AET Technical Knowledge and Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a capacitor in an electronic circuit?
- To store electrical energy temporarily (Correct answer)
- To measure electrical current
- To convert alternating current to direct current
- To amplify electrical signals
Correct answer: To store electrical energy temporarily
A capacitor's primary function in an electronic circuit is to store electrical energy temporarily in an electric field. It can then release this energy back into the circuit, making it crucial for filtering, timing, and power supply smoothing applications.
Question 2: Which system in an aircraft is responsible for providing real-time navigation information to the pilot?
- Radar Altimeter
- Flight Management System (FMS)
- Inertial Navigation System (INS) (Correct answer)
- Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Correct answer: Inertial Navigation System (INS)
The Inertial Navigation System (INS) uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to continuously calculate an aircraft's position, orientation, and velocity. It provides independent, real-time navigation information to the pilot without relying on external signals, making it a critical system for flight.
Question 3: If an aircraft's communication system is not functioning correctly, what is the first step you should take?
- Replace the communication system unit immediately
- Check the wiring and connections for loose or damaged components (Correct answer)
- Update the aircraft's software
- Test the communication system with another aircraft
Correct answer: Check the wiring and connections for loose or damaged components
When troubleshooting an aircraft's communication system, the first step should always be to check the most common and easily rectifiable issues. Loose or damaged wiring and connections are frequent culprits for electronic malfunctions and are straightforward to inspect.
Question 4: In an aircraft's avionic system, what does an oscilloscope primarily measure?
- Electrical resistance
- Voltage and current over time (Correct answer)
- Frequency of radio signals
- Temperature of electronic components
Correct answer: Voltage and current over time
An oscilloscope is a vital diagnostic tool in avionics, primarily used to measure and display voltage and current waveforms over time. This allows technicians to visualize electrical signals, analyze their characteristics, and diagnose circuit behavior and faults.
Question 5: Which component in an aircraft’s electronic system converts electrical energy into mechanical movement?
- Transformer
- Relay (Correct answer)
- Diode
- Capacitor
Correct answer: Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch that uses an electromagnet to open or close contacts. When an electrical current flows through its coil, it creates a magnetic field that moves a lever, converting electrical energy into a mechanical switching action to control other circuits.
What is the primary function of a capacitor in an electronic circuit?