Module 16
Module 16: Piston Engine
A2 A4 B1.2 B1.4 B3
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 | A2/A4 | B1.2/B1.4/B3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.1 | Fundamentals | 1 | 2 |
| 16.2 | Engine Performance | 1 | 2 |
| 16.3 | Engine Construction | 1 | 2 |
| 16.4.1 | Carburettors | 1 | 2 |
| 16.4.2 | Fuel Injection Systems | 1 | 2 |
| 16.4.3 | Electronic Engine Control | 1 | 2 |
| 16.5 | Starting and Ignition Systems | 1 | 2 |
| 16.6 | Induction, Exhaust and Cooling Systems | 1 | 2 |
| 16.7 | Supercharging / Turbocharging | 1 | 2 |
| 16.8 | Lubricants and Fuels | 1 | 2 |
| 16.9 | Lubrication Systems | 1 | 2 |
| 16.10 | Engine Indication Systems | 1 | 2 |
| 16.11 | Powerplant Installation | 1 | 2 |
| 16.12 | Engine Monitoring and Ground Operation | 1 | 3 |
| 16.13 | Engine Storage and Preservation | — | 2 |
| 16.14 | Alternative Piston Engine Constructions | 1 | 1 |
Knowledge levels: 1 = basic familiarisation, 2 = general knowledge, 3 = detailed knowledge; — = not applicable.
1 Basic familiarisation
2 General knowledge
3 Detailed knowledge
Examination
| Category | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A2 / A4 | 52 | 65 min |
| B1.2 / B1.4 / B3 | 76 | 95 min |
Detailed Syllabus
16.1Fundamentals
- Mechanical, thermal and volumetric efficiencies
- Operating principles — 2 stroke, 4 stroke, Otto and Diesel
- Piston displacement and compression ratio
- Engine configuration and firing order
16.2Engine Performance
- Power calculation and measurement
- Factors affecting engine power
- Mixtures / leaning, pre-ignition
16.3Engine Construction
- Crank case, crank shaft, cam shafts, sumps
- Accessory gearbox
- Cylinder and piston assemblies
- Connecting rods, inlet and exhaust manifolds
- Valve mechanisms
- Propeller reduction gearboxes
16.4Engine Fuel Systems
16.4.1Carburettors
- Types, construction and principles of operation
- Icing and heating
16.4.2Fuel Injection Systems
- Types, construction and principles of operation
16.4.3Electronic Engine Control
- Operation of engine control and fuel metering systems including electronic engine control (FADEC)
- Systems layout and components
16.5Starting and Ignition Systems
- Starting systems, pre-heat systems
- Magneto types, construction and principles of operation
- Ignition harnesses, spark plugs
- Low and high tension systems
16.6Induction, Exhaust and Cooling Systems
- Construction and operation of induction systems including alternate air systems
- Exhaust systems
- Engine cooling systems — air and liquid
16.7Supercharging / Turbocharging
- Principles and purpose of supercharging and its effect on engine parameters
- Construction and operation of supercharging / turbocharging systems
- System terminology and components
- Control systems
- System protection (surge and overspeed)
16.8Lubricants and Fuels
- Properties and specifications
- Fuel additives
- Safety precautions
16.9Lubrication Systems
- System operation / layout and components
16.10Engine Indication Systems
- Engine speed (RPM)
- Cylinder head temperature
- Coolant temperature
- Oil pressure and temperature
- Exhaust gas temperature
- Fuel pressure and flow
- Manifold pressure
16.11Powerplant Installation
- Configuration of firewalls, cowlings, acoustic panels, engine mounts
- Anti-vibration mounts
- Hoses, pipes, feeders, connectors
- Wiring looms
- Control cables and rods
- Lifting points and drains
16.12Engine Monitoring and Ground Operation
- Procedures for starting and ground run-up
- Interpretation of engine power output and parameters
- Inspection of engine and components — criteria, tolerances, and data specified by engine manufacturer
16.13Engine Storage and Preservation
- Preservation and depreservation for the engine and accessories / systems
16.14Alternative Piston Engine Constructions
- Hybrid-electric engine concepts
- Power augmentation systems