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Sample CAA NZ AME Instruments Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CAA NZ AME Instruments exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What pressure input is connected to the interior of the aneroid capsule inside a basic non-servo sensitive altimeter?

A.The capsule is evacuated (sealed internal vacuum) and does not take a direct pressure line.

B.Static pressure from the static port.

C.Pitot ram air pressure from the pitot tube.

D.Dynamic differential pressure between pitot and static sources.

Explanation: In a standard sensitive altimeter, the aneroid capsule is evacuated to near-perfect vacuum internally. Static pressure fills the instrument case surrounding the exterior of the capsule. Changes in ambient static pressure cause the capsule to expand or contract against its internal leaf spring.

2Which two pressure inputs are required for the operation of an Airspeed Indicator (ASI)?

A.Pitot (total/ram) pressure and static pressure.

B.Static pressure and barometric reference pressure.

C.Pitot pressure and vacuum pump suction pressure.

D.Dynamic pressure and ambient air temperature.

Explanation: An Airspeed Indicator measures dynamic pressure (q = P_total - P_static). Pitot pressure is plumbed to the interior of the diaphragm, while static pressure surrounds the diaphragm inside the case.

3What creates the differential pressure across the diaphragm in a conventional Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) during a climb?

A.A calibrated leak (capillary tube) restricting static pressure change in the instrument case relative to the diaphragm.

B.A direct ram pressure line connected to the lower chamber of the diaphragm.

C.A pitot pressure diaphragm connected via a mechanical metering valve.

D.A bimetallic temperature compensation lever acting on the case volume.

Explanation: In a VSI, static pressure enters the diaphragm directly (changing immediately) and enters the case through a calibrated leak (capillary restriction). During a climb, static pressure inside the diaphragm drops faster than in the case, creating differential pressure that collapses the diaphragm to show a climb rate.

4When an aircraft climbs from sea level to 10,000 feet, what happens to ambient static pressure and the altimeter aneroid capsule?

A.Ambient static pressure decreases, causing the aneroid capsule to expand.

B.Ambient static pressure increases, causing the aneroid capsule to expand.

C.Ambient static pressure decreases, causing the aneroid capsule to compress.

D.Ambient static pressure increases, causing the aneroid capsule to compress.

Explanation: Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude. Lower static pressure inside the altimeter case reduces the external force acting on the evacuated capsule, allowing its internal spring to expand the capsule and drive the gear mechanism.

5During a pitot system leak test on an aircraft, what is the standard practice regarding pitot drain holes?

A.Pitot drain holes must be temporarily sealed with approved tape or plugs before applying test pressure and removed immediately after testing.

B.Drain holes must remain open to allow water to vent during the pressure test.

C.Drain holes are permanently sealed with epoxy during installation.

D.Test pressure must be applied directly through the drain hole while plugging the main entry tip.

Explanation: Pitot drain holes allow accumulated water to bleed off in flight. During a leak test, they must be temporarily sealed so test pressure is maintained in the pitot plumbing; they must be unsealed immediately upon test completion.

6Why must the surface of static pressure ports and surrounding fuselage skin be maintained strictly flat and free of scratches, paint ridges, or deformation?

A.Irregularities distort local airflow and create local pressure errors (position error) at the static sensing port.

B.Rough surfaces decrease static air temperature reading accuracy.

C.Deformations cause electrostatic build-up that damages the altimeter casing.

D.Scratches weaken the structural skin under high differential pressure cabin loads.

Explanation: Flush static ports rely on undisturbed laminar airflow parallel to the fuselage skin. Dents, scratches, or paint ridges accelerate or retard airflow over the port, changing local static pressure (position/installation error).

7What color coding on an Airspeed Indicator marks the full-flap operating range (VSO to VFE)?

A.White arc.

B.Green arc.

C.Yellow arc.

D.Radial red line.

Explanation: The white arc on an Airspeed Indicator denotes the flap operating speed range, extending from VSO (stall speed with flaps fully extended) to VFE (maximum flap extended speed).

8What is the primary operational advantage of an Instantaneous Vertical Speed Indicator (IVSI) compared to a conventional VSI?

A.It incorporates accelerometer-operated dashpot pistons to eliminate the inherent indication lag during rate-of-climb transitions.

B.It uses a digital optical sensor connected to the pitot pressure line to compute climb rate.

C.It operates using a vacuum pump to increase diaphragm response speed.

D.It requires no static pressure connection and relies purely on GPS vertical velocity data.

Explanation: An IVSI contains spring-loaded accelerometer dashpot pistons inside the static chamber. When vertical acceleration occurs (initiating a climb or descent), inertial movement of the pistons immediately creates a pressure differential across the diaphragm, eliminating indication lag.

9Which primary sensor inputs are directly wired or plumbed to an Air Data Computer (ADC)?

A.Total pressure (pitot), static pressure, and Total Air Temperature (TAT).

B.Engine manifold pressure, oil pressure, and exhaust gas temperature.

C.Dynamic pressure, vacuum suction, and magnetic heading.

D.Fuel flow rate, fuel pressure, and ambient humidity.

Explanation: Air Data Computers require pneumatic total pressure (Pt from pitot tube), static pressure (Ps from static ports), and electrical Total Air Temperature (TAT probe) to compute altitude, IAS, CAS, TAS, Mach, and vertical speed.

10Setting 1013.25 hPa (29.92 inHg) on the barometric sub-scale of an altimeter causes the instrument to indicate:

A.Pressure Altitude (altitude above the standard datum plane).

B.Indicated Altitude above mean sea level under non-standard conditions.

C.Absolute Height above ground level (AGL).

D.Density Altitude corrected for non-standard temperature.

Explanation: When 1013.25 hPa / 29.92 inHg (QNE) is set in the altimeter sub-scale, the hands indicate Pressure Altitude, which is height relative to the standard atmospheric pressure datum surface.

About the CAA NZ AME Instruments Exam

The CAA NZ AME Subject 12 Instruments examination is a mandatory theoretical knowledge module for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence candidates in New Zealand under Civil Aviation Rule Part 66. Mapped to Advisory Circular AC66-2.12, the exam evaluates comprehensive technical understanding of aircraft instrument systems, including pitot-static pressure instruments, air data computers, gyroscopic heading and attitude indicators, flux valve compass systems, engine monitoring sensors, and integrated Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS).

Exam sponsor: Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (administered by Aspeq). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

50 questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$108 NZD

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

35%

Pitot-Static and Pressure Instruments

Operating principles, construction, testing, and troubleshooting of sensitive altimeters, airspeed indicators (IAS, CAS, EAS, TAS, Machmeter), vertical speed indicators (conventional and IVSI), pitot-static leak testing procedures, static port alignment and flushness, and Air Data Computer (ADC) architectures.

35%

Gyroscopic Instruments and Compass Systems

Fundamental principles of gyroscopes (rigidity in space, precession), directional gyros, artificial horizons, turn coordinators, vacuum/pneumatic drive and relief systems, 400 Hz AC electric drive, remote flux valves, acceleration and turning errors, and compass swing calibration procedures per AC66-2.16 Subject 16 principles.

30%

Engine and Environment Instruments

Sensing principles and maintenance of mechanical and electrical tachometers (magnetic drag-cup, AC synchronous, variable reluctance pulse pickups), oil pressure Bourdon tubes and transmitters, Wheatstone bridge and ratiometer temperature systems, CHT/EGT/ITT thermocouples, mass fuel flowmeters, Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR), and PFD/ND EFIS symbol generation and bus integration.

Preparing for the CAA NZ AME Instruments Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 50 questions
Time limit: 90 minutes
Exam / certification fees: $108 NZD Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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CAA NZ AME Instruments: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master pitot-static blockage scenarios (e.g., pitot ram blocked vs drain blocked) and how altimeter, ASI, and VSI behave in climb, descent, and level flight.

2Review gyroscopic rigidity, precession (90° rule), Earth rate drift (15° * sin lat), and transport wander calculations.

3Memorize compass swing formulas for Coefficient A, B, and C compensation and how N-S vs E-W compensating screws are adjusted on cardinal headings.

4Understand thermocouple operation (cold junction compensation, millivoltage generation) and ratiometer bridge temperature indicators.

5Study digital Air Data Computer (ADC) inputs/outputs and EFIS symbol generator architecture including ARINC 429 data bus principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format and duration of the CAA NZ AME Subject 12 Instruments exam?

The exam is a 90-minute computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions administered by Aspeq on behalf of CAA New Zealand.

What is the passing score and exam fee for Subject 12?

The passing threshold is 70%. The exam booking fee is $108 NZD per sitting via the Aspeq examination portal.

Which syllabus reference governs CAA NZ AME Subject 12?

The examination is structured according to CAA NZ Advisory Circular AC66-2.12 (Subject 12 Instruments) under Civil Aviation Rule Part 66.

What main topics are covered in the Subject 12 Instruments exam?

The exam tests three primary areas: Pitot-Static & Pressure Instruments (altimeters, ASI, VSI, ADC, leak testing), Gyroscopic & Compass Systems (directional gyro, horizon, turn coordinator, flux valve, compass swing), and Engine & Environment Instruments (tachometers, oil/temp gauges, thermocouples, fuel flow, EPR, EFIS).

How does compass swing compensation link to Subject 12?

Subject 12 integrates principles of compass swing calibration and compensation (AC66-2.16 Subject 16), testing calculation of Coefficients A, B, and C, hard/soft iron magnetism, and degaussing procedures.