Mixed Deck — All AET Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real AET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All AET Topics flashcards as text
What does a glide slope transmitter provide to an aircraft?
Answer: Vertical descent path information
The glide slope transmitter, part of the ILS system, provides vertical guidance to the aircraft, indicating the correct angle of descent to the runway. It ensures the aircraft maintains the optimal vertical path for a safe and stable approach, especially in instrument meteorological conditions.
Which system allows aircraft to determine bearing and distance using ground-based radio signals?
Answer: VOR/DME system
The VOR/DME system combines the capabilities of VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) for bearing information and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) for slant range distance. Together, they allow aircraft to determine their precise position (bearing and distance) relative to a ground station, enabling comprehensive navigation.
What is the function of a Flux Valve (flux detector) in an aircraft compass system?
Answer: Sense the direction of the Earth's magnetic field to provide a slaved magnetic heading
A flux valve (also called a flux gate) detects the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field to provide an accurate magnetic heading signal to the heading indicator or AHRS.
What is the function of a data concentrator unit (DCU) in a modern avionics suite?
Answer: Collect, process, and route data from multiple avionics sensors to display systems
A DCU aggregates data from multiple avionics buses and sensors, formats it, and distributes it to cockpit display systems and other LRUs.
What does an arrowhead in a wiring schematic typically indicate?
Answer: Direction of signal or current flow
An arrowhead in a wiring schematic is commonly used to indicate the intended direction of signal or current flow within a circuit. This helps technicians understand the logical progression of electrical energy or data and diagnose issues related to incorrect signal paths.
What document must accompany an avionics component to prove it is airworthy and approved for installation?
Answer: FAA Form 8130-3 (Airworthiness Approval Tag)
FAA Form 8130-3 is the Airworthiness Approval Tag that certifies a part or component has been inspected and meets airworthiness requirements for installation.
What is typically shown at the beginning and end of a wiring diagram?
Answer: Reference designators
Reference designators, such as 'R1' for a resistor or 'C2' for a capacitor, are alphanumeric codes used to uniquely identify specific components within a schematic. They are typically shown near the components themselves and are crucial for cross-referencing with parts lists and troubleshooting guides.
What is the function of an aircraft's hydraulic system?
Answer: Operate flight and landing systems
An aircraft's hydraulic system uses pressurized fluid to transmit force and motion, enabling the operation of heavy-duty components. Its primary function is to power critical flight control surfaces (like flaps and spoilers), landing gear retraction/extension, and braking systems. These systems require significant force and precise control, which hydraulics efficiently provide.
Which FAA regulation governs the certification of avionics equipment for installation in aircraft?
Answer: FAR Part 21 and applicable TSOs
FAR Part 21 governs certification procedures for products and parts, while Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) define minimum performance standards for specific avionics equipment.
What FAA form is used to record a Major Alteration or Major Repair?
Answer: FAA Form 337
FAA Form 337 (Major Repair and Alteration) must be completed and filed with the FAA for any major repair or alteration performed on a certificated aircraft.
Which instrument typically displays navigation signals from ILS, VOR, and GPS sources?
Answer: Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)
The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) is a primary flight instrument that combines a directional gyro with navigation information from various sources like VOR, ILS, and GPS. It graphically displays the aircraft's heading, course deviation, and bearing to navigation aids in a single, intuitive presentation.
What logic gate outputs HIGH only when all inputs are HIGH?
Answer: AND gate
An AND gate produces a HIGH (1) output only when all of its inputs are simultaneously HIGH (1).
What is the unit of electrical resistance?
Answer: Ohm
Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω), named after Georg Simon Ohm.
Which tool is most appropriate for decoding and analyzing traffic on an ARINC 429 bus?
Answer: ARINC 429 protocol bus analyzer
An ARINC 429 bus analyzer decodes each 32-bit word into its label, data, SSM, and parity fields in human-readable format, making it the correct tool for protocol-level analysis.
Which line type is typically used to represent wiring connections in a schematic?
Answer: Solid line
In most electrical and avionics schematics, solid lines are universally used to represent actual wiring connections between components. This clear convention helps technicians easily trace the flow of electricity and identify specific circuit paths for troubleshooting and repair.
What type of signal does an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) produce?
Answer: Discrete binary number representing the sampled analog value
An ADC samples an analog signal at regular intervals and converts each sample into a binary number proportional to the analog voltage level.
In aircraft DC systems, which wire color typically indicates a ground return?
Answer: Black or bare
In aircraft wiring, black or bare/uninsulated wires typically designate ground returns per MIL-W-5088 standards.
What is the purpose of a Minimum Equipment List (MEL)?
Answer: Define which equipment may be inoperative while still allowing legal dispatch
An MEL, approved by the FAA, identifies aircraft equipment that may be inoperative for a specified period while still allowing the aircraft to be legally dispatched under defined conditions.
In ARINC 664 (AFDX), what does the term 'virtual link' refer to?
Answer: A logical unidirectional communication path with guaranteed bandwidth
An AFDX Virtual Link (VL) is a logical, unidirectional communication path configured to guarantee specific bandwidth and latency between avionics systems.
Which instrument is used to measure current flow in an aircraft circuit?
Answer: Ammeter
An ammeter measures the flow of electric current in amperes and must be connected in series with the circuit.