Structures (metallic and non-metallic)
- Shop head ≈ 1.5D wide × 0.5D high; rivet diameter ≈ 3 × thickest sheet
- Setback and bend allowance; dimple thin sheet, countersink thick
- Prepreg stored frozen; polyester fabric heat-shrunk; acrylic cleaned with mild soap
Controls, gear and hydraulics
- Tensiometer for cable tension; trim tabs move opposite the surface
- Oleo struts: fluid + gas; shimmy dampers on nosewheels
- Accumulators store pressure; relief valves limit it; selector valves route it
Systems
- Outflow valve controls cabin pressure; air cycle machines cool by expansion
- Airspeed uses pitot + static; altimeter uses static only
- ELT 406 MHz; capacitance fuel gauges read pounds; alternators rectify AC to DC
Protection, rotorcraft and inspection
- Boots crack ice; bleed air anti-ices; pitot heat prevents blockage
- Continuous-loop detectors; Halon 1301; red disc = thermal discharge
- Collective = all blades; tail rotor counters torque; inspect after hard landings and lightning
Test yourself on AMA
Reading a summary is the easy part. Take the free 10-question diagnostic to see which of these domains you actually have, then drill the rest.