Alabama

Department of Postsecondary
Education
Representing Alabama’s Public Two-Year College System
AMP 120
Engine Theory and Propellers
Plan Of Instruction
Effective Date: 2004 Version Number: Base Document

This course may be taught in its entirety in career/technical education degree

programs, non-degree programs, and Training for Business and Industry
programs. Individual instructional modules may be taught in customized
training, adult education work-based project learner activities, and short-term
training.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides an overview of the theory,

construction, and operation of aircraft reciprocating engines and the physical laws
and characteristics governing propeller operation. Emphasis is placed on gaining a
basic understanding of reciprocating engines and of fixed and variable pitch
propellers. Upon completion, students should understand the inspection, service,
and repair requirements of reciprocating engines; be able to demonstrate an
understanding of propeller fundamentals; and remove, troubleshoot, and install
propellers. This is a CORE course. This course supports CIP code 47.0608.

CONTACT/CREDIT HOURS (applicable if entire course is taught in a career/technical education

degree or non-degree program)
Theory Contact/Credit Hours 3/3 hours 60 hours (1:1)
Lab Contact/Credit Hours 6/2 hours 80 hours (3:1)
Total Contact/Credit Hours 9/5 hours 140 hours
NOTE: Colleges may schedule lab hours as manipulative (3:1) or experimental (2:1). Adjustments in contact
hours must be made accordingly.

PREREQUISITE COURSES (applicable if entire course is taught in a career/technical education

degree or non-degree program)
AMT 100, AMT 101, AMT 102, or equivalent.

CO-REQUISITE COURSES (applicable if entire course is taught in a career/technical education

degree or non-degree program)
Determined by college unless stated otherwise.
Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES

RECIPROCATING ENGINE THEORY

Inspect repair a radial engine
App. D, Sec IA Item 1, Level 1

Identify Radial, inline, V-type, and Horizontally-Opposed engine components

App. D, Sec IA Item 1, Level 1

Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of a four-stroke engine-timing diagram

App. D, Sec IA Item 1, Level 1

AIRCRAFT PROPELLERS
Install, troubleshoot, and remove propellers
App. D, Sec IIK Item 38, Level 3

Repair aluminum alloy propeller blades

App. D, Sec IIK Item 39, Level 3

Balance Propellers
App. D, Sec IIK Item 35, Level 2

Repair propeller control system components

App D. Sec IIK item 36, Level 2

Inspect, check, service and repair fixed pitched, constant speed and feathering
propellers and propeller governing systems
App . D, Sec IIK, Item 37, Level 3

Identify and select propeller lubricants

App. D, IIK Item 34, level 2

Inspect, check, service and repair propellar synchronizing and ice control systems
App. D, Sec. IIK Item 33, Level 1

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The cognitive objective of this course is for each student to comprehend
foundational knowledge needed to perform stated entry-level industry competencies.

The performance objective of this course is for each student to apply foundational
knowledge to problems and exercises encountered in class.

Alabama College System 2

Engine Theory and Propellers
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES/STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Industry Competency
MODULE A RECIPROCATING ENGINE THEORY
Inspect, repair a radial
engine
App. D, Sec IA Item 1,
Level 1
Identify Radial, inline, V-
type, and Horizontally-
Opposed engine
components
App. D, Sec IA Item 1,
Level 1
Demonstrate a thorough
knowledge of a four-stroke
engine timing diagram
App. D, Sec IA Item 1,
Level 1
Calculate indicated
horsepower using the
PLANK formula
App. D Sec IA Item 1,
Level 1
Alabama College System
AMP 120
Student Performance Objectives
Given instruction in this course, a radial engine diagram
and quiz, and verbal instructions, complete the quiz
using the diagram with 70% correct.
Given instruction in this course, a radial engine, V-type
engine, horizontally-opposed engine, and verbal
instructions, Identify the engine components for each
type engine.
Given instruction in this course, a radial engine, timing
specifications and verbal instructions, map valve an
ignition timing using a timing diagram to meet simulated
airworthiness specifications
Given instruction in this course, horsepower
specifications and verbal instructions use the PLANK
formula to calculate indicated horsepower to
specification.
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Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS

 Describe powerplant development and progress since the beginning of manned
flight
 Identify the principles of an internal combustion engine
 Differentiate between a two-stroke and four stroke cycle of operation
 Explain how to measure and calculate engine power
 Describe the factors affecting engine efficiency and operation
 Describe the methods of classifying reciprocating engines
 State the purpose and advantages of using propeller reduction gearing
 Describe the characteristics of thrust bearings used in large radial engines
 Describe the construction of characteristics of the crankshaft rod assemblies for
two row radial engines
 Identify the factors effecting volumetric efficiency in an engine
 Identify and explain the loads acting on the power case and nose case of a large
radial engine during various conditions of operation
 Determine the firing order of a reciprocating engine

MODULE B AIRCRAFT PROPELLERS

Install, troubleshoot, and Given instruction in this course, aircraft engine with
remove propellers propellers, test equipment, ground power unit, general
App. D, Sec IIK Item 38, and specialized tools, aircraft engine propeller removal
Level 3 and installation, troubleshooting procedural guides, and
verbal instructions, remove, troubleshoot and overhaul
engine propellers to meet simulated airworthiness
specifications.

Repair aluminum alloy Given instruction in this course, damaged aluminum

propeller blades
App. D, Sec IIK Item 39,
Level 3
alloy propeller blades, general and specialized tools,
aluminum alloy propeller blade repair procedural
guides, and verbal instructions, repair the blades to
meet airworthiness specifications as prescribed in the
applicable directive.

Balance Propellers Given instruction in this course, installed propeller

App. D, Sec IIK Item 35,
Level 1
blades, test equipment, general and specialized tools,
ground adjustable propeller balancing procedural
guides, and verbal instructions, set the blade angles to
meet simulated airworthiness specifications as
prescribed in the applicable maintenance manual.

Given instruction in this course, installed propeller

blades, test equipment, general and specialized tools,
fixed pitch propeller balancing procedural guides, and
verbal instructions, static balance the fixed pitch blade
propellers to meet simulated airworthiness
specifications as prescribed in the applicable directive.

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Engine Theory and Propellers
Repair propeller control
system components
App D. Sec IIK item 36,
Level 2
Inspect, check, service
and repair fixed pitched,
constant speed and
feathering propellers and
propeller governing
systems
App . D, Sec IIK, Item 37,
Level 3
Identify and select
propeller lubricants
App. D, IIK Item 34, level
2
Inspect, check, service
and repair propellar
synchronizing and ice
control systems
App. D, Sec. IIK Item 33,
Level 1
Alabama College System
AMP 120
Given instruction in this course, malfunctioning
propeller control system components, general and
specialized tools, propeller blade control system repair
procedural guides, and verbal instructions, repair the
components and perform operational checkout to
ensure airworthiness specifications are met as
prescribed in the applicable directive.
Given instruction in this course, fixed pitched propeller
governing system, general and specialized tools, and
verbal instructions, inspect, check, service, repair and
track a fixed propeller to meet airworthiness
specifications as prescribed in the applicable directive.
Given instruction in this course, feathering propeller
governing system, test equipment, ground power unit,
general and specialized tools feathering propeller
governing system inspection, operational checkout,
servicing, and repair procedural guides, and verbal
instructions, inspect, check, service and repair the
governing system to meet airworthiness specifications
as prescribed in the applicable directive.
Given instruction in this course, propeller lubricants for
various applications, verbal instructions identify and
select the lubricant for specified application.
Given instruction in this course, propeller synchronizing
system, test equipment, ground power unit, general and
specialized tools, propeller synchronizing system
inspection, operational checkout, servicing, and repair
procedural guides, and verbal instructions, inspect,
check, service and repair and synchronizing system to
meet airworthiness specifications as prescribed in the
applicable directive.
Given instruction in this course, propeller ice control
system, test equipment, ground power unit, general and
specialized tools, propeller ice control system
inspection, operational checkout, servicing, and repair
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Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

procedural guides, and verbal instructions, inspect,

check, service and repair the ice control system to meet
airworthiness specifications as prescribed in the
applicable directive.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS
 Identify the types of propellers
 Explain the operating principles of propellers
 Explain the purpose and parts of a propeller
 Describe the aerodynamic forces and loads acting on a rotating propeller blade
 Describe the construction of a fixed pitch propeller
 Explain the operation of a fixed pitch propeller
 Summarize the removal and installation procedures of fixed pitch propellers
 Describe the inspection and maintenance of fixed pitch propellers
 State the purpose and use of snap rings on propeller installations
 State the purpose and use of propeller cones on some propeller installations
 Determine the amount of contact between a tapered crankshaft and the propeller
hub
 Explain the most likely indications of a damaged piston to dome seal in a
Hydromatic propeller
 Explain the most likely cause of engine oil leakage around the rear cone of a
Hydromatic propeller
 Describe the inspection and maintenance of ground adjustable propellers
 Explain how to balance a ground adjustable propeller
 State the purpose of ground adjustable propeller tracking
 Explain the purpose of the metal tipping on a wood propeller
 Explain the meaning of propeller blade “back” and “face”
 Describe the construction of two position controllable propeller
 Explain the operation of two position controllable propeller
 Summarize the removal and installation procedures of two position controllable
propellers
 Describe the inspection and maintenance of two position controllable propellers
 Explain how to balance a two position controllable propellers
 Explain the effects of propeller unbalance on engine operation
 Describe the process of detecting and correcting vertical and horizontal
unbalance in a two-blade propeller
 Describe the process of balancing a two-blade propeller that uses a separate hub
for mounting on the engine crankshaft
 Describe the construction of constant speed counterweight propeller
 Explain the operation of constant speed counterweight propeller
 Summarize the removal and installation procedures of constant speed
counterweight propellers
 Describe the inspection and maintenance of constant speed counterweight
propellers
 Explain how to balance constant speed counterweight propellers
 Identify the normal position of a constant-speed propeller during take off
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 Describe the method of making changes in the speed and power output of an
engine equipped with a constant speed propeller
 Explain the principles of two position and constant speed counterweight
propellers
 Describe the constant speed propeller setting used when checking ignition
systems
 State the purpose of a propeller control system
 Describe governor operation
 Describe the forces acting on a governor to produce speed control
 Explain the inspection and maintenance of propeller control systems
 Describe the installation of oil control plugs in governors
 Explain how manufacturer’s data is used to repair components
 Determine the direction of rotation for which a propeller governor is set
 Describe the adjustment procedures for a governor
 Explain the effect on engine operation of changing propeller pitch settings before
a steady oil pressure is obtained after starting.
 Describe the meaning and significance of “critical ranges” established for some
engine propeller combinations
 Explain the operation of a propeller during the feathering cycle
 Explain the operation of a propeller during a reversing cycle
 Explain the purpose of placing the propeller in a specified position prior to
stopping the engine
 Describe the relationship between blade position airspeed, and angle of attack of
the propeller blades
 Describe the construction of Hydromatic, full-feathering, reversible propellers
 Explain the operation of Hydromatic, full-feathering, reversible propeller
 Summarize the removal and installation procedures of Hydromatic, full-
feathering, reversible propellers
 Describe the inspection and maintenance of Hydromatic, full-feathering,
reversible propellers
 Explain how to balance a Hydromatic, full-feathering, reversible propellers
 Describe Hydromatic, full-feathering, reversible propeller system control
 Explain the operation of the distributor valve assembly on a Hydromatic propeller
 Describe the method of lubricating the pitched changing mechanism of a
Hydromatic propeller
 State the purpose and significance of preloading the pitch changing mechanism
in a Hydromatic propeller
 Describe the method of checking a steel propeller hub blade for cracks
 Identify propeller lubricants
 Explain the purpose and use of propeller lubricants for specific applications
 Describe the factors to be considered in selecting an oil or grease for a particular
application
 Summarize the general procedure to be followed when using the chemical
etching process to inspect aluminum alloy propeller blades
 Determine whether a bent aluminum alloy propeller blade can be repaired by cold
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straightening
 Summarize how to clean and protect aluminum propeller blades
 Summarize the procedure for treating minor nicks and scratches on aluminum
propeller blades
 Determine the blade pitch stop settings on a variable pitch propellers
 Describe the operating forces used to make blade pitch changes on various
types of variable pitch propellers
 State the location and purpose of propeller blade cuffs
 Describe the method for preventing ice formation on propeller spinners
 State the purpose of fluid anti-icing systems
 Describe the operation of fluid anti-icing systems
 State the purpose of electrical de-icing systems
 Describe the operation of electrical de-icing systems
 State the purpose of fluid spinner ice control systems
 Describe the operation of spinner ice control systems
 State the purpose of propeller synchronizer systems
 Describe a synchronizer system
 State the purpose of the governor step motor in synchronizing systems
 Explain the installation of a synchronizer system
 Describe the operation and maintenance of a synchronizer system
 State the purpose of synchrophase systems
 Describe a synchrophase system
 Explain the installation of a synchrophase system
 Describe the operation and maintenance of a synchrophase system

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE FAA AUTHORITY 147

SAFETY INSTRUCTION
 General
 Fire Drills
 Severe Weather
 Shop Safety
 Flight Line Safety

MODULE A RECIPROCATING ENGINE THEORY

 Power plant development and progress App. D, Sec IA Item 1, Level 1
o History, design and construction
o Reciprocating engine classification
o Engine components
NOTE: Practical exercise I-A to be conducted at this point
 Internal combustion engine operating principles
o Energy transformation
o Energy transformation cycles (Two stroke and Four stroke)
NOTE: Practical exercise I-B to be conducted at this point
 Work-Power considerations
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Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

 Indicated Horsepower (PLANK)

NOTE: Practical exercise I-C to be conducted at this point
 Friction Horsepower
App. D, Sec. IA Item 1, Level 1
 Brake Horsepower
 Engine efficiency (thermal, volumetric, and mechanical)
 Factors affecting power
 Distribution of power
PROGRESSIVE EXAMINATION

MODULE B PROPELLERS
 Propeller principles
o Nomenclature
o Propeller theory
o Forces acting on a propeller
o Propeller pitch
o Propeller classifications
 Fixed pitch propellers
o Fixed pitch classifications
o Propeller construction
o Wooden propellers
o Aluminum alloy propellers
o Propeller designation
PROGRESSIVE EXAMINATION
 Adjustable pitch propellers
o Ground-adjustable propellers
o Two-position propellers
o Multiple-position propellers
o Constant-speed propellers
 Operating principles
o McCauley constant-speed propellers
o McCauley governors
o Hamilton Standard constant-speed propellers App. D, Sec IIK, Item 37, Level 3
o Hartzell constant-speed propellers
o Steel hub propellers
o Compact propellers
o Feathering propellers
Note: Practical exercise II-A to be conducted at this point

 Turboprop propellers
o Operating principles
o Propeller speed reduction
o Power sections
o Propeller governing
o Reversible-pitch propellers
o Turboprop fuel control
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Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

o Hartzell reversing propeller systems

 Allied-Signal TPE-331
o Reduction gearing
App. D, Sec IIK, Item 36, Level 2
o Propeller
o Propeller control
o Cockpit controls
o System operation

 Pratt & Whitney PT-6

o Propeller App. D, Sec IIK, Item 36, Level 2
o Governor
o Fuel control unit
o Cockpit controls
o System operation
PROGRESSIVE EXAMINATION
Auxiliary propeller systems
o Synchronization systems App. D, Sec IIK Item 33, Level 1
o Propeller ice control systems

 Propeller inspection, maintenance, and installation

App. D, Sec IIK Item 37, Level 3
o Maintenance regulations
o Authorized maintenance personnel
App. D, Sec IIK Item 34, Level 2
o Inspection and maintenance
o Wood propeller repairs
App. D, Sec IIK Item 39, Level 3
o Aluminum propeller repairs
Note: Practical exercise II-B to be conducted at this point.
o Ground adjustable propellers
o McCauley constant-speed propellers
o Hartzell constant-speed propellers
Note: Practical exercise II-C to be conducted at this point.
o Blade cuff inspection
o Governors
o Balancing App. D, Sec. IIK Item 35, Level 1
o Static balancing
Note: Practical exercise II-D to be conducted at this point.
o Checking blade angle
o Blade angle adjustments
o Ground adjustable propellers
Note: Practical exercise II-E to be conducted at this point.
o Hartzell constant-speed propellers
o Blade tracking
Note: Practical exercise II-F to be conducted at this point.
o Troubleshooting
App. D, Dec IIK Item 38, Level 3
o Propeller installation
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Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

Note: Practical exercise II-G to be conducted at this point.

o Propeller safetying
o Operational check
PROGRESSIVE EXAMINATION

FINAL EXAMINATION

Alabama College System 11

Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

RECOMMENDED METHODS OF EVALUATION: The table of specifications below

identifies the number of enabling objectives/key indicators per cognitive domain level
of learning (Knowledge, Comprehension, Application) per module. The instructor
should develop 1-3 test questions per Knowledge Level of Learning, 2-4 test
questions per Comprehension Level of Learning, and 5-6 questions per Application
Level Learning. The instructor should use the following test item types for each level
of learning:

Knowledge: Alternative Response test items (true/false or yes/no)

Comprehension: Multiple Choice
Application: Multiple Choice, Short Answer Exercises

The instructor should ensure each student meets the performance and standards
published in each criterion objective. See FAA AC 147-3 Certification And Operation
Of Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools Appendix 1 for evaluation instrument
guidance and development.

TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS
Domain of Cognitive Domain Total Total
Learning/ Cognitive Performance
Content Knowledge Comprehension Application
Module A 6 4 1 11 4
Module B 18 61 4 83 10
Number of 24 65 5 94 10
indicators per
level

Alabama College System 12

Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

Cognitive Level Goal For Students Teaching Methods Teaching Activities

(Thinking)
Knowledge Knows common terms, Lecture Mnemonics
specific facts, methods, Computer Based Examples or Illustrations
Descriptive Verbs: procedures, basic Instruction Repetition
Defines, Lists, States, concepts, principles Video Summaries
Describes, Identifies Demonstration Reviews
Comprehension Understands facts and Informal Lecture 1. Teach to the Knowledge
principles Discussion Level
Descriptive Verbs: Demonstration
Describe, Explains, Interprets verbal material Participation 2. Explains and
Summarizes Interactive Computer demonstrates concept,
Interprets charts and Based Instruction principle or procedure
graphs learned

Translates verbal 3. Put students in new

material to mathematical situation, and instructor and
formulas students co-solve
employing the indicated
Estimates future concept, principle, or
consequences procedure.

Justifies methods and 4. Put students in a new

procedures situation, and the students
solve the new situation
using the concept, principle,
or procedure while
instructor supervises.

5. Reteach as required
Application Applies concepts and Demonstration 1. Teach to the Knowledge
principles to new Individual Research Level
Descriptive Verbs: situations Lab Exercises
Uses, Solves, Operates, Case Studies 2. Teach to the
Produces, Applies laws and Experiments Comprehension Level
Demonstrates, Constructs theories to practical
situations 3. Student must identify the
concept, principle, or
Solves mathematical procedure and use it to
problems solve new scenario

Constructs charts, 4. Reteach as required

graphs, or simple
mechanism

Demonstrates correct
usage of a method or

Alabama College System 13

Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

procedure
Psychomotor Level Goal For Students Teaching Methods Teaching Activities
(Doing)
Mechanism Learned responses have Lab Exercises 1. Demonstration
become habitual and Case Studies 2. Observation
Descriptive Verbs: can be performed with Experiments 3. Feedback
Assembles, calibrates, some confidence and 4. Reteach as required
constructs, measures, fixes, proficiency
dismantles, sketches
RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES: The table below links
the teaching methods and activities most effective for facilitating student
achievement of learning outcomes published in this plan of instruction.

Glossary of Terms
Plan of Instruction A teaching-learning plan which includes student centered
(POI) instructional objectives, outlined content, instructional and
evaluation strategies, and other relevant information needed
to guide the development and/or revision of learning
experiences such that students achieve stated educational
outcomes.
Industry Entry-level skills students must acquire during enrollment in
Competencies the course.

Course Objectives The overall goal of the course of instruction stated in broad
terms.
Criterion Objectives The terminal outcome each student is required to meet.
Criterion objectives are directly related to industry
competencies. There will be one or more criterion
objectives published for each industry competency.
Enabling The required knowledge and/or skill each student must
Objectives/Key acquire in order to have the best chance of achieving the
Indicators stated performance in the criterion objective.
Table of Specifications Used to ensure adequate sampling of student knowledge as
specified by the enabling and criterion objectives.
Cognitive Domain The domain of learning typified by thinking and focused on
the development of intellectual capabilities.
Psychomotor Domain The domain of learning typified by performing or doing and
focused on the development of motor skills.
Section Explanation
Course Description A broad description of key elements in a given course.
Course Used to identify courses taught in multiple disciplines.
Prefix/numbers
Co-requisite Course Course required in conjunction to the specified course often
in the form of a lab
Modules A grouping of interrelated knowledge and skills representing
a sub-element of a course.
Course Content A listing of topics for instruction in a particular course
Outline
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Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

Contact/Credit hours Specifies the recommended contact to credit hours for each
course. Mandates the total credit hours awarded for each
course.
Prerequisite Intellectual capabilities required for handling the academic
Knowledge rigors of the discipline.
Recommended Suggests test item options for measuring student
Methods of Evaluation achievement of enabling objectives. Suggests the number
of test items required to adequately measure student
achievement of enabling objectives. Mandates the
evaluation of criterion objectives.
Recommended Suggests the most effective instructional methods for
Instructional achieving stated learning levels
Methodologies
Directions for Use
1. Review the entire document.
2. Assess the industry competencies specified in the POI keeping in mind that
the stated skills are the target outcomes for the course.
3. Assess the criterion objectives written for each competency keeping in mind
the objective specifies the behavior each student must exhibit in order
to achieve the competency.
Adjust performance evaluation instruments to ensure each criterion objective
4. is addressed.
5. Develop additional performance evaluations as needed
6. Assess enabling objectives/key indicators specifying student outcomes
Adjust objective evaluations based on the guidance provided in the POI table
of specification to ensure adequate sampling of student learning
7. outcomes.
Evaluate current classroom curriculum and determine if learning experiences
support student achievement of skills identified in criterion objectives.
8. Adjust as necessary.
Review recommended instructional methodologies for teaching activities
9. appropriate to specified levels of learning.
10. Develop appropriate learning experiences for those skills not addressed.
Ensure specified contact hours are enough to cover existing and new learning
11. experiences developed.
12. Ensure adequate time exists to evaluate each student on all criterion
objectives.
13. Adjust course syllabus to reflect changes made.
14. If necessary, adjust school surveys to reflect changes made.

Alabama College System 15

Engine Theory and Propellers AMP 120

Alabama College System 16