WRITTEN OUESTION GUIDE

When marking a question, it must be borne in mind that the minimum experience
required can be as little as 1 years maintenance of operating aircraft, therefore
the knowledge required should be that which may be reasonably be expected of
an engineer with this minimum experience.
The answer given may be based on a system in an aircraft that an engineer may
not be familiar with and it is important in these cases that consideration is given
to this before marking the question. It should be remembered that it is riot a type
examination. If the system described is unusual and found only on a military
aircraft the answer will not be acceptable. When explaining the inspection I
testing of a system, the answer must describe the nature of the check and not
just state "the system must be checked". The answer should show the candidate's
ability to express himself in technical English.
The examiner will read the answer and look for "key points" comments or
phrases. A mark will then entered in the right hand column of the answer sheet,
dependant upon the value of the answer up to the maximum allocated for each
key point.
After this exercise has been completed if required, the points deduction table can
be referred to and applied. Where there is "significant error" in a key point, or if
the standard of English writing or expression is below the required standard, then
points may be deducted from an answer. The rationale for the deduction and the
number of points allocated are to be written in "RED" pen at the bottom of the
question paper.
The following table illustrates the considered reasons for deducting points. When
a reduction of marks has been applied that will result in a question failure, the
rationale for the deduction should be discussed and agreed with another
examiner.
The minimum pass mark for each essay question is 75% and all four questions
have to reach the minimum pass mark of 75% to achieve a module pass.
Points Deduction Table
Significant Error
Improper or incorrect safety precautions 20 Improper techniques or practices 10
Dangerous techniques or practices 15 Good answer to wrong question 30
Incorrect English
Unreadable writing 30 Total use of diagram 30
Extremely difficult to read or comprehend 20 Diagram used to detriment of text
15
Difficult to read or comprehend 10 Text to terse or abbreviated statements 15
Bad sentence structuring 10 Incorrect/lack of appropriate terminology 15
Excessive use bulletin points / itemisation 10 Illogical sequence of events 15
Note: This list shows the maximum number of points that may be deducted for
errors or poor English.
As a rough guide the percentage mark allocated should reflect the following:
below 65 Poor Many or most key points missed
65 Unacceptable Just below minimum key points
75 Acceptable Main key points
85 Good Majority of key points quoted

95 Very Good Very good key presentation

over 95 Excellent Has shown understanding of the subject to a high level
KEY POINTS
1. Plan, collect ideas and points; brainstorm
2. Select key information
3. Logical order
4. Safety first
5. Presentation clearly laid out
6. Collection, selection, order presentation
7. Express your knowledge of the subject
8. Keep it simple (KIS)
9. Spelling not vital
10. Grammar must be adequate
11. Spell out acronyms first time
12. Write headings using strong verbs and nouns
13. Sentence between 10 and 20 words
14. Write in personal style
15. Write plain English
16. Introduction and summary to the point and relevant
WRITTEN ANSWER FLOW DIAGRAM
Debrief the pilot (What, where, when ,why, how indications actions?)
Ensure that there is a Tech log entry (no fault = no fix)
Check the Tech Log for recent maintenance history (repeated replacements, ADD
entries... etc)
Implement safety precautions (warning notices, safety men, fire extinguishers..
etc)
Consult the maintenance manual Fault Diagnosis
Check the Minimum Equipment List (rather than ground the aircraft you may be
able to transfer the defect to the ADD log)
Rectify in accordance with the maintenance manual (you should have an attempt
at diagnosing the defect and rectifying the problem) THE MAJORITY OF MARKS
WILL BE AWARDED UNDER THIS HEADING
Use only approved parts (there is a problem with bogus parts in the aircraft
industry)
Complete documentation - Log Books, Labels, Serial numbers, etc
Duplicate inspections (on flying control systems and anything else your not sure
of)
Consider raising a Mandatory Occurrence Report
Clear Tech Log entry
Current Essay Questions
Module 7 (Maintenance Practices)
1. What is an oversize rivet and when would it be used?
2. Discuss the methods of protection against HIRF and the checks/inspections
which would be carried out after a fault was entered in the tech log.
3. You are required to carry out a torque loading. Describe the procedure
including all checks and tests to be carried out.
4. You are required to carry out a bonding test on an aircraft. Describe the
procedure including all checks and tests to be carried out.
5. Describe the procedure to refuel a medium sized passenger jet.
Include all safety checks which should be observed.
6. You are tasked with securing a small 50- seat aircraft due to high winds. How

and where would you picket the aircraft and what checks would you carry out?
7. Describe the procedure for placing a medium sized aircraft into storage for 6
months. Include any maintenance checks that would
be required.
8. List the precautions before, during and after painting an aircraft.
9. Discuss the precautions you would take, before during and after a windscreen
replacement.
10. A fibre reinforced flap has been found damaged (soft spot). What inspections
and repairs would you carryout?
11. What are the benefits of cadmium plating?
12. What is 'Stressed Skin' construction?
What inspections would you carry-out to it during servicing?
13. After a heavy landing, describe what checks you would carry out including
what questions you would ask the flight crew.
14. Describe the procedure for weighing an aircraft. Include all precautions to be
taken before during and after the weighing.
15. Describe the procedure for carrying out a dye-penetrant NDT check on an
aircraft component.
16. On carrying out a system check of a stall warning system it is discovered that
the first officer's stick shaker is inoperative. Describe how you would fault find the
system and how you would rectify the defect.
17. On trouble shooting an IDG overheat lamp fault, it was discovered that the
connector of the IDG had evidence of overheating. Describe in detail the fault
rectification process and how all the work should be recorded.
18. Describe the procedure for towing an aircraft from the hangar to the line,
including all safety aspects.
19. Describe the procedure you would follow to remove corrosion from a
component.
20. Describe what you would do if the aircraft had suffered a lightning strike.
21. Describe the different methods of de-icing an aircraft. Include details of types
of fluid used.
22. During an engine start it is noticed that the No.2 ignition system is not
working. What are you going to do to fix the problem and what certification (if
any) is required?
23. How is safety in the aircraft hangar achieved?
24. Describe the procedure used for trouble shooting a DRIVE light of an IDG?
25. On a walk round inspection you notice smoke/vapour in the starboard wheel
well. Describe the actions you would take and list possible causes.
26. The pilot reports a burning smell from the flight deck air conditioning system.
State your actions and detail possible causes.
27. Describe how you would replace a PCB, and the precautions you would take.
Module 9 (Human Factors)
1. Describe in detail the effects of stress on an engineer and how environmental
factors affect stress. Discuss how these affects can be minimised.
2. With regard to circadian rhythms, expand on the following:
What does 'circadian' mean?
What is a 'circadian rhythm'?
How is the body affected after a long flight over several time zones?
Ref. above - how can the effects be minimized ?
What is meant by 'post lunch low'?
With respect to circadian rhythms, what is meant by 'acrophase'?
3. You are a shift leader carrying out a major airframe repair that will not be
completed during your shift. How are you going to communicate this to the
incoming shift with regards to outstanding work, data and spares?
4. If a major skin repair was being carried out on an aircraft and you were the

team leader, and the repair was not going to be completed within your shift
period, how would you write a shift handover for the next shift?
5. What are the different types of stress encountered at the workplace, and as an
employer, what are the ways to relieve stress of your employer ?
6. What is the impact of human factors on a) maintenance scheduling, and b)
environmental factors
7. What are the human factors effecting the maintenance?
Module 10 (Aircraft Regulations)
1. You are a JAR OPS organisation. Explain how you would set-up an aircraft
maintenance organisation
2. Describe in detail the process of obtaining a JAR 66 Basic Licence and then
describe how a JAR 145 quality department can issue a type approval.
Answer includes: Quality maintenance JAR 145 initial approval and continuation
training, relevant experience, type training course to ATA 104 level 3.
3. What organisation system is required under JAR OPS Subpart M to support the
continued airworthiness of its aircraft?
4. As an aircraft operator, how do you maintain your aircraft and what checks do
you do?
Answer includes JAR 145, 66 147
5. Describe the process for attaining a JAR 66 licence and detail the engineer's
responsibilities under JAR 145. Moduled, English
6. What are the considerations and certifications for release to service when a
licensed engineer carries out a component replacement?
7. Describe the JAR 66 Licence categories with experience requirements.
Answer includes: CAT A 1 year practical on operating aircraft and a JAR147
course, CAT B 2 year practical on operating aircraft and relevant training skilled
status CAT C 3year practical on operating aircraft and technical training
B1 and B2 2 years plus JAR 147 approved training 3 years plus relevant qualified
skill status 5 years plus no relevant qualification
CAT C 3 years certifying experience as B1, B2 line or base or both 3years with
TEC degree approved by the CAA manager role Skilled status = overhaul
manufacture, repair mechanical or electrical
50 % of experience in last year, rest in previous 7 years on corrct aircraft, military
experience A plus 6 months B1, B2, 12 months.
8. What are the maintenance requirements of a company under JAR OPS 1:890?
Answer includes: Airworthiness, operational and emergency walkround, wear
damage, leakage Tech Log inspection, fluids, gases, locks and blanks, snow, ice,
sand and doors
9. How would you convert BCAR to JAR license?
10. What are the relationships between the ANO, BCARs, JARs and AWNs. List the
AWNs that are applicable to the Licensed aircraft engineer.
11. What are the considerations when moving a private category aircraft into the
Commercial Air Transport category?
ACTUAL CAA WRITTEN OUESTIONS
Question Paper no.1
1. How does stress affect an engineer's performance, and what can be done to
minimise the effects?
2. what are the eligibility requirements for a basic Jar 66 engineering licence?
What procedure would a company quality organisation have to go through before
issuing a company approval?
3. You have a generator fault caption, and on inspection you find one of the IDG
connectors shows signs of overheating. What rectification action would you take
to return the aircraft to a serviceable condition?

4. On testing the stall warning system you notice that the No 2's stick shaker is
not working. Describe in detail the operation of this type of stall warning system,
and explain how you would tind and rectity the pm blem.
Question paper no.2
1. HLRF, Finding it and dealing with it.
2. A/c comes out of heavy maintenance with no spark at the combustion. What
do you do?
3. Shift handovers.
4. How does organisation get JAR 145?
Question paper no.3
1. Fumes/vapour is seen coming form from the Starboard wheel well. Describe
how you would investigate and rectity this situation.
2. The pilot reports a smell of smoke in the cockpit. Describe how you find and
rectity this fault.
3. Describe a handover. which type of handover is most important and why?
4. How does organisation get JAR 145?
Stress affecting an engineer
Defined as "external forces acting on an object which in turn sets up internal
stresses"
Stressors vary from person to person. One person might get stressed about
something that another person doesn't.
Types of stressors Psychological, physical, the environment you work in, the
task at hand and the organisation
Proven that performance decreases as stress increases. Engineer will make
mistakes
Stress can stem from home, financial, relationships, injury, peer pressures,
fatigue, poor diet, long journeys to work lack of sleep and all of us have a little
stress as part of normal life
Reducing stress outside of work. Medication, therapy or relaxation techniques,
moderate exercise and a good diet
At work to reduce stress by good air quality, comfortable temperature, reducing
loud noises, good lighting,
Comfortable working position, good planning and realistic times allowed to
complete tasks in
Job matching.
Good relationship with team and managers with good communication
Find our own stressors and try to find ways how to cope with them
No spark at combustion chamber after leaving heavy maintenance
Check work pack that's just been finished. See what work has been done
ignition system or what has been done in the vicinity.
This might find something simply like pulled CB or dodgy wire/plug.
Fix and issue CR5
If nothing, interrogate CMC for fault code. X refer to FIM and MM.
Carry out rectification work i.a.w. Maintenance manual and issue CR5
Both scenarios tell Quality.
Possible QDR as to why it wasn't picked up on maintenance; any unrecorded
work any dupes that should have been done.
Talk to people involved with maintenance, not to point a finger or to discipline
but to ensure no repeat
KEYWORDS TO EACH ESSAY

Air operators certificate

Any operator must have one before commercial flights
Principle place of business in Full JAA authority state
All a/c registered in that state.
Must satisfy the Local JAA Authority about the safety of the a/c.
Managers:- Accountable ( nominated people acceptable to JAA who are
responsible) for, flight-ops ground ops, crew training rnaintenance
Must ensure every flight:- i.a.w. ops manual, adequate ground handling,
properly crewed and equipped Content of AOC: - Name & address (principle
location), date of issue and period of validity, Type of ops i.e. passengers/cargo,
Type of a/c registration markings and areas allowed to operate in. Limitations and
special authorisations i.e. CAT II or III or ETOPS
Technica1 log
Every commercial aircraft must have its own and kept for 24 months after last
entry
Split into five sections
Section 1 title page. Contains registered name & address of operator & a/c reg.
Section 2 maintenance statement. Contains info on when next service due and
also CRS
Section 3 Sector record page. Contains info on every flight. Take offs, landings
where from/to. Flying hours, engine settings. Faults during flight, remedial action,
airworthiness incidents. Fluids uplifted (Fuel, oil, anti-icing)
Section 4 Deferred defects. Section 3 first, investigate then into section 4 if
acceptable deferred defect. Commander to make decision on this section.
Section 5 Info on maintenance including how to contact engineering en route.
Usually paper, sometimes computer or both
Maintenance organisation exposition
Document giving general overview and description
Split into six parts
Part 0 reserved for companies who are JAR OPS as well
Part 1 Management. Signed statement by accountable manager saying
everything conforms to JAR 145, list of managers accepted by full authority and
their responsibilities, list of all certifying staff Brief description of facilities and
manpower.
Part 2 maintenance procedures. Scope of work allowed to perform and
procedures to do that work.
L2 as above but for line maintenance as well
Part 3 Quality procedures. Companies quality systems and how to amend
MOE
Part 4 covers contracted JAR OPS
Part 5 covers Sub contractors used
4 and 5 can be kept separate as long as there is adequate cross reference in main
exposition
Engineers responsibilitv to personal fitness
AWN 47 gives comprehensive guidelines for Certifying staffs responsibilities to
themselves/organisation to be fit for work
JAR 66.50 issued in 1998, covers physically/mentally guidelines and
requirements.
Engineers should be aware of certain drugs side affects and the subsequent
affect on their abilities
Sleeping tablets: - dull senses, cause mental confusion, slow reactions
Tranquillisers: - anti depressants depress alert system

 Anti histamines: feel drowsy

Pep pills: - Avoid, coffee not enough then not fit for work
Antibiotics: - Indicate something nasty which renders taker unfit for work
Anaesthetic: - Up to 48 hours before return to work
Alcohol: - moderation good. In a relaxed atmosphere is not a bad thing. It can
be useful to unwind in a social environment. Excessive alcohol the evening before
a shift should be avoided. The body can only process approx. 1 unit (half a pint)
of alcohol every hour, so 4 to 5 pints a night before a shift can still render the
person intoxicated and unfit for work in the morning.
Good eyesight. Glasses/contact lenses
Hearing. Normal voice, 6 feet away, quiet room
Excessive work causes fatigue and stress
In summary make honest judgements about own fitness. If unfit, don't go.
Human eye
Most important tool in box
Acts like camera
Taken in through cornea and lens inverted
Hits receptors on retina and generate nerve impulses
Sent to brain (iconic memory) via Optic nerve
Amount of light in eye. Iris changes luminance level up to 5 times and chemical
changes in retina up to 150 000 in 30 minutes
Main focal point on retina called Fovea. Main image here. Peripheral images rest
of retina
Low light. Eye sees in monochrome (black and white) Good light required for
inspections
Susceptible to certain lights. UV wrecks lens and causes solar retinopathy
Blue light wrecks retina. I.e. arc welding
Other problems. Short or long sightedness. Colour blindness (Daltonism)
Red/greens catch early and job matching
Summary. Protect eyes, where prescription glasses/lenses if required and trips
to optician. Sunglasses outside and welding goggles if required.
HIRF Finding it and dealing with it
Usually done at maintenance
Can be done when you get spurious and un-commanded incidents
Chapter 5 of Maintenance manual
Gain access
Perform Lid Standard Measurement on LRT (Loop Resistance Tester) after
carrying out a BITE test on LRT before use
Loom or Joint test
Loom test uses sense and drive couplers and joint test uses joint probes
Take measurement in milliohms and cross-refer to mm.
If OK stamp off; return a/c to normal issue CRS
If u/s change loom/connector i.a.w. the mm and report to tech services, they
tell Boeing, then return a/c to normal
Today's modern a/c, lots of FBW very susceptible to HIRF take great care when
testing
Generator fault caption
Talk to crew if possible Get details of when it happened i.e, conditions. After
initial report of fault, as much information as possible needs to be ascertained to
assist the engineer
Check tech log for history of IDG and any outstanding ADD's
Overheated plug might have been from another, fixed, fault
Nothing in log, Interrogate CMC. Get fault code
Cross refer fault code from CMC with F.I.M. (Fault Isolation Manual) and look for

other faults if directed by F.I.M.

A ground run of the IDG to possible recreate fault & isolate source of heat might
be a good idea
Once found fault change relevant bits i.a.w. the Maintenance Manual. Looking at
paperwork for Form 1 and proper documents in order.
Replace burnt plug. Avionics involved
Function check new bit.
Clean up, FOD and tool check
Issue CRS
For faults FFF Find it (anyway possible, i.e. crew techlog, CMC, ground run), Fix it
(check paperwork), Function it
ETOPS
Extended range twin operations
Purpose is to extend range aircraft: can be away from an operational airfield.
Usually 60 minutes with 1 engine out.
ETOPS can extend this to 180 minutes.
CAP 513 covers ETOPS
Granted by CAA after a/c and engines have proven to be reliable and long-range
capabilities with one engine shut down have been established.
Certain systems, hydraulic/electrical generators for example, have to be proven
to be reliable and powerful enough to cope when doing the work of 2 systems for
a sustained period when 1 system has failed.
The MEL will be reduced for ETOPS flights.
The AMS must reflect greater safety standards such as 2 engine teams and
dupes for a lot of engine work
Constant monitoring during operation to ensure high safety standards
if a fault occurs, after fixing, next flight cannot be ETOPS. Called a proving flight
If standards are not met ETOPS WILL be withdrawn.
Certificate of Airworthiness
ANO states all a/c must have their own C of A (except gliders and a/c flying
under certain conditions) (A & B for example)
Valid normally for 3 years, period stated on certificate
Apply by sending off old certificate, flight manual, weight and balance report,
historical records and the fee.
The aircraft radio license would also be checked
A/c physically inspected for airworthiness and embodiment of all mods as
required by MAMIS (Mandatory Modification and Inspection Summary) and
AD's or FAD's (Say what they are)
If certificate is being applied for after a major Mod the a/c might need flight test
or re weighing. This would be done under a "Fitness for flight certificate under "A"
conditi9n~.
Checks and renewal report (form AD202NR) carried out by authorised person.
I.e. somebody who can issue a Certificate of Maintenance Review. If all OK new C
of A (form CA 958NR) issued.
Also fleet testing. A fleet of more than 5 aircraft need only to prove serviceability
on 20 % of their aircraft. List published by JAA of which aircraft can be fleet C of
A renewed
On testing stall warning: system No.2 system does not work Describe the system
and how you would rectify the problem
Alerts the pilot of impending stall by shacking control columns
Out of balance ring on motors, at base of control column, which rotate and
cause vibration
Inputs to stick shakers from stall warning computer. These receive inputs on

flap positions and ADC (air data computer), which give A of A, and airspeed.
These determine when stick should shake
2 stall warning computers. 1 for redundancy. 1 computer operates both shakers
If only no.2 shaker failed to operate, then computer is OK as no.1 is still
working.
Check tech log. Something might have disturbed system and fault might be
simply a pulled CB faulty connector or dodgy wiring
If nothing there, then interrogate CMC for faults list
Check fault on F.I.M (Fault Isolation Manual)
Change bits and do functional test i.a.w. Maintenance manual
Do paperwork if changing component looking for Form 1 and no bogus parts
Tidy up FOD and tool check
IssueCRS
Handover
Exchange of information from outgoing to incoming person about specific task
or whole area
Written and verbal if possible. As much information as possible
Date, registration, name and signature of off going staff, work area all indicated
on handover
Written in duplicate. One at zone and one with work pack. Legal document
Point out any problems or potential problems and next progression stage as well
as critical areas that need working as a priority
Spares situation
Required completion dates
Both parties should be clear of situation by end of handover and fully conversed
in the state of the task in hand or the work area,
All work done should be stamped/signed for.
Tool check carried out and area left tidy. If You leave it tidy, so will they
More complex jobs, a good idea to swap phone numbers
Basic JAR 66 eligibilitv requirements. Procedures company quality department
would go through before issuing a company approval
Over2l
Able to read, write and communicate in language of manuals and technical
documentation of company there are at
B license: - 2 years recent experience and basic JAR 147 training course e.g.
Brunel. Or : 3 years recent experience and appropriate training decided by JAA
authority Or 5 years recent experience and no other training
At least 1 years recent experience on typical aircraft that license is being
applied for
50% of 1 year must have been gained in last 12 months and rest in preceding 7
years
Quality department; Responsible for maintaining JAR145 which includes initial
approvals and continuation training,
Do training course on specific type of a/c before approval issued. Various exams
including, written, practical, and oral would be given to students to
ensure adequate levels of competency have been achieved. ~ ~ ~ C) F
Once quality/training happy standards are met. Company approval issued. L C4
Only then are
How does an organisation get JAR 145?
JAR 145 basic approval required by company wanting to maintain commercial
aircraft
Apply on JAA Form 2 usually done by the accountable manager or their nominee
Must demonstrate various requirements: -

 Facility must be suitable and protect from elements. Not needed on Line but
recommended for defect work and longer line checks
Area for staff to look at technical information and documents in a proper
manner
Suitable stores area. Secure area for components. Bonded and quarantine
stores.
Personnel requirements vary with size of company. Will include Base
Maintenance and line, if required, maintenance managers, workshop manager
and a quality manager.
Accountable manager responsible for ensuring any resources that are required
for the safe maintenance of the aircraft are provided
Enough people to plan, perform, supervise, inspect and support the
organisational requirements
Granting of approval indicated by approval certificate. Specifying the extent of
approval i.e. what tasks can and can't be performed.
All charges been paid to the Authority state