FAB AMT2101 PRELIM MODULE No.1 PDF

Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS

Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas
Institute of Engineering and Technology

First Semester, A.Y 2020–2021
Aircraft Electrical and Ignition system
Preliminary lecture
Module Number One
Introduction of Aircraft Electrical System and Shop
Safety Regulation
Page 1 of 29

Learning Outcome
Course Learning Outcome
CLO1: Express an idea about Module Learning Outcome

aircraft electrical system
MLO1: Discuss what is
Topic Learning Outcome
CLO2: Employ the safety rules aircraft electrical system
and regulations especially on
MLO2: Explain the safety
handling electrical devices and TLO1. Explain the
rules and regulations
components functions of aircraft
especially on handling electrical system
electrical devices and
components TLO2. State the rules
and regulation on the
MLO3: State the different working place to avoid
personal protective accident.
equipment when dealing
with the electricity
Table of Content
Title Page Time Allotment
Reading Materials
Introduction of Aircraft Electrical System 4-17 35mins
Safety Briefing 18 5mins
Shop Safety Rules and Regulation 19-20 10mins
Personal protective Equipment 20-24 5mins
Definition of Terms 25-26
Reference 27
Honesty clause 27
Enhancement activity 28 20mins
Rubrics 29
Video Materials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlSVVTpLgm8 80mins
Total 29 155mins/2.58hrs
Page 2 of 29

Introduction and Shop Safety

Orientation
INTRODUCTION
MODULE
LEARNING
OUTCOME
LECTURETTE/
DISCUSSION
ENRICHMENT
ACTIVITY
REFERENCES
What is This
Module all
About?
This module tackles about the introduction of
aircraft electrical system and the
safety rules and regulations especially on handling
electrical components
Page 3 of 29

What is Aircraft Electrical System?
1. An aircraft electrical system is a self-contained network of components that generate
and Transmit, Distribute, Utilize and Store Electrical engine.
2. The electrical system is turned on or off with a master switch. Turning the master
switch to the ON position provides electrical energy to all the electrical equipment
circuits except the ignition system. Equipment that commonly uses the electrical
system for its source of energy includes:
• Position lights
• Anti-collision lights
• Landing lights
• Taxi lights
• Interior cabin lights
• Instrument lights
• Radio equipment
• Turn indicator
• Fuel gauges
• Electric fuel pump
• Stall warning system
• Pitot heat
• Starting motor Aircraft Lights
Page 4 of 29

AIRCRAFT SWITCHES
3. Most aircraft are equipped with either a 14- or a 28-volt direct current (DC)
electrical system. A basic aircraft electrical system consists of the following
components:
• Alternator/generator
• Battery Master/battery switch
• Alternator/generator switch
• Bus bar, fuses, and circuit breakers
• Voltage regulator
• Ammeter/ load meter
• Associated electrical wiring
Page 5 of 29

4. The satisfactory performance of any modern aircraft depends to a very great
degree on the continuing reliability of electrical systems and subsystems.
5. Improperly or carelessly installed or maintained wiring can be a source of both
immediate and potential danger.
6. The continued proper performance of electrical systems depends on the
knowledge and technique of the mechanic.
7. Virtually all aircraft contain some form of an electrical system.
8. The most basic aircraft must produce electricity for operation of the engine’s
ignition system.
9. Modern aircraft have complex electrical systems that control almost every aspect
of flight.
10. In general, electrical systems can be divided into different categories according to
the function of the system.
11. Common systems include lighting, engine starting, and power generation.
12. Electrical energy can be produced through a number of methods. Common
methods include the use of light, pressure, heat, chemical, and electromagnetic
induction.
13. Of these processes, electromagnetic induction is most responsible for the
generation of the majority of the electrical power used by humans.
14. Virtually all mechanical devices (generators and alternators) that produce
electrical power employ the process of electromagnetic induction.
15. The use of light, pressure, heat, and chemical sources for electrical power is found
on aircraft but produce a minimal amount of all the electrical power consumed
during a typical flight.
Page 6 of 29

16. Light can produce electricity using a solar cell (photovoltaic cell). These cells
contain a certain chemical that converts light energy into voltage/current.
17. Chemical energy can be converted into electricity, most commonly in the form of
a battery.
18. Heat used to produce electricity creates the thermoelectric effect. When a device
called a thermocouple is subjected to heat, a voltage is produced.
Small Single Engine Aircraft Electrical System
• Light aircraft typically have a relatively simple electrical system because simple
aircraft generally require less redundancy and less complexity than larger
transport category aircraft.
• On most light aircraft, there is only one electrical system powered by the engine-
driven alternator or generator.
• The aircraft battery is used for emergency power and engine starting.
• Electrical power is typically distributed through one or more common points
known as an electrical bus (or bus bar)
• Almost all electrical circuits must be protected from faults that can occur in the
system. Faults are commonly known as opens or shorts.
• An open circuit is an electrical fault that occurs when a circuit becomes
disconnected.
• A short circuit is an electrical fault that occurs when one or more circuits create
an unwanted connection.
Page 7 of 29

• The most dangerous short circuit occurs when a positive wire creates an
unwanted connection to a negative connection or ground.
• This is typically called a short to ground.
• There are two ways to protect electrical systems from faults: mechanically and
electrically. Mechanically, wires and components are protected from abrasion
and excess wear through proper installation and by adding protective covers and
shields. Electrically, wires can be protected using circuit breakers and fuses.
• The circuit breakers protect each system in the event of a short circuit.
• It should be noted that fuses can be used instead of circuit breakers.
• Fuses are typically found on older aircraft.
• A circuit breaker panel from a light aircraft is shown in Figure 1.
Light Multiengine Aircraft Electrical System
• Multiengine aircraft typically fly faster, higher, and farther than single engine
aircraft.
• Multiengine aircraft are designed for added safety and redundancy and, therefore,
often contain a more complex power distribution system when compared to light
single-engine aircraft.
• With two engines, these aircraft can drive two alternators (or generators) that
supply current to the various loads of the aircraft.
• The electrical distribution bus system is also divided into two or more systems.
• These bus systems are typically connected through a series of circuit protectors,
diodes, and relays.
Page 8 of 29

• The bus system is designed to create a power distribution system that is extremely
reliable by supplying current to most loads through more than one source.
Large Multiengine Aircraft Electrical System
• Transport category aircraft typically carry hundreds of passengers and fly
thousands of miles each trip.
• Therefore, large aircraft require extremely reliable power distribution systems
that are computer controlled.
• These aircraft have multiple power sources (AC generators) and a variety of
distribution busses.
• A typical airliner contains two or more main AC generators driven by the aircraft
turbine engines, as well as more than one backup AC generator. DC systems are
also employed on large aircraft and the ship’s battery is used to supply emergency
power in case of a multiple failures.
Aircraft Electrical System Components
Switches
• Switches are devices that open and close circuits.
• They consist of one or more pair of contacts.
• The current in the circuit flows when the contacts are closed.
• Switches with momentary contacts actuate the circuit temporarily, and they
return to the normal position with an internal spring when the switch is released.
• Switches with continuous contacts remain in position when activated.
• Hazardous errors in switch operation can be avoided by logical and consistent
installation.
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• Two-position on/off switches should be mounted so that the on position is
reached by an upward or forward movement of the toggle.
• When the switch controls movable aircraft elements, such as landing gear or
flaps, the toggle should move in the same direction as the desired motion.
• Inadvertent operation of a switch can be prevented by mounting a suitable guard
over the switch.
• A specifically designed switch should be used in all circuits where a switch
malfunction would be hazardous.
• Such switches are of rugged construction and have sufficient contact capacity to
break, make, and carry continuously the connected load current.
• Snap action design is generally preferred to obtain rapid opening and closing of
contacts regardless of the speed of the operating toggle or plunger, thereby
minimizing contact arcing.
• The nominal current rating of the conventional aircraft switch is usually
stamped on the switch housing.
• This rating represents the continuous current rating with the contacts closed.
Switches should be derated from their nominal current rating for the following
types of circuits:
1. High rush-in circuits—contain incandescent lamps that can draw an
initial current 15 times greater than the continuous current. Contact burning or
welding may occur when the switch is closed.
2. Inductive circuits—magnetic energy stored in solenoid coils or relays is
released and appears as an arc when the control switch is opened.
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3. Motors—DC motors draw several times their rated current during
starting, and magnetic energy stored in their armature and field coils is released
when the control switch is opened.
Toggle and Rocker Switches
• Toggle and rocker switches control most of aircraft’s electrical components.
[Figure 1]
• Aircraft that are outfitted with a glass cockpit often use push buttons to control
electrical components.
Figure 1. Toggle and rocker switches
Page 11 of 29

Rotary Switches
• Rotary switches are activated by twisting a knob or shaft and are commonly
found on radio control panels.
• Rotary switches are utilized for controlling more than two circuits.
Precision (Micro) Switches
• Micro switches require very little pressure to activate.
• These types of switches are spring loaded, once the pressure is removed, the
contacts return to the normal position.
• Micro switches are used to detect position or to limit travel of moving parts, such
as landing gear, flaps, spoilers, etc. [Figure 2]
Figure 2. A micro switch
Relays and Solenoids (Electromagnetic Switches)
• Relays are used to control the flow of large currents using a small current.
• A low-power DC circuit is used to activate the relay and control the flow of large
AC currents.
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• They are used to switch motors and other electrical equipment on and off and to
protect them from overheating.
• A solenoid is a special type of relay that has a moving core.
• The electromagnet core in a relay is fixed.
• Solenoids are mostly used as mechanical actuators but can also be used for
switching large currents.
• Relays are only used to switch currents.
Solenoids
• Solenoids are used as switching devices where a weight reduction can be
achieved or electrical controls can be simplified.
• The foregoing discussion of switch ratings is generally applicable to solenoid
contact ratings.
• Solenoids have a movable core/armature that is usually made of steel or iron,
and the coil is wrapped around the armature.
• The solenoid has an electromagnetic tube and the armature moves in and out of
the tube. [Figure 3]
Figure 3. Solenoid
Page 13 of 29

Relays
• The two main types of relays are electromechanical and solid state.
• Electromechanical relays have a fixed core and a moving plate with contacts on
it, while solid-state relays work similar to transistors and have no moving parts.
• Current flowing through the coil of an electromechanical relay creates a
magnetic field that attracts a lever and changes the switch contacts.
• The coil current can be on or off so relays have two switch positions, and they
are double throw switches.
• Residual magnetism is a common problem and the contacts may stay closed or
are opened by a slight amount of residual magnetism.
• A relay is an electrically operated switch and is therefore subject to dropout
under low system voltage conditions.
• Relays allow one circuit to switch a second circuit that can be completely
separate from the first.
• For example, a low voltage DC battery circuit can use a relay to switch a 110-volt
three-phase AC circuit.
• There is no electrical connection inside the relay between the two circuits; the
link is magnetic and mechanical. [Figure 4]
Figure 4. Relay
Page 14 of 29

Current Limiting Devices
• Conductors should be protected with circuit breakers or fuses located as close as
possible to the electrical power source bus.
• Normally, the manufacturer of the electrical equipment specifies the fuse or
circuit breaker to be used when installing equipment.
• The circuit breaker or fuse should open the circuit before the conductor emits
smoke.
• To accomplish this, the time current characteristic of the protection device must
fall below that of the associated conductor.
• Circuit protector characteristics should be matched to obtain the maximum
utilization of the connected equipment.
Fuses
• A fuse is placed in series with the voltage source and all current must flow
through it. [Figure 5]
• The fuse consists of a strip of metal that is enclosed in a glass or plastic housing.
• The metal strip has a low melting point and is usually made of lead, tin, or
copper.
• When the current exceeds the capacity of the fuse the metal strip heats up and
breaks.
• As a result of this, the flow of current in the circuit stops.
Figure 5. A fuse
Page 15 of 29

• There are two basic types of fuses: fast acting and slow blow.
• The fast-acting type opens very quickly when their particular current rating is
exceeded.
• This is important for electric devices that can quickly be destroyed when too
much current flows through them for even a very small amount of time. Slow
blow fuses have a coiled construction inside.
• They are designed to open only on a continued overload, such as a short circuit.
Circuit Breakers
• A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to
protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by an overload or short circuit.
• Its basic function is to detect a fault condition and immediately discontinue
electrical flow.
• Unlike a fuse that operates once and then has to be replaced, a circuit breaker
can be reset to resume normal operation.
• All resettable circuit breakers should open the circuit in which they are installed
regardless of the position of the operating control when an overload or circuit
fault exists. Such circuit breakers are referred to as trip-free.
• Automatic reset circuit breakers automatically reset themselves.
• They should not be used as circuit protection devices in aircraft.
Page 16 of 29

• When a circuit breaker trips, the electrical circuit should be checked and the
fault removed before the circuit breaker is reset.
• Sometimes circuit breakers trip for no apparent reason, and the circuit breaker
can be reset one time.
• If the circuit breaker trips again, there exists a circuit fault and the technician
must troubleshoot the circuit before resetting the circuit breaker. [Figure 6]
Figure 8. Circuit breaker panel
Page 17 of 29

Safety is everyone’s
business
• Aircraft maintenance work includes inspection and repair of aircraft
and its components.
• Good work practices ensure aircraft and worker safety.
• Safety is everyone’s business.
• However, maintenance personnel must watch for their own safety and
also of other colleagues working around them.
• Working with electrical equipment poses certain physiological safety
hazards.
• It is known that when electricity is applied to the human body, it can
create severe burns in the area of entrance to and at the point of exit
from the body.
• In addition, the nervous system is affected and can be damaged or
destroyed.
Page 18 of 29

Shop Rules and Regulation
1. Keeping hangars, shop, and the flight line orderly and clean is essential to safety
and efficient maintenance.
• Electricity can be a cause of fire. One way to prevent electrical fires is to keep the
area around electrical work or electrical equipment clean, uncluttered, and free
of all unnecessary flammable substances
2. Signs should be posted to indicate dangerous equipment or hazardous conditions.
• Safety signs and symbols are important safety communicating tools, they help to
indicate various hazards that present in workplace.
• At the same time, they warn workers to always keep watching out for those
hazards by giving required information and safety instructions.
3. There should also be signs that provide the location of first aid and fire equipment.
• Fire extinguisher and the first aid box must easily to find due to easily access if
fire occurs and had some accident of incident
4. Safety lanes, pedestrian walkways, and fire lanes should be painted around the
perimeter inside hangars.
• This is a safety measure to prevent accidents and to keep pedestrian traffic out of
work areas.
5. Two factors that affect safety when dealing with electricity are fear and
overconfidence
• Overconfidence leads to risk taking. The technician who does not respect the
capabilities of electricity will, sooner or later, become a victim of electricity’s
awesome power.
Page 19 of 29

• People who are afraid of electricity or suffer anxiety related to electricity may
react differently during an emergency and also either misinterpret or disregard
routine flight safety instructions.
6. Use of proper safety equipment can provide a psychological assurance of workers
in generally big way.
• The use of rubber gloves to protect the technicians when dealing with electricity,
safety glasses is to protect the eyes of the technician from sparks, rubber or
grounded safety mats is used to avoid electrical ground and lessen the static, and
other safety equipment contributes to the overall safety of the technician working
on or with electrical equipment.
• While handling electrical gadgets, we are advised to wear rubber personal
protective equipment. A rubber is a bad conductor of electricity and prevents a
large current from passing through the body.
Personal Protective Equipment
• Personal for all intents and purposes Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to items
typically worn by a worker to provide protection from recognized hazards, or so
they definitely thought.
• Depending on the job task to basically be performed, PPE for the definitely electric
power industry generally includes safety glasses, face shields, basically hard hats,
safety shoes, insulating (rubber) gloves with leather protectors, insulating sleeves,
and flame-resistant (FR) clothing, which really is fairly significant.
• Additional PPE, very such as fall protection equipment, respirators, chemical-
resistant or cut-resistant gloves, and chaps, may be required, depending on the
results of the hazard assessment particularly require in a sort of major way.
Page 20 of 29

Page 21 of 29

The rules for using PPE include the following:
1. Know which PPE is required for your work role. This can include the following:
gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, coveralls,
and others.
2. Use the PPE in the manner you have been trained to use it.
3. Ensure your equipment fits comfortably. Items that are too big or too small
could expose you to danger.
4. Be fully trained in the use of your specific PPE. This includes when to use it,
what type is required for specific jobs, how to properly wear and take it off, as
well as the limitations of the equipment.
5. Do not misuse or damage the clothing you have been provided.
6. Ensure proper care and maintenance of the PPE.
7. Notify your employer immediately if you notice any damage or malfunction, or if
you need to clean or sterilise the PPE.
Rubber Gloves
Page 22 of 29

Safety Glasses
Electrical Rubber Matts
Page 23 of 29

Safety shoes
Reflector Vest
Page 24 of 29

Definition of Terms
Position lights - also known as a navigational light to know the position of the aircraft
Anti-collision lights - also known as Beacon lights or Strobe lights are a set of lights
required on every aircraft to improve visibility to others.
Landing lights - are typically only useful as visibility aids to the pilots when the aircraft is
very low and close to terrain, as during take-off and landing if approved for nighttime
operation
Taxi lights – it provides light for ground operation of aircraft in the taxiway
Interior cabin lights – it is the light inside the aircraft cabin
Instrument lights – a light on the aircraft cockpit instrument panel provided for the
visibility of the pilot for instrument reading
Radio equipment – the pilot used for communication of aircraft to control tower
Page 25 of 29

Turn indicator – an instrument that shows the rate of turn of an aircraft
Fuel gauges – an instrument that shows the fuel capacity of a fuel tank
Electric fuel pump - used on engines with fuel injection to pump fuel from the gas tank
to the injectors
Stall warning system – a system that provided by an electronic or mechanical device
that sounds an audible warning as the stall speed is approached.
Pitot heat - turned on by the pilot anytime ice is suspected in order to melt any form of
ice on the pitot tube
Starting motor – used to crank the engine
Alternator/generator – a motor that converts mechanical energy to electricity
Battery Master/battery switch – a switch that used to turn on and turn of the supply of
voltage to the aircraft
Alternator/generator switch - a switch that used to turn on and turn of the supply of
current to the aircraft
Bus bar, fuses, and circuit breakers – a electrical safety device to avoid damage on the
electrical component when electrical overload occurs
Voltage regulator – the one that regulate the flow of voltage
Ammeter/ load meter – an instrument that shows the flow of current
Associated electrical wiring – it is the bundle of wires that connects on every component
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ASK YOUR

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR
Page 26 of 29

References
1. https://www.aviationhunt.com/aircraft-maintenance-safety/
AH Team. (2019). Aircraft Maintenance Safety. Retrieved from www.aviationhunt.com
2. https://www.aircraftsystemstech.com/p/airframe_12.html
Aeronautics Guide. Airframe Sitemap. Retrieved from www.aircraftsystemstech.com
3. https://www.aircraftsystemstech.com/p/powerplant.html
Aeronautics Guide. Aircraft Ignition System. Retrieved from www.aircraftsystemstech.com
4. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/index.html
Electric power eTool: Overview. (2014, July 29). Occupational Safety and Health
Administration. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/index.html
5. https://www.makrosafe.co.za/blog/Rules-for-using-Personal-Protective-
Equipment%20?cat=Security%20Industry
Security industry. (n.d.). Makrosafe
Website. https://www.makrosafe.co.za/blog/Rules-for-using-Personal-
Protective-Equipment%20?cat=Security%20Industry
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT
For this exam/quiz/activity, I make the following truthful statement:
I understand that acts of academic dishonesty shall be penalized to the full extent as
indicated in the provision of the PhilSCA Student Manual (page 30,No.6.)
__________________________
Signature of Student Over Printed Name
Page 27 of 29

ACTIVITY
Make an essay about the use of personal protective equipment
Page 28 of 29

RUBRICS
4- 3 - GOOD 2 - FAIR 1 - POOR
0
EXCELLEN (5 - 7 pts or (3 - 4 pts (0 - 2 pts or
T 75 – 85 %) or 65 – 74 50 – 64 %)
(8 - 10 pts or %)
86 – 100 %)
50 %CONTENT
The presence of ideas
Substantial,
developed through
specific and/ INCOMPLETE
facts, examples, Sufficiently Limited Superficial
or illustrative
anecdotes, details, developed content with and/ or
content
opinions, statistics, content with inadequate minimal
demonstratin
reasons and/ or adequate elaboration or content.
g strong
explanations. elaboration or explanation.
development
and explanation.
sophisticated
ideas.
40 % FOCUS
The single controlling Sharp, distinct
controlling Apparent point No Minimal INCOMPLETE
point made with an
point made made about a apparent evidence
awareness of task single topic point but
about a specific topic. about a single
with sufficient evidence of a topic.
topic with
evident awareness of of a
awareness of task. specific
task. topic.
10 %
ORGANIZATION
The order developed
and sustained within Sophisticated Functional Confused or
arrangement inconsistent Minimal control INCOMPLETE
and across arrangement
of content that arrangement of content
paragraphs using of content
sustains a of content arrangeme
transitional devices with evident
logical order with or nt.
and including and/ or subtle
introduction and transitions. with some without
conclusion. evidence of attempts at
transitions. transition.
Page 29 of 29

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Republic of the Philippines

PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS

Institute of Engineering and Technology

Aircraft Electrical and Ignition system

Institute of Engineering and Technology

CLO1: Express an idea about Module Learning Outcome

Institute of Engineering and Technology

Introduction and Shop Safety

aircraft electrical system and the

safety rules and regulations especially on handling

Institute of Engineering and Technology

What is Aircraft Electrical System?

1. An aircraft electrical system is a self-contained network of components that generate

and Transmit, Distribute, Utilize and Store Electrical engine.

system for its source of energy includes:

• Interior cabin lights

• Electric fuel pump

• Stall warning system

• Starting motor Aircraft Lights

Institute of Engineering and Technology

electrical system. A basic aircraft electrical system consists of the following

• Battery Master/battery switch

• Bus bar, fuses, and circuit breakers

• Ammeter/ load meter

• Associated electrical wiring

Institute of Engineering and Technology

4. The satisfactory performance of any modern aircraft depends to a very great

degree on the continuing reliability of electrical systems and subsystems.

5. Improperly or carelessly installed or maintained wiring can be a source of both

immediate and potential danger.

6. The continued proper performance of electrical systems depends on the

knowledge and technique of the mechanic.

7. Virtually all aircraft contain some form of an electrical system.

the function of the system.

12. Electrical energy can be produced through a number of methods. Common

13. Of these processes, electromagnetic induction is most responsible for the

generation of the majority of the electrical power used by humans.

electrical power employ the process of electromagnetic induction.

during a typical flight.

Institute of Engineering and Technology

contain a certain chemical that converts light energy into voltage/current.

called a thermocouple is subjected to heat, a voltage is produced.

Small Single Engine Aircraft Electrical System

transport category aircraft.

driven alternator or generator.

• Electrical power is typically distributed through one or more common points

known as an electrical bus (or bus bar)

system. Faults are commonly known as opens or shorts.

• An open circuit is an electrical fault that occurs when a circuit becomes

Institute of Engineering and Technology

unwanted connection to a negative connection or ground.

• This is typically called a short to ground.

electrically. Mechanically, wires and components are protected from abrasion

• It should be noted that fuses can be used instead of circuit breakers.

• Fuses are typically found on older aircraft.

• A circuit breaker panel from a light aircraft is shown in Figure 1.

Light Multiengine Aircraft Electrical System

supply current to the various loads of the aircraft.

diodes, and relays.