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The books in the series have been designed for both independent and tutor assisted studies. For this reason they should prove particularly useful to the “self-starter” and to those wishing to update or upgrade their aircraft maintenance licence. Also, the series should prove a useful source of reference for those taking ab initiotraining programmes in JAR 147 (now ECAR Part-147) and FAR 147 approved organizations and those on related aeronautical engineering programmes in further and higher education establishments.

This book has primarily been written as one in a series of texts, designed to cover the essential knowledge base required by aircraft certifying mechanics, technicians and engineers engaged in engineering maintenance activities on commercial aircraft. In addition, this book should appeal to the members of the armed forces, and students attending training and educational establishments engaged in aircraft engineering maintenance and other related aircraft engineering learning programmes.

In this book we cover in detail the underpinning mathematics, physics, electrical and electronic fundamentals, and aerodynamics necessary to understand the function and operation of the complex technology used in modern aircraft. The book is arranged into four major sections:

1. • Introduction
2. • Scientific fundamentals
3. • Electrical and electronic fundamentals
4. • Fundamentals of aerodynamics

In the Introductory section you will find information on the nature of the aircraft maintenance industry, the types of job role that you can expect, the current methods used to train and educate you for such roles and information on the examinations system directly related to civil aviation maintenance engineering. In addition, you will find information on typical career progression routes, professional recognition, and the legislative framework and safety culture that is so much a part of our industry.

In the section on Scientific fundamentals we start by studying Module 1 of the JAR 66 (now ECAR Part-66) syllabus (see qualifications and levels) covering the elementary mathematics necessary to practice at the category B technician level. It is felt by the authors, that this level of “non-calculator” mathematics is insufficient as a prerequisite to support the study of the physics and the related technology modules, that are to follow. For this reason, and to assist students who wish to pursue other related qualifications, a section has been included on “further mathematics”. The coverage of JAR 66 Module 2 on physics is sufficiently comprehensive and at a depth, necessary for both category B1 and B2 technicians.

The section on Electrical and electronic fundamentals comprehensively covers ECAR 66 Module 3 and ECAR Part-66 Module 4 to a knowledge level suitable for category B2 avionic technicians. Module 5 on Digital Techniques and Electronic Instrument Systems will be covered in the fifth book in the series, Avionic Systems.

This book concludes with a section on the study of Aerodynamics, which has been written to cover ECAR Part-66 Module 8.

In view of the international nature of the civil aviation industry, all aircraft engineering maintenance staff need to be fully conversant with the SI system of units and be able to demonstrate proficiency in manipulating the “English units” of measurement adopted by international aircraft manufacturers, such as the Boeing Aircraft Company. Where considered important, the English units of measure will be emphasized alongside the universally recognized SI system. The chapter on physics (Chapter 4) provides a thorough introduction to SI units, where you will also find mention of the English system, with conversion tables between each system being provided at the beginning of Chapter 4.

To reinforce the subject matter for each major topic, there are numerous worked examples and test your knowledge written questions designed to enhance learning. In addition, at the end of each chapter you will find a selection of multiple-choice questions, that are graded to simulate the depth and breadth of knowledge required by individuals wishing to practice at the mechanic (category A) or technician (category B) level. These multiple choice question papers should be attempted after you have completed your study of the appropriate chapter. In this way, you will obtain a clearer idea of how well you have grasped the subject matter at the module level. Note also that category B knowledge is required by those wishing to practice at the category C or engineer level. Individuals hoping to pursue this route should make sure that they thoroughly understand the relevant information on routes, pathways and examination levels given later.

Further information on matters, such as aerospace operators, aircraft and aircraft component manufacturers, useful web sites, regulatory authorities, training and educational establishments and comprehensive lists of terms, definitions and references, appear as appendices at the end of the book. References are annotated using superscript numbers at the appropriate point in the text.

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