100+ Free CAA NZ AME Piston Engines Practice Questions

Pass your CAA NZ AME Licence Exam - Piston Engines (Subject 5, New Zealand) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CAA NZ AME Piston Engines Exam

50 Qs

Exam question count.

CAA NZ AC66-2.5 / Aspeq

90 Mins

Allocated examination time.

CAA NZ Part 66 Rules

70%

Minimum passing grade.

CAA NZ Exam Standard

$108 NZD

Exam sitting fee.

Aspeq Portal

Subject 5

CAA NZ AME Syllabus Subject module.

CAA NZ AC66-2.5

CAA NZ AME Subject 5 Piston Engines is a 90-minute CBT exam administered by Aspeq requiring a 70% passing grade under CAA NZ Part 66 rules.

Sample CAA NZ AME Piston Engines Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CAA NZ AME Piston Engines exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary structural function of the crankcase in an opposed aircraft piston engine?

A.To house the spark plugs and direct combustion pressure

B.To provide a rigid enclosure that supports the crankshaft bearings, cylinders, and accessory drives

C.To act as the primary heat sink for exhaust gases

D.To meter fuel flow directly into the cylinder induction ports

Explanation: The crankcase forms the foundation of an aircraft engine. It provides a rigid structure that supports the crankshaft main bearings, attachment pads for cylinder barrels, internal oil passages, and mounting pads for accessories.

2Which material is most commonly used in the construction of modern horizontally-opposed aircraft engine crankcases?

A.Titanium alloy

B.Cast or forged aluminium alloy

C.Low-carbon mild steel

D.High-nickel stainless steel

Explanation: Cast or forged aluminium alloy is widely used for horizontally-opposed aircraft crankcases because it offers high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent thermal conductivity, and ease of precision machining.

3Why are studs preferred over cap screws for securing cylinder bases to an aluminium engine crankcase?

A.Studs reduce the overall weight of the crankcase assembly

B.Studs eliminate frequent thread wear in the soft aluminium crankcase during cylinder removal

C.Studs allow cylinders to expand laterally without stress

D.Studs provide a metallic ground for spark plug high-tension leads

Explanation: Threading steel studs permanently into the softer aluminium crankcase prevents wear on the internal crankcase threads when nuts are repeatedly tightened or removed during cylinder maintenance.

4What component supports the crankshaft journals within the crankcase and allows smooth rotation under high loads?

A.Needle roller bearings

B.Precision insert plain bearings (split-sleeve type)

C.Tapered roller thrust bearings

D.Deep-groove ball bearings

Explanation: Horizontally-opposed engine main crankcase journals utilize precision insert plain bearings (steel shell backed with copper-lead or aluminium alloy lining) to support radial engine loads and maintain hydrodynamic oil film lubrication.

5What surface hardening treatment is typically applied to aircraft crankshaft crankpins and journals to resist wear?

A.Anodizing

B.Nitriding

C.Cadmium plating

D.Galvanizing

Explanation: Nitriding is a heat-treatment process that infuses nitrogen into the surface layer of steel crankshaft journals, creating an extremely hard, wear-resistant outer skin while retaining a tough, flexible core.

6What is the purpose of dynamic counterweights (dynamic dampers) attached to an aircraft crankshaft?

A.To increase engine compression ratio at high altitudes

B.To damp torsional vibrations generated by power impulses

C.To prevent oil sludge build-up inside the crankpins

D.To regulate propeller pitch angle during acceleration

Explanation: Dynamic dampers are pendulum counterweights mounted on crankshaft webs. They swing at specific frequencies to absorb and cancel out destructive torsional vibrations caused by repetitive power impulses.

7Why are hollow crankshaft journals and crankpins used in aircraft engines?

A.To allow fuel-air mixture to flow through the shaft to the cylinders

B.To reduce weight and serve as passages for lubricating oil

C.To permit thermal expansion without altering main bearing clearance

D.To accommodate internal pushrods for overhead camshaft actuation

Explanation: Hollow crankshaft journals significantly reduce rotating weight while maintaining structural strength. The internal passages also route pressurized oil to crankpins and main bearings.

8Which type of connecting rod assembly is standard in horizontally-opposed aircraft engines?

A.Fork-and-blade connecting rod assembly

B.Plain type connecting rod

C.Master-and-articulated connecting rod assembly

D.Split-sleeve sliding rod assembly

Explanation: Horizontally-opposed engines use plain connecting rods. Each rod has its own individual crankpin bearing journal side-by-side on the crankshaft.

9In a radial engine, which cylinder receives the master connecting rod?

A.Cylinder No. 1

B.The bottom-most cylinder (to prevent hydraulic lock)

C.The cylinder closest to the carburettor intake

D.Any cylinder selected at random during assembly

Explanation: In radial engines, Cylinder No. 1 (usually the top vertical cylinder) houses the master connecting rod, while all other cylinders connect via articulated rods pinned to the master rod hub.

10What is the function of the piston pin (gudgeon pin or wrist pin)?

A.To connect the piston to the small end of the connecting rod

B.To lock the compression rings inside their grooves

C.To meter oil flow to the cylinder wall fins

D.To transmit camshaft motion directly to the intake valves

Explanation: The piston pin hinges the piston to the small end of the connecting rod, transmitting gas expansion forces from the piston head to the rod.

About the CAA NZ AME Piston Engines Exam

The CAA NZ AME Subject 5 (Piston Engines) examination assesses Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence candidates on piston engine mechanical construction (crankcases, crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, cylinders, valves, reduction gears), operating cycles and thermodynamics (four-stroke Otto cycle, valve timing, compression ratio, IHP/BHP/FHP/MEP power calculations, detonation, pre-ignition), and engine auxiliary systems and maintenance (magneto ignition, impulse couplings, float and pressure carburettors, fuel injection, turbocharging wastegates, lubrication systems, engine overhaul, differential compression testing).

Assessment

50 multiple-choice questions delivered via Aspeq CBT in 90 minutes.

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$108 NZD (Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (exams via Aspeq))

CAA NZ AME Piston Engines Exam Content Outline

35%

Piston Engine Construction

Crankcase, crankshaft, dynamic dampers, connecting rods, pistons, rings, cylinders, head-to-barrel joints, poppet valves, camshaft, valve springs, and reduction gearing.

30%

Engine Operating Cycles & Thermodynamics

Four-stroke Otto cycle, valve timing (lead, lag, overlap), compression ratio, power calculations (IHP, BHP, FHP, BMEP, IMEP), mechanical efficiency, detonation, and pre-ignition.

35%

Engine Systems & Maintenance

Magneto ignition, impulse couplings, spark plug heat ratings, float and pressure carburettors, continuous-flow fuel injection, superchargers, turbocharging wastegates, oil pumps, vernatherm valves, top overhaul, and compression testing.

How to Pass the CAA NZ AME Piston Engines Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Assessment: 50 multiple-choice questions delivered via Aspeq CBT in 90 minutes.
Time limit: 90 minutes
Exam fee: $108 NZD

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CAA NZ AME Piston Engines Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the Indicated Horsepower formula: IHP = (P * L * A * N * K) / 33,000, remembering that N is power strokes per minute (RPM / 2 for a 4-stroke engine).

2Understand compression ratio calculation: CR = (V_swept + V_clearance) / V_clearance.

3Memorize dual magneto internal timing terms such as E-gap angle, neutral position, breaker point opening, and impulse coupling trip action.

4Differentiate between float carburettor enrichment mechanisms: economizer system vs accelerator pump system vs mixture control.

5Understand differential compression testing procedures: standard orifice size (0.040 in for under 500 cu in engines), 80 psi inlet pressure, and source detection of leaks (intake valve, exhaust valve, crankcase breather).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAA NZ AME Subject 5 exam format and duration?

The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions delivered via Aspeq computer-based testing with a 90-minute time limit.

What is the passing score for CAA NZ AME Subject 5?

Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass the examination.

Are power calculations included in the Subject 5 exam?

Yes, calculations covering Indicated Horsepower (IHP), Brake Horsepower (BHP), Friction Horsepower (FHP), Mechanical Efficiency, Mean Effective Pressure (BMEP/IMEP), and Compression Ratio are explicitly tested.

How much does the Subject 5 exam cost?

The examination fee is $108 NZD per sitting via Aspeq.

Which CAA syllabus reference covers Piston Engines?

CAA NZ Advisory Circular AC66-2.5 Subject 5 specifies the full theoretical knowledge syllabus required for Category P AME licensing.