failures
- Vacuum pump failure: decreasing suction→ unreliable vacuum-driven gyros.
- Electrical failure: may blank electric instruments unless on backup bus.
- Glass cockpit (modern displays)
- ADC (air data computer): computes pressure altitude, airspeed, vertical speed from pitot-static sensors.
- AHRS: attitude/heading reference system replacing mechanical gyro cluster on many installations.
- PFD / MFD: integrated displays—know reversionary mode and backup instruments per POH.
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
- Pitot tube: senses total pressure (static + dynamic impact) from airflow—primarily feeds airspeed indicator.
- Static port(s): sense ambient static pressure—feed altimeter, VSI, and static side of ASI.
-
Airspeed indicator (ASI): differential pressure gauge comparing pitot total vs static → displays dynamic pressure scaled as speed (IAS).
-
Altimeter: aneroid capsules respond to static pressure decrease with altitude—pilot sets subscale (QNH in Australian ops for altitude reporting contexts per procedures).
- Vertical speed indicator (VSI): measures rate of change of static pressure → climb/descent rate (may lag slightly).
Blockage scenarios (high-yield)
- Pitot blocked, drain open -> ASI drops toward zero.
- Pitot and drain blocked -> ASI acts like altimeter (reads unreliable with altitude change).
- Static blocked:
- Altimeter freezes
- VSI zero
- ASI under-reads in climb, over-reads in descent (typical behavior).
Airspeed terminology
- IAS (indicated airspeed): direct instrument reading before corrections.
- CAS (calibrated airspeed): IAS corrected for position/instrument error (POH tables).
- EAS (equivalent airspeed): CAS corrected for compressibility (becomes important at higher speeds/altitudes).
- TAS (true airspeed): actual speed through air mass—increases vs IAS for same performance as altitude increases (lower density).
- GS (ground speed): TAS adjusted for wind (navigation performance).
Instrument/position errors
- Position error: static port location and flow field cause static pressure to differ from free stream.
- Density / compressibility: at high speed/altitude, ASI interpretation needs POH conversion to TAS.
- Lag / hysteresis: especially VSI—momentarily misleading during abrupt zoom/climb transitions.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 8: Flight Instruments
Figure (pitot / static pressure concepts): Wikimedia Commons — Pitot tube types
2.8 Magnetic Compass and Turning/Acceleration Errors
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Magnetic compass: aligns with Earth’s magnetic field, not geographic (true) north—subject to aircraft acceleration and turning errors.
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Variation (magnetic variation / declination): angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a location—shown on charts as isogonals.
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Deviation: compass error caused by local magnetic fields in the aircraft (wiring, ferrous structure)—corrected by compass correction card mounted near compass.
- Turning error (dip-related) — Southern Hemisphere mnemonic UNOS:
- Undershoot headings near North, Overshoot headings near South when rolling into/out of turns from compass-only references.
- Acceleration error — Southern Hemisphere mnemonic ANDS:
- Accelerate while near North headings→ compass tends to show turn toward East; Decelerate→ tendency toward West (conceptual exam framing—always verify with groundschool references).
- Oscillation / lag: compass swings in turbulence; dip increases toward poles—use stabilized headings and periodic DI alignment.
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
- Landing gear configuration
- Tricycle gear: nosewheel steering typical—more directional stability on ground for most students.
- Tailwheel (conventional): mains forward of CG—requires specialized technique (PIO, ground-loop risk).
- Fixed gear: always extended—lower complexity; more drag.
- Retractable gear: reduces drag—adds extension/retraction system, warnings, and emergency procedures.
- Brakes
- Common GA setup: hydraulic disc brakes on mains.
- Toe brakes: independent left/right braking for steering on ground (differential braking).
- Risks
- Brake fade / overheating: prolonged riding brakes after heavy landing or taxi downhill.
- Parking brake: verify released before takeoff (critical checklist item).
- Hydraulic leaks / soft pedal: abnormal braking—may indicate leak or air in system—follow POH.
- Retractable extras
- Extension: normal electric/hydraulic/manual modes per type.
- Warnings: horn/light—“gear unsafe” cues must be understood.
- Emergency extension: gravity/manual valve procedures—memory items in many POHs.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems (landing gear, hydraulics)
2.10 Environmental, Ice/Anti-Ice, and Oxygen Basics
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Cabin heating (many piston singles): often muff/shroud around exhaust heats cabin air—carbon monoxide (CO) can leak from cracked exhaust/muff—know CO symptoms (headache, nausea, confusion) and shut off heat / ventilate / land.
-
Ventilation / demist: ram air / cabin vents reduce humidity on windshield—critical for visibility in rain/humidity.
- Ice categories affecting flight
- Induction icing: blocks/reduces airflow to engine (carb ice, filter ice, alternate air doors).
- Airframe icing: accumulates on wings/tail—destroys lift and increases weight/drag.
- Instrument icing: pitot/static blocked—airspeed/altitude misleading.
- Anti-ice vs de-ice
- Anti-ice: systems activated before ice accretion in known icing exposure (typically turbine/airliner philosophy; light GA often emphasized avoidance).
- De-ice: removes ice after accumulation (boots, weeping wing fluid—mostly larger aircraft; light GA often limited capability).
- Supplemental oxygen (if installed): understand hypoxic thresholds for prolonged high-altitude legs and fire risk around oxygen equipment—follow POH.
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):
- Section: Limitations (must-know for every flight)
- Airspeed limitations: V-speeds (see elaboration below) and color-coded arcs on the ASI.
- Powerplant limits: max RPM, manifold pressure, oil pressure/temperature, CHT/EGT limits if listed.
- Weight limits: MTOW, max landing weight, max zero fuel weight, compartment limits.
- CG envelope: approved center of gravity range; Normal vs Utility category limits if applicable.
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
- Flaps: observe VFE before extending further; plan configuration changes ahead of dot / limiting speed.
- Turbulence: slow toward rough-air / maneuvering guidance in POH; never chase VNE in downdrafts.
- Approach speeds: POH may publish approach/climb speeds as checklist speeds (not always labelled with formal V-speed symbols)—still limitations.
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)
- Normal / abnormal / emergency procedures
- Memory items: immediate actions (fire, engine failure) performed then checklist expanded.
- Checklists: configure aircraft systematically—follow POH sequencing.
- Performance charts
- Takeoff/landing: ground roll vs obstacle clearance distances—apply wind, slope, surface, density altitude corrections per POH order.
- Climb/cruise: ROC, fuel flow, range/endurance—temperature/weight sensitive.
- Systems descriptions
- Fuel: usable/unusable fuel, tank sequencing, pump usage.
- Electrical: buses, alternator/battery failure modes.
- Hydraulic/pneumatic: gear/flaps/brakes as applicable.
- Supplements: STC mods (avionics, tanks) may change limits—must be onboard.
High-value memory set
- All relevant V-speeds for your training type.
- Fuel system capacities and unusable fuel.
- Oil limits, CHT/EGT limits (if listed), and key caution ranges.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents, FAA PHAK — Chapter 10: Weight and Balance, FAA PHAK — Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance
2.12 Weight and Balance Link to AGK
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Moment: rotational tendency of a weight about the datum; computed as Weight × Arm.
-
Arm: horizontal distance from datum to an item’s center of gravity (often inches or mm per POH).
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CG (center of gravity): average location of aircraft mass; CG position must remain inside approved envelope.
-
Basic Empty Weight (BEW): aircraft empty weight including fixed equipment and fluids per weighing specification—often includes unusable fuel and full oil per weighing notes—always read POH weight schedule wording.
-
Envelope: graph/table defining permissible combinations of weight vs CG.
-
Operational impacts
- Forward CG: more nose-heavy—often higher stall speed trend, heavier elevator forces, longer takeoff roll for rotation.
- Aft CG: closer to aft limit—lighter control forces but reduced stability margin and stall recovery characteristics—must remain legal.
References: FAA PHAK — Chapter 10: Weight and Balance
2.13 Key Definitions and Practical Examples
- Detonation: abnormal, explosive combustion after normal ignition, causing high thermal/mechanical stress.
- Reference: engine operational limits / mixture guidance — FAA PHAK — Chapter 7.
- Example: high power with improper mixture/cooling in hot conditions can increase risk.
- Pre-ignition: mixture ignites before spark due to a hot spot.
- Reference: FAA PHAK — Chapter 7.
- Example: fouled/damaged plug or overheated component can trigger early ignition and rapid temperature rise.
- Fuel starvation: fuel onboard but not reaching engine.
- Reference: fuel system faults / mismanagement — FAA PHAK — Chapter 7.
- Example: incorrect tank selection after switching or blocked vent.
- Fuel exhaustion: usable fuel depleted.
- Reference: flight planning — FAA PHAK — Chapter 11; CASA fuel policy context in CASA RPL/PPL/CPL Aeroplane Workbook.
- Example: inaccurate fuel planning plus headwind leads to empty selected tank and engine stoppage.
- Static source blockage: loss of correct static pressure feed to instruments.
- Reference: pitot-static failures — FAA PHAK — Chapter 8.
- Example: altimeter freezes and VSI reads zero; ASI behavior becomes misleading in climb/descent.
Scenario: carb icing recognition
- Cruise at moderate power in humid conditions; RPM slowly falls and engine feels rough.
- Correct action: apply full carb heat, expect temporary roughness/power drop, monitor recovery, then reassess power/settings.
2.14 Common AGK Exam Traps
- Confusing fuel quantity problem with fuel feed/selection problem.
- Misreading ASI/static blockage scenarios.
- Forgetting density altitude effects on engine, prop, and wing together.
- Applying generic numbers instead of aircraft-specific POH values.
- Mixing true/magnetic/compass headings and signs for variation/deviation.
- Neglecting POH limitations for flap speeds and crosswind technique limits.
2.15 Rapid Revision Checklist (Pre-Exam)
- Can explain operation/failures of ASI, altimeter, VSI.
- Can diagnose carb icing and apply correct immediate actions.
- Can distinguish detonation vs pre-ignition and preventive handling.
- Can describe fixed vs constant-speed propeller operation and implications.
- Can compute basic W&B and interpret CG movement with fuel burn.
- Can state fuel contamination checks and fuel grade verification method.
- Can interpret compass turning/acceleration errors for Southern Hemisphere use.
- Can navigate POH sections quickly for limits, systems, and emergencies.
References (Primary)
- FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (full handbook and chapter PDFs)
- FAA PHAK — Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems
- FAA PHAK — Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents (AFM/POH concepts)
- CASA RPL/PPL/CPL Aeroplane Workbook (exam assumptions and conventions)
References (Supplementary)
- CASA Day VFR syllabus (structure and competency framing)
- CASA VFR guidance example — Visual Flight Guide PDF (training/support reference, not legislation)
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prepared by Raptor K