Module 14
Module 14: Propulsion
B2 B2L
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/989 amending Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, Annex III (Part-66), Appendix I 12 June 2024
Knowledge Level Overview
| Section | Topic | B2 | B2L |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.1(a) | Engines — Turbine engines | 1 | 1 |
| 14.1(b) | Engines — Auxiliary power units (APUs) | 1 | 1 |
| 14.1(c) | Engines — Piston engines | 1 | 1 |
| 14.1(d) | Engines — Electric and hybrid engines | 1 | 1 |
| 14.1(e) | Engines — Engine control | 2 | 2 |
| 14.2 | Electric/electronic engine indication systems | 2 | 2 |
| 14.3 | Propeller systems | 2 | 2 |
| 14.4 | Starting and ignition systems | 2 | 2 |
1 Basic familiarisation
2 General knowledge
3 Detailed knowledge
Examination
| Category | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| B2 | 32 | 40 min |
| B2L | 32 | 40 min |
Detailed Syllabus
14.1Engines
14.1(a)Turbine Engines (Level 1)
- Fundamentals of energy (potential and kinetic)
- Brayton/gas turbine thermodynamic cycle
- Newton's laws of motion applied to jet propulsion
- Bernoulli's principle and gas laws
- Force, work, power, and torque concepts
- General engine requirements and performance parameters (thrust, SFC, efficiency)
- Bypass ratio principles (high bypass vs low bypass)
- Engine types: turbojet, turbofan, turboshaft, turboprop
- Constructional arrangement: air intake, compressor (axial, centrifugal), combustion section, turbine section, exhaust section
- Thrust reversers
- Accessory gearbox, bearings, and seals
- Lubricants, fuels, lubrication systems, fuel systems
14.1(b)Auxiliary Power Units (Level 1) — NEW
- Purpose and function of APUs
- APU design and constructional arrangement
- APU operation (starting, running, shutdown)
- APU safety and protective systems
- APU performance monitoring
14.1(c)Piston Engines (Level 1) — NEW
- Fundamentals of the reciprocating engine
- Engine operating principles (Otto cycle, Diesel cycle)
- Engine types and configurations
- Constructional arrangement: crankcase, cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft
- Valve operating mechanisms
- Propeller reduction gears
- Carburation and fuel injection
- Lubrication, cooling, ignition (magneto), induction and exhaust systems
- Supercharging and turbocharging
- Engine performance and operation
14.1(d)Electric and Hybrid Engines (Level 1) — NEW
- All-electric propulsion architecture
- Parallel hybrid-electric propulsion systems
- Series hybrid-electric propulsion systems
- Components: electric motors, inverters/controllers, generators, energy storage (batteries, fuel cells, capacitors)
- Power management systems
- Cooling systems for electric propulsion
- Electrical wiring interconnection systems
- Integrated propulsion fans and propulsors
- Safety considerations for electric and hybrid propulsion
14.1(e)Engine Control (Level 2)
- Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)
- Electronic Engine Controller (EEC)
- Engine Supervisory Controller (ESC)
- Hydromechanical fuel control units
- Fuel metering and scheduling
- Engine control system inputs and outputs
- Automatic and manual modes of operation
- System redundancy and fault detection
- Interface with cockpit controls (throttle/power lever)
- Engine trend monitoring
14.2Electric/Electronic Engine Indication Systems (Level 2)
- EGT/ITT systems: thermocouple operation and types, indicating circuits
- Engine speed indication: N1, N2, tachometer/speed sensor types
- Engine thrust indication: EPR, turbine discharge pressure
- Oil pressure and temperature: sensing elements and indicators
- Fuel pressure, temperature, and flow: transmitters and indicators
- Manifold pressure gauges (piston engines)
- Engine torque measurement and indication
- Propeller speed indication
- Vibration indication and monitoring systems
- Nacelle temperature monitoring
- Engine instrument displays (analogue and electronic/EICAS/ECAM)
- Sensor types, maintenance, and operation
14.3Propeller Systems (Level 2) — NEW section
- Propeller fundamentals: blade element theory, blade angle, angle of attack
- Aerodynamic, centrifugal, and thrust bending forces
- Propeller torque and thrust
- Propeller speed indication and control systems
- Propeller pitch control: fixed, variable, constant speed
- Mechanical and electrical/electronic pitch change mechanisms
- Feathering and reverse pitch
- Overspeed protection
- Propeller synchronising and synchrophasing
- Propeller ice protection (fluid and electrical)
- Propeller construction (materials and methods)
14.4Starting and Ignition Systems (Level 2)
- Starting systems: operation, types (electric, air turbine, hydraulic, APU)
- Starting system circuits and controls
- Start sequence and procedures
- Ignition systems: high energy, capacitor discharge
- Igniter plugs: types, construction, operation
- Low tension and high tension ignition systems
- Continuous ignition for adverse conditions
- Maintenance safety requirements