This course has been designed to meet the regulatory and content requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR 147 for the Powerplant portion of the A&P license. Course instructions identify and satisfy all current Airman Certification Standards. Course Content: This course offers an in-depth exploration of reciprocating engine systems, focusing on various engine types such as radial, diesel, 4-stroke, and 2-stroke engines. Students will engage in hands-on labs covering engine teardown, inspection, and reassembly, specifically working with the Lycoming O-320 (or equivalent). The course emphasizes precision measurement, tool usage, lubrication, cooling, and induction systems, as well as safety protocols and maintenance procedures. Additional topics include magneto systems, fuel systems, engine starting systems, and instrumentation troubleshooting. Students will also perform 100-hour inspections and engine performance checks, preparing for practical maintenance and repair tasks in aviation environments. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): AMTG 1200 and AMTG 1300 and AMTG 1400 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C

• Instructor: Brian Barnes
• Teacher’s Assistant: TBD
• Office: 2460 W 400 North Suite 100 Room 119
• Office Hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM (I'm often at other locations teaching so if I'm not in the office just message me)
• Office Phone: 435-865-8316
• E-mail: brianbarnes@suu.edu

Required Text(s):

• Handbook #1: FAA-H-8083-32B “Powerplant” Handbook
  • Free Online at: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation
  • Print Copies Available:
    • Aircraft Technical Book Co ISBN: 978-1951275785
    • Avotek ISBN: 13: 978-1-954121-11-9
    • ASA ISBN: 978-1-64425-350-2
• Handbook #2: Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B
  • Free Online at: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentid/99861
    Links to an external site.
  • Print Copies Available:
    • ASA ISBN: 978-1-64425-524-7

Recommended Text(s):

• Aviation Mechanic Handbook Vol 8
  • ASA ISBN: 978-1-64425-227-7
• Aircraft Technical Book Co “2025 Powerplant Test Guide”
  • ISBN: 9781964302157

• Reciprocating engines
  • Theory, design and construction
  • Operating principles
  • Power & efficiencies
  • Inspection, and overhaul
  • Instrument systems
  • Lubrication systems
  • Induction and airflow systems
  • Cooling systems
  • Exhaust systems
  • Fuel & fuel metering systems
  • Ignition systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Starting systems
  • Engine operation
  • Engine troubleshooting

• Quizzes | 30%
• Labs | 30%
• Midterm & Final | 30%
• Attendance | 10%

• A | 90-100% | Excellent Work
• B | 80-89% | Good Work
• C | 70-79% | Average Work
• D | 60-69% | Poor Work
• F | 0-59% | Failing Work

• Demonstrates understanding of: Types of reciprocating engines, reciprocating engine operating principles/theory of operation, internal combustion engine operating principles/theory of operation, horizontally-opposed engine construction and internal components, radial engine construction and internal components, reciprocating engine ground operations, diesel engine operating principles/theory of operation
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Maintenance that requires moving the propeller, preparation for and ground operation of a reciprocating engine, actions in the event of a reciprocating engine fire, use of other than manufacturer's procedures during maintenance.
• Demonstrates ability to: Perform a cylinder assembly inspection, operate and troubleshoot a reciprocating engine, install piston and knuckle/wrist pin(s), identify the parts of a cylinder, identify the parts of a crankshaft, identify and inspect various types of bearings, inspect and rig cable and push-pull engine controls, locate top dead-center position of number one cylinder, install a cylinder on a horizontally-opposed engine.
• Lab
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Reciprocating engine performance (e.g., PLANK, SFC). 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Reciprocating engine induction system theory, components, and operation, causes and effects of induction system icing, induction system filtering, carburetor heaters
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Ground operation of aircraft engines, maintenance-related FOD
• Demonstrates ability to: Inspect a carburetor heat system, inspect an alternate air valve for proper operation, inspect an induction system drain for proper operation, service an induction air filter, inspect an induction system for obstruction, inspect an air intake manifold for leaks, inspect an air inlet duct for security, perform an induction and cooling system inspection
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Superchargers and controls, turbochargers, intercoolers, and controls
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Maintenance on turbochargers
• Demonstrates ability to: Inspect a turbocharger for leaks and security, inspect and service a turbocharger waste gate, identify components of a turbocharger induction system 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Inspection requirements under 14 CFR part 43 and 14 CFR part 91, identification of life limited parts and their replacement interval, special inspections, use of FAA-approved data, compliance with service letters, service bulletins, instructions for continued airworthiness, ADs, or TCDSs, and maintenance record-keeping requirements under 14 CFR part 43.
• Demonstrates ability to: Perform a compression check on a cylinder, evaluate powerplant for compliance with FAA-approved data, perform a powerplant records inspection, inspect for compliance with applicable ADs, determine engine installation eligibility, determine compliance with engine specifications or TCDS or engine listings, perform a portion of a required inspection on an engine, check engine controls for proper operation and adjustment, inspect an engine for leaks after performing maintenance, inspect an aircraft engine accessory for serviceability, inspect engine records for time or cycles on life limited parts, perform a 100-hour inspection on a propeller, and perform a portion of a 100-hour inspection on an engine in accordance with part 43.
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Reciprocating engine exhaust system theory, components, operation, and inspection, noise suppression theory, components, and operation (e.g., mufflers, hush kits, augmenter tubes).
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Maintenance and inspection of exhaust system components, operation of reciprocating engines with exhaust systems leaks, exhaust system failures, ground operation of aircraft engines.
• Demonstrates ability to: Identify the type of exhaust system on a particular aircraft, inspect a reciprocating engine exhaust system, inspect exhaust system internal baffles or diffusers, inspect exhaust heat exchanger, perform a pressure leak check of a reciprocating engine exhaust system.
• Lab 
• Quiz 

• Demonstrates understanding of: Types, grades, and uses of engine oil, lubrication system operation and components, wet-sump system, dry-sump system, chip detectors, lubrication system maintenance, inspection, servicing, and analysis, excessive aircraft engine oil consumption.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Use or mixing of engine oils, following other than manufacturer's recommendations regarding the use of engine lubricants, handling, storage, and disposal of used lubricating oil.
• Demonstrates ability to: Inspect an oil cooler or oil lines, determine the correct type of oil for a specific engine, determine approved oils for different climatic temperatures, locate procedures for obtaining oil samples, inspect an oil filter or screen, perform oil pressure adjustment, identify oil system components, replace an oil system component, identify oil system flow, troubleshoot an engine oil pressure malfunction, troubleshoot an engine oil temperature system, identify types of metal found in an oil filter, remove and inspect an engine chip detector. 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Reciprocating engine induction and cooling system theory, components, and operation, augmenter cooling system, pressure cowling air flow and control, reciprocating engine baffle and seal installation, liquid cooling system theory, components, and operation
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Chemicals used in liquid cooling systems.
• Demonstrates ability to: Inspect engine exhaust augmenter cooling system, locate the proper specifications for coolant used in a liquid-cooled engine, inspect reciprocating engine cooling ducting (rigid or flexible) or baffle seals, repair a cylinder baffle, inspect cylinder baffling, inspect cowl flap system for normal operation, inspect cylinder cooling fins. 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Storage and preservation, reciprocating engine maintenance and inspection
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Maintenance that requires moving the propeller, preparation for and ground operation of a reciprocating engine, actions in the event of a reciprocating engine fire, use of other than manufacturer's procedures during maintenance
• Lab 
• Quiz
  
  

• Demonstrates understanding of: Fuel flow, temperature (e.g. exhaust gas, oil, oil cylinder head, turbine inlet), speed indicating systems, pressure (e.g., air, fuel, manifold, oil), position indicating, engine indicating and crew alerting, electronic centralized aircraft monitoring, engine instrument range markings, and annunciator indicating systems (e.g., warning, caution, and advisory lights).
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Failure to avoid damage to the instrument or indicating system, and improperly calibrated or erroneous engine instruments.
• Demonstrates ability to: Troubleshoot an engine oil temperature instrument system, troubleshoot a low fuel pressure indicating system, remove, inspect, and/or install a fuel-flow transmitter, remove, inspect, and/or install fuel flow gauge, identify components of an electric tachometer system, check fuel flow transmitter power supply, inspect tachometer markings for accuracy, perform resistance measurements of thermocouple indication system, replace a cylinder head temperature thermocouple, inspect EGT probes, locate and inspect engine low fuel pressure warning system components, check aircraft engine manifold pressure gauge for proper operation, inspect a manifold pressure system, repair a low oil pressure warning system, troubleshoot an EGT indicating system, and inspect an oil temperature probe. 
• Lab
• Quiz
  
  

• Demonstrates understanding of: Fuel/air ratio and fuel metering, carburetor theory and operation, float carburetor (theory, components, operation, and adjustment), pressure carburetor (theory, operation, and adjustment),
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Adjusting reciprocating engine fuel control systems, handling of fuel metering system components that may contain fuel, considerations during fuel system maintenance, handling of engine fuel control units that may contain fuel.
• Demonstrates ability to: Identify carburetor components, identify fuel and air flow through a float-type carburetor, remove and install a carburetor main metering jet, inspect a carburetor fuel inlet screen, inspect the needle, seat, and float level on a float-type carburetor, remove and install a float-type carburetor, adjust carburetor idle speed and mixture, inspect fuel metering cockpit controls for proper adjustment, identify components of an engine fuel system, remove and install an engine-driven fuel pump, inspect a remotely-operated fuel valve for proper operation, locate and identify fuel selector placards, inspect a main fuel filter assembly for leaks, inspect fuel boost pump, inspect fuel pressure warning light function, adjust fuel pump fuel pressure, inspect engine fuel system fluid lines and components, troubleshoot abnormal fuel pressure, remove, clean, and reinstall an engine fuel filter, troubleshoot engine fuel pressure fluctuation, inspect fuel selector valve. 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Midterm review
• Midterm Exam

• Demonstrates understanding of: Inspection requirements for an engine fuel system, continuous-flow fuel injection (theory, components, operation, troubleshooting and adjustment), digital engine control module (e.g., FADEC), fuel nozzles and manifolds (design, operation, and maintenance), fuel lines, Fuel pumps, fuel valves, fuel filters, engine fuel drains
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Adjusting reciprocating engine fuel control systems, handling of fuel metering system components that may contain fuel, considerations during fuel system maintenance, handling of engine fuel control units that may contain fuel.
• Demonstrates ability to: Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair a continuous-flow fuel injection system, adjust a continuous-flow fuel injection system, determine correct fuel nozzle spray pattern.
• Lab

• Demonstrates understanding of: Ignition system theory, shower of sparks and impulse coupling, three electrical circuits of a magneto system, solid-state ignition systems, digital engine control module (e.g., FADEC), magneto system components and operation.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Working around reciprocating engines with an ungrounded magneto
• Demonstrates ability to: Troubleshoot and repair an ignition system, inspect an ignition harness, troubleshoot ignition switch circuit, troubleshoot a reciprocating engine ignition system. 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Spark plug theory
• Demonstrates ability to: Remove, clean, and install spark plug, Inspect and check gap of spark plugs, identify the correct spark plugs used for replacement installation.
• Lab
• Quiz

• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Advanced and retarded ignition timing (piston engine)
• Demonstrates ability to: Set magneto internal timing, time magneto to engine, inspect magneto breaker points, inspect a magneto impulse coupling 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Engine starters.
• Demonstrates ability to: Troubleshoot an electrical starting system, inspect an electrical starting system. 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Maintenance recordkeeping requirements under 14 CFR part 43. Engine component inspection, checking, and servicing. Engine mounts, mounting hardware, and the inspection and checking of each.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: A compression test on a reciprocating engine. Maintenance on an operating reciprocating engine. Maintenance that requires moving the propeller. A compression test on a reciprocating engine. Maintenance on an operating reciprocating engine. Maintenance that requires moving the propeller.
• Demonstrates ability to: Check engine controls for proper operation and adjustment, inspect an engine for leaks after performing maintenance. Inspect an aircraft engine accessory for serviceability. Inspect engine records for time or cycles on life-limited parts. Inspect an engine mount to determine serviceability. Inspect and rig cable and push-pull engine controls. Locate top dead-center position of number one cylinder.
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Reciprocating engine troubleshooting procedures.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Maintenance that requires moving the propeller. Preparation for and ground operation of a reciprocating engine. Actions in the event of a reciprocating engine fire. Use of other than manufacturer's procedures during maintenance.
• Demonstrates ability to: Troubleshoot engine fuel pressure fluctuation. Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair a continuous-flow fuel injection system. Troubleshoot abnormal fuel pressure. Troubleshoot and repair an ignition system. Troubleshoot an electrical starting system. Troubleshoot ignition switch circuit. Troubleshoot an engine oil pressure malfunction. Troubleshoot an engine oil temperature system. Troubleshoot a direct-drive electric starter system. Troubleshoot an electrical system using a schematic or wiring diagram. Troubleshoot an aircraft electrical generating system. Troubleshoot an EGT indicating system. Troubleshoot a tachometer system. Troubleshoot an engine oil temperature/pressure instrument system. Troubleshoot a low fuel pressure indicating system 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of: Generators, alternators, starter generators. Voltage regulators and overvoltage and overcurrent protection. DC generation systems. AC generation systems. The procedure for locating the correct electrical cable/wire size needed to fabricate a cable/wire. The purpose and procedure for paralleling a dual-generator electrical system. Engine electrical wiring, switches, and protective devices
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Polarity when performing electrical system maintenance. Actions in response to a warning or caution annunciator light. Maintenance on energized aircraft circuits/systems. Routing and security of wiring near flammable fluid lines.
• Demonstrates ability to: Inspect engine electrical wiring, switches, and protective devices Determine suitability of a replacement component by part number. Replace an engine-driven generator or alternator. Inspect an engine-driven generator or alternator in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Troubleshoot an aircraft electrical generating system. Remove and install an engine direct-drive electric starter. Troubleshoot a direct-drive electric starter system. Inspect an electrical system cable. Determine wire size for engine electrical system. Repair a broken engine electrical system wire. Replace a wire bundle lacing. Troubleshoot an electrical system using a schematic or wiring diagram. Fabricate a bonding jumper. Inspect engine electrical connectors 
• Lab 
• Quiz

• Demonstrates understanding of:
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Maintenance that requires moving the propeller. Preparation for and ground operation of a reciprocating engine. Actions in the event of a reciprocating engine fire.
• Demonstrates ability to: Operate and troubleshoot a reciprocating engine. 
• Lab
• Quiz

• Review for Final Exam
• Final Exam

• The ACS is an acronym for the Airman Certification Standards. These standards are issued by the FAA and all AMT curriculum at SUU is directly related to each standard. 
• The ACS is used to generate all test questions for written,oral, and practical exams.
• You can find the most recent publication here:
  Links to an external site.https://www.faa.gov/trainingtesting/aviation-mechanic-general-airframe-and-powerplant-airman-certification-standards

•   Each written exam question is associated with an ACS code.
•   Missed questions on the FAA written test will be listed on your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR).
•   The AKTR list will generate all but (4) of your oral questions
•   Utilize those codes to cross reference to the ACS and study those specific areas.

•   ACS codes are categorized by subject, and sub-categorized by the following groupings.
  • Knowledge: Demonstrate the understanding of.
  • Risk management: Demonstrate the ability to mitigate risk.
  • Skill: Demonstrate the ability to.
•   Students should review the codes and descriptions.