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PPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge

PPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge

Product information

What you'll get

  • Comprehensive coverage of all PPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge syllabus requirements aligned with New Zealand CAA standards
  • Principles of flight taught from first principles, covering aerofoils, lift, drag, stability, stalling and spinning
  • Complete piston engine coverage from carburation and fuel injection to ignition, lubrication and engine management, including carburettor icing recognition
  • Aircraft systems and flight instruments explained by how they work and how they fail, covering electrical, fuel, pressure, gyroscopic and magnetic instruments
  • Practical performance, weight and balance work using the same numbers you calculate before every flight
  • Module review quizzes and comprehensive final assessment to prepare for ASPEQ examination

This course is intended solely for the purchaser and may not be copied, printed, redistributed, or shared with others. Read full licence

Description

Aircraft Technical Knowledge is the subject most PPL students try to survive by memorising diagrams, and it is the one that punishes that approach hardest. This course takes the opposite route. It teaches you how an aeroplane actually works, from the air flowing over the wing to the spark that fires in the cylinder, so that when the exam rewords a question or the engine runs rough on a real flight, you are reasoning from the mechanism instead of reaching for a half remembered fact.

You will work through the full PPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge syllabus in the order the aeroplane makes sense. You start with aerofoils, airflow and the origins of lift, then move through drag, lift limits and how a stall really develops. From there the course covers the piston engine end to end: carburation and fuel injection, aviation fuels, ignition and magnetos, lubrication, exhaust and engine management, including why carburettor icing forms and what your gauges are telling you when it does. Airframe structures, flying controls, flaps, propellers, electrical and fuel systems and the ancillary systems follow, so you understand the aircraft as a whole rather than a collection of unrelated parts.

The instrument modules pull apart the pressure, gyroscopic, magnetic and engine instruments in front of you, explaining how each one senses what it senses and, just as importantly, where each one will mislead you. The course then covers the flight regimes you fly in every lesson, straight and level, climbing, descending, turning, stalling and spinning, before finishing with performance and weight and balance, where the theory turns into the numbers you work out before every flight.

Every module ends with a review quiz, and the course finishes with a comprehensive final assessment modelled on the ASPEQ exam. As with everything on the platform, every answer is fully explained, so you understand why it is right. That is what holds up when the exam rewords a question, and what keeps you making good decisions when the aircraft does not behave the way you expected.

Course Overview

  • 1. How this course works

  • 2. Intro to Aircraft Technical Knowledge

  • 3. Syllabus

  • 4. Your guide to success

  • 1. Introduction

  • Free

    2. Aviation Units & Conventions

  • Free

    3. Distance, Altitude, and Height

  • 4. Time & Velocity

  • Free

    5. Volume and Temperature

  • 6. Mass, Weight, and Gravitational Force (g)

  • Free

    7. Inertia

  • 8. Momentum

  • 9. Equilibrium

  • 10. Force Vectors and Couples

  • 11. Speed and Acceleration

  • 12. Circular Motion

  • 13. Newton's Laws of Motion

  • 14. Newton's First Law of Motion

  • 15. Newton's Second Law of Motion

  • 16. Newton's Third Law of Motion

  • 17. Energy and Motion

  • 18. Energy Conversion in Flight

  • 19. Force Work and Power

  • 20. Summary

  • 21. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Composition of the Atmosphere

  • 3. Understanding Air Density

  • 4. Atmospheric Variation with Altitude

  • 5. Pressure, Temperature, and Density

  • 6. International Standard Atmosphere

  • 7. Summary

  • 8. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Aerofoils

  • 3. Symmetrical vs Cambered Aerofoil

  • 4. Aerofoil Terms

  • 5. Matching Activity

  • 6. Relative Airflow

  • 7. Angle of Attack

  • 8. Static and Dynamic Pressure

  • 9. The Venturi

  • 10. Bernoulli's Theroem

  • 11. Streamline Airflow

  • 12. Pressure Distribution Around Aerofoils

  • 13. Total Reaction and Center of Pressure

  • 14. Angle of Attack and Center of Pressure

  • 15. Lift and Drag Components

  • 16. Summary

  • 17. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Lift Formula

  • 3. CL Curve

  • 4. Critical Stalling Angle

  • 5. Interactive Activity

  • 6. Aerofoil Contamination

  • 7. Drag Tree

  • 8. Parasite and Profile Drag

  • 9. Induced Drag

  • 10. Drag Curves

  • 11. Lift to Drag Ratio

  • 12. Summary

  • 13. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Cylinder Configurations

  • 3. Horizontally Opposed Engines

  • 4. Engine Components 1

  • 5. Engine Components 2

  • 6. Four Stroke Cycle

  • 7. Valve Timing

  • 8. Timing of the Four Stroke Cycle

  • 9. Importance of Valve Timing

  • 10. Ignition and Fuel Delivery

  • 11. Spark vs Compression Ignition

  • 12. Engine RPM Limits

  • 13. RPM and Power

  • 14. Summary

  • 15. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Principles of Carburation

  • 3. Components and Functions of the Carburettor

  • 4. Mixture Control and Idle Cut-Off

  • 5. Over-Rich and Over-Lean Mixtures

  • 6. Abnormal Combustion: Detonation and Pre-Ignition

  • 7. Formation of Carburettor and Intake Ice

  • 8. Carburettor Icing Types

  • 9. Icing Conditions and Symptoms

  • 10. Carburettor Heat

  • 11. Inlet Manifold Function

  • 12. Summary

  • 13. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Key Components of Fuel Injection Systems

  • 3. Principles and Function of Fuel Injection

  • 4. Fuel Injection vs Carburettor Systems

  • 5. Direct vs Indirect Injection

  • 6. Operating Principle of a Simple Fuel Injection System

  • 7. Summary

  • 8. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Fuel Types & Colour Identification

  • 3. Characteristics of AVGAS, MOGAS & AVTUR (Jet A-1)

  • 4. Precautions for Using MOGAS in Aero-Engines

  • 5. Fuel Contaminants & Avoidance Measures

  • 6. Summary

  • 7. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Function of the Exhaust Manifold

  • 3. Sealing the Exhaust Manifold

  • 4. Carbon Monoxide

  • 5. Activity - Flashcards

  • 6. Summary

  • 7. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Magneto Ignition Systems

  • 3. Impulse Coupling

  • 4. Ignition/Starter Switches

  • 5. Magneto Checks

  • 6. Hand-Swinging a Propeller

  • 7. Solid-State Ignition Systems

  • 8. Advantages & Disadvantages of Solid-State Ignition Systems

  • 9. Ignition Integrity Checks

  • 10. Ignition/Starter Switch Handling for Solid-State Systems

  • 11. Summary

  • 12. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Pre-Start Safety Essentials

  • 3. Engine Start-Up Procedures

  • 4. Handling Fires During Start-Up

  • 5. Post-Start Checks & Oil-Pressure Vigilance

  • 6. Smooth Power Management

  • 7. Troubleshooting Engine Issues

  • 8. Summary

  • 9. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Electrically-Driven Systems in Light Aircraft

  • 3. Components of a Typical DC Electrical System

  • 4. Smart Operating Habits

  • 5. Identifying and Responding to Malfunctions

  • 6. Summary

  • 7. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Under-Wing Plumbing

  • 3. Primers & Pumps

  • 4. Tanks & Indicators

  • 5. Aircraft Refuelling Practices

  • 6. Summary

  • 7. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Fundamentals of Engine Lubrication

  • 3. Cold Starts vs Hot Climbs

  • 4. Components of the Oil System

  • 5. Choosing & Checking Your Oil

  • 6. Oil System Maintenance and Malfunctions

  • 7. Responding In-Flight

  • 8. Summary

  • 9. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Tachometers

  • 3. Manifold Pressure & Boost Gauges

  • 4. Oil Pressure Gauges (Direct-Reading)

  • 5. Vacuum Gauges

  • 6. Outside Air Temperature Gauges

  • 7. Fuel Quantity Gauges

  • 8. Summary

  • 9. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Static vs Dynamic Pressure Fundamentals

  • 3. The Three Air-Pressure Instruments

  • 4. Pitot-Static System Anatomy

  • 5. Airspeed Indicator (ASI)

  • 6. Altimeter

  • 7. Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)

  • 8. Pitot-Static System Serviceability Checks

  • 9. Pitot Static Malfunctions

  • 10. Summary

  • 11. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Direct-Reading Magnetic Compass

  • 3. Magnetic Dip

  • 4. Errors

  • 5. Deviation Card

  • 6. Compass Pre-flight Checks & Magnetic Precautions

  • 7. Summary

  • 8. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Gyroscope Fundamentals

  • 3. Vacuum System Basics

  • 4. Turn Indicator & Turn Coordinator

  • 5. Attitude Indicator

  • 6. Heading Indicator

  • 7. Three Panel Gyros

  • 8. Gyro Power and Failure Modes

  • 9. Toppling

  • 10. Summary

  • 11. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. GNSS

  • 3. GNSS Limitations & Failure Indications

  • 4. TCAS

  • 5. TAWS

  • 6. EFIS

  • 7. ELT – Emergency Locator Transmitter

  • 8. AHRS – Attitude Heading Reference System

  • 9. Summary

  • 10. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Cooling System Fundamentals

  • 3. Cooling Systems

  • 4. Operation of Engine Cowl Flaps

  • 5. Fixed Landing Gear Configurations

  • 6. Steering and Braking Essentials

  • 7. Precautions for Tricycle vs Tailwheel Gear

  • 8. Summary

  • 9. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. What the Lift Coefficient (CL) Really Measures

  • 3. Flaps

  • 4. Control-Surface Deflections

  • 5. Your Flight Envelope

  • 6. Operational Trade-offs

  • 7. Summary

  • 8. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. The Three Axes of Rotation

  • 3. Primary Controls & Their Movements

  • 4. How Pitch, Roll & Yaw Are Produced

  • 5. Cross-Coupling Between Roll and Yaw

  • 6. Control Effectiveness

  • 7. Trim Systems

  • 8. Balancing of Controls

  • 9. Anti-Balance Tabs

  • 10. Wing Flaps

  • 11. Summary

  • 12. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. What “Stability” Means

  • 3. Positive, Neutral & Negative Stability

  • 4. Longitudinal (Pitch) Stability

  • 5. Lateral (Roll) Stability

  • 6. Directional (Yaw) Stability

  • 7. Stability vs Control Authority

  • 8. Summary

  • 9. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Four Forces in Flight

  • 3. Establishing Straight and Level

  • 4. Force Changes with Airspeed

  • 5. Using IAS Trends to Monitor the Force Balance

  • 6. Pitching Moments & Longitudinal Stability

  • 7. Applying Trim

  • 8. Power Curves

  • 9. Applying Performance Speeds

  • 10. Flying for Range and Endurance

  • 11. Summary

  • 12. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Forces in a Climb

  • 3. Setting up for a stable Climb

  • 4. Different Climb Profiles

  • 5. Chosing your climb

  • 6. Climbing and Power Curves

  • 7. Practical Applications

  • 8. Factors affecting the climb

  • 9. Climb Margins

  • 10. Summary

  • 11. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Forces in a glide

  • 3. A Steady Glide

  • 4. Thrust in a glide

  • 5. Managing a constant speed

  • 6. Glide and L/D Ratio

  • 7. The best glide speed

  • 8. Factors Affecting the glide

  • 9. Adapting the glide

  • 10. Summary

  • 11. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Centripetal Force

  • 3. Forces in a turn

  • 4. Load Factor

  • 5. Bank Angles and G Force

  • 6. Turning an aircraft

  • 7. Airspeed and Bank

  • 8. Rate One Turn

  • 9. Overbanking

  • 10. Underbanking

  • 11. Compensating for over and underbanking

  • 12. Summary

  • 13. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Aerodynamics of the Stall

  • 3. Recognising an Impending Stall

  • 4. Stall Mechanics & Recovery Principles

  • 5. Factors Influencing Stall Speed

  • 6. Control Inputs Near the Stall

  • 7. Autorotation & The Onset of a Spin

  • 8. Spin Dynamics vs Spiral Dive

  • 9. Spin Avoidance Strategies

  • 10. Standard Spin Recovery Technique

  • 11. Summary

  • 12. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Aircraft Structure

  • 3. How Wings Carry Their Loads

  • 4. Spars and Struts

  • 5. Preserving airframe structural integrity

  • 6. Recognising damage

  • 7. Tying down

  • 8. Summary

  • 9. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Blade Section

  • 3. Geometric Blade Angle

  • 4. Helix Angle

  • 5. Propeller Blade AoA

  • 6. Blade Twist

  • 7. Blade Twist and AoA

  • 8. Relative airflow

  • 9. Forces on a Propeller

  • 10. Fixed Pitch Propeller

  • 11. Fixed Pitch Limits

  • 12. Constant Speed Propellers

  • 13. Throttle and prop lever management

  • 14. Constant Speed vs Fixed Pitch

  • 15. Reduction Gear Box

  • 16. Summary

  • 17. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Cable and pulley systems

  • 3. Pushrod and torque tube

  • 4. Trim tab actuation

  • 5. Flap actuation

  • 6. Control Locks

  • 7. Takeoff Flaps

  • 8. Approach Flap

  • 9. Go around Flap

  • 10. Flap Speed Limitations

  • 11. Summary

  • 12. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Altitude, Pressure & the ISA Lens

  • 3. Pressure Altitude

  • 4. Calculating Pressure Altitude

  • 5. Density Altitude

  • 6. Calculating ISA

  • 7. Aircraft Loading

  • 8. Runway Conditions

  • 9. Windshear

  • 10. TODR v TODA

  • 11. Reading Takeoff charts

  • 12. LODR v LODA

  • 13. Reading Landing Charts

  • 14. Summary

  • 15. Module Review

  • 1. Introduction

  • 2. Key Terms

  • 3. Calculating Centre of Gravity

  • 4. Loading Graphs & Index Units

  • 5. Centre-of-Gravity Limits

  • 6. Forward-Limit vs Aft-Limit Handling

  • 7. Summary

  • 8. Module Review

  • 1. Overview

  • 2. Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in the PPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge course?
The course covers 34 comprehensive modules including general technical knowledge, the atmosphere, aerofoils, airflow and lift, lift limits, stall development and drag, piston engines, carburation, fuel injection, aviation fuels, exhaust and ignition systems, engine management, electrical systems, fuel systems and tanks, lubrication, engine, pressure, magnetic, gyroscopic and other instruments, ancillary systems, flaps, basic flying controls, stability, straight and level, climbing, descending and turning flight, stalling and spinning, airframe structures, propellers, control systems, performance, and weight and balance, followed by a comprehensive final assessment.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The course is self-paced, allowing you to study at your own speed. Most students complete the course over several weeks, dedicating regular study time. Aircraft Technical Knowledge is a broad subject, so the material is split into short modules you can work through in order or revisit individually as your flying training covers each area.
Is this course aligned with New Zealand CAA requirements?
Yes, the course is specifically designed to meet New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority requirements for PPL aircraft technical knowledge training and aligns with the ASPEQ examination syllabus.
Do I need any prior knowledge to start this course?
No. The course assumes no engineering or physics background and builds every topic from first principles. It starts with the basics of airflow and aircraft construction and progressively develops into engine operation, systems, instruments, performance and weight and balance.
How does this course prepare me for the ASPEQ examination?
The course includes extensive quiz banks, module review quizzes, and a comprehensive final assessment that mirrors the style and content of ASPEQ examination questions. Every answer is fully explained, so you learn why an answer is correct rather than memorising it, which is what holds up when the exam rewords a question.