Aircraft Systems and Structures

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a reference datum in an aircraft?

To measure the weight of the aircraft

To compute the aerodynamic drag of the aircraft

To determine the location of all items on the aircraft (correct)

To calculate the fuel consumption of the aircraft

Where can the reference datum be located on an aircraft?

Anywhere on the aircraft, depending on the manufacturer's choice (correct)

Only on the nose of the aircraft

Only on the leading edge of the wing

Only at the centre of gravity of the aircraft

How is the location of the reference datum determined?

By the aircraft's weight and balance

By the size of the aircraft

By the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft

By the manufacturer's choice (correct)

What is the orientation of the datum plane in the B737NG?

Perpendicular to the fuselage centreline Signup and view all the answers

Where can you find information about the location of the datum?

In the Aircraft Specifications or Type Certificate Data Sheets Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the reference datum in terms of measurement?

To take horizontal measurements from Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when multiple layers of fibre are impregnated and glued together with a resin matrix?

A thick fibre skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bonding a thinner fibre or metal skin to a honeycomb core?

To obtain high-strength and low-weight components Signup and view all the answers

What is the wing box in a modern aircraft typically made of?

Composite materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the wing box in an aeroplane?

To support leading- and trailing-edge devices, control surfaces, engines, and landing gear Signup and view all the answers

What are the main wing ribs typically made of?

Aluminium plate Signup and view all the answers

What is the material used to make the first A380 centre wing box?

Carbon-fibre composite Signup and view all the answers

What determines the method of cleaning used on an aircraft?

The type and extent of the soil on the aircraft and the final appearance desired Signup and view all the answers

What is removed by wet washing?

Oil, grease, carbon deposits, and most soils Signup and view all the answers

What is not suitable for removing?

Heavy deposits of carbon, grease, or oil Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of polishing?

To restore the lustre to painted and unpainted surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is important to consider when polishing?

The aircraft manufacturer's instructions Signup and view all the answers

What can be used in the wet washing method?

Either alkaline or emulsion cleaners Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of checking the relative alignment and adjustment of an aircraft's main structural components?

To ensure correct alignment of all fixed components Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of misalignment of major structure or control surfaces?

The aircraft flies differently to how it was designed Signup and view all the answers

Where are the fixed surfaces, such as wings, stabilizers, and tail booms, aligned and assembled?

In the aircraft's assembly jigs Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in aircraft rigging?

Adjusting the cable length, cable tension, push-pull rods, bell cranks, and cable drums Signup and view all the answers

Why is realignment of certain types of fuselages required?

At major overhaul periods or after damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of assembly jigs in the manufacture of an aircraft?

To correctly position all parts of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a pressure bulkhead in an aircraft?

To withstand pressurisation loads during flight Signup and view all the answers

What material is typically used to manufacture a forward pressure bulkhead?

Aluminium alloy sheet Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a doubler in an aircraft?

To strengthen skin structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a strut in an aircraft?

To keep the main load-carrying beams apart Signup and view all the answers

What type of loads does a wing-to-fuselage strut support?

Both compression and tension loads Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a beam in an aircraft?

To support/carry heavy loads Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aircraft Structural Components

821 is the forward cargo door (right side), 821AR is an access panel on the forward cargo door, and 821AZ is an access panel on the forward cargo door liner.

Reference Datum

A reference datum or datum is established by the manufacturer for each aircraft model.
The datum is an imaginary vertical plane or line that sits at a right angle to the aircraft's longitudinal axis.
The datum is the point from which all horizontal measurements are taken, with the aircraft in a level flight attitude.
The location of all items, including equipment, tanks, baggage compartments, seats, engines, and propellers, is listed as being so many inches or millimeters from the datum.

Composite Skinning

Composite skinning involves multiple layers of fiber impregnated and glued together with a resin matrix to form a thick fiber skin.
Another method used to obtain strength from composite skins is bonding a thinner fiber or metal skin to a honeycomb core.

Aerodynamic Components

The center wing section, or wing box, is one of the strongest areas in the aeroplane.
In modern aircraft, the wing box is built of composite materials.
The upper and lower surface panels and the spars of the wing are made entirely of the same composite material being used on the fuselage.

Cleaning Methods

Wet washing removes oil, grease, or carbon deposits and most soils, with the exception of corrosion and oxide films.
Dry washing is used to remove aircraft film, dust, and small accumulations of dirt and soil when the use of liquids is neither desirable nor practical.
Polishing restores the luster to painted and unpainted surfaces of the aircraft and is usually performed after the surfaces have been cleaned.

Airframe Symmetry

Checking the relative alignment and adjustment of an aircraft's main structural components is called a rigging check.
Rigging involves two principal types of operations: aligning the aircraft structure and aligning control surfaces and controls.

Airframe Alignment

The fuselage is aligned in assembly jigs at the time of manufacture.
Fixed surfaces, such as wings, stabilizers, and tail booms, are aligned and assembled in jigs and fixtures to ensure correct shape and positioning of attachment fittings.

Pressure Bulkheads

Pressure bulkheads are designed to withstand pressurization loads during flight.
Forward and rear pressure bulkheads are used at the front and rear of pressurized aircraft.

Beams and Doublers

Beams are long structural members in the airframe designed to support/carry heavy loads.
A doubler is a piece of metal used to strengthen skin structure where a component is attached.

Struts

A strut is a compression-resistant member made from steel tubing or heavy-walled aluminum alloy tubing.
Struts keep beams or spars separated and combat compression loads.

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Description

This quiz covers various aspects of aircraft systems and structures, including doors, panels, and reference datums. It's a part of the CASA Part 66 training materials for turbine aeroplane aerodynamics, structures, and systems.