Saturday, July 11, 2009

My License


I got my Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic License! 07/09/2009

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Astronaut Selection

.5% of people that apply actually become astronauts.
Not 5% or even 1% but HALF of 1%, 0.5%.
So lets face it, that becoming a reality for me is actually not reality.
So, how can I help the ones that actually are going to be that 0.5% get to The Moon, Mars, etc.?
My new mission. I wont go there but how can I get others there for me?
To the books.

Completed Tests

Completed my
General
Airframe
Powerplant
Tests for the Airframe and Powerplant Technician License.

General 75%
Airframe 85%
Powerplant 88%

I passed but that never satisfies me. I could have done better.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Awesome images.

Atlantis Launch 05-10-2009

Herschel and Planck launch 05-15-2009

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The BIG tests for THEE LICENSE! Written: June 16th-18th. Oral & Practical: June 23rd-25th

GENERAL
Electricity


Oral Questions:
1. What component create an opposition to the flow of applied AC current?
2. How does a capacitor function in a circuit?
3. Why are nickel-cadmium batteries and lead-acid batteries not stored or serviced in the same area?
4. What does a simple electrical circuit consists of?
5. What is Ohm's Law?
6. What are the types of DC electrical circuits?
7. What changes occur in a DC circuit when the voltage is increased and the resistance remains constant?
8. What could cause a nickel-cadmium battery to go into a thermal runaway?
9. What are the functions of most multimeters?
10. What are the advantages of AC circuits?
11. What is meant by impedance?
12. What should be the specific gravity of a fully charged lead-acid battery?
13. What is the specific gravity reading of a fully charged Ni-Cad battery?
Practical Test Questions
Must demonstrate: Both of these and 3 other tasks.
1. Use measureing equipment to measure in a circuit or circuit components, at least one of the following: voltage, current, resistance, or continuity. [Level 3]
2. Determine the appropriates of measurements according to instructions/specifications. [Level 2]
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Weight and Balance

Oral questions
1. How is the "moment" of an item of equipment obtained?
2. What is the datum of an aircraft and what is its function?
3. What is "tare weight" and how is it used when making weight and balance calculations?
4. What is the primary purpose of aircraft weight and balance control?
5. When would you expect to see a positive or negative moment in weight and balance control?
6. When would you expect to see a positive or negative weight in weight and balance control?
7. What is meant by "minimum fuel"?
8. What is ballast, and when would it be used?
9. What undesirable flight characteristics are likely to result if the forward CG limits are exceed?
10. The forward CG limit of an aircraft is exceeded by modifications in the engine compartment. How can this problem be corrected without removing or changing any of the newly-installed equipment?
11. How is the arm of an item of equipment calculated?
12. If all the aircraft records are missing, how can the weight and balance information be re-created?
13. How can the effect of a new item of equipment on the aircraft weight and balance be calculated without weighing the aircraft?
14. What should be done concerning fuel when weighing an aircraft for weight and balance purposes?
15. What are the most common methods used to level an aircraft for weighing?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: plus three other tasks.
1. Demonstrates the ability to calculate weight and balance CG and complete aircraft weight and balance documentation. [Level 3]
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Fluid Lines and Fittings

Oral Test Questions
1. How is metal tubing classified in size?
2. How is flexible tubing identified?
3. What cautions should be observed when deburring the end of a piece of tubing?
4. What are the two types of flares used in aircraft plumbing systems?
5. What some of the advantages of flexible teflon hose?
6. How is flexible hose size determined?
7. How can you tell that a felxible hose has been installed in a twisted position?
8. What percent of the total length of a flexible hose must be allowed for freedom of movement under pressure?
9. What is the purpose of a quick disconnect?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: Plus 3 more tasks
1. Rigid line fabrication to include tube fittings, bending, and tube flaring. [Level 3]
2. Flexible line fabrication using replaceable fittings on at least one end. [Level 3]
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Materials and Processes

Oral Test Questions
1. Describe the basic principles of magnetic particle inspection.
2. What NDI methods could be used for detecting surface cracks in aluminum fittings?
3. Describe the principles of penetrant inspection?
4. What coding system is used to identify steels and aluminums?
5. How are aluminum rivets and standard bolts identified?
6. How can the correct grip length for a bolt be determined?
7. What is the difference between a general purpose bolt and a close tolerance bolt?
8. What type of cable is commonly used in primary control systems?
9. What precision measuring equipment can be used to measure the outside of an object?
10. Why should a micrometer be calibrated?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: Plus 3 more tasks
1. Demonstrates the ability to torque to specifications, and safety-wire aircraft components/hardware. [Level 3]
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Ground Operation and Servicing
Oral Test Questions
1. What procedure should be followed before starting a reciprocating radial engine to detect liquid locking of the cylinders?
2. What type of damage is most likely to result from liquid lock?
3. What methods should be used to aid reciprocating engine starts in cold weather?
4. How are aircraft fuels designated?
5. What information must be located adjacent to fuel and oil filler openings?
6. What are the results of using aviation gas in a turbine engine?
7. What are the physical and safety requirements for starting and running an aircraft?
8. When towing an aircraft with an airplane mover, what brakes are used when the aircraft is to be stopped?
9. What is a HOT START?
10. When may automotive gasoline be used in an aircraft engine?
Practical Test Questions
Must demonstrate: plus 3 more tasks
None listed that MUST be demonstrated.
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Cleaning and Corrosion Control

Oral Test Questions
1. What are some forms of corrosion?
2. What are some corrosion prone areas?
3. What are the tools for removing corrosion from anodized aluminum surfaces?
4. What aircraft parts are susceptible to stress corrosion?
5. What are the characteristics of filiform corrosion?
6. Why should only the manufacturers recommended cleaners be used on aircraft fabrics or plastics?
7. What is the cause of filiform corrosion?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: plus 3 more tasks
1. Demonstrate the ability to inspect for and identify two or more of the various forms of corrosion that affect aircraft. [Level 3]
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Mathematics
Oral Test Questions
1. What is the root of a number?
2. What is a square of a number or example of a squared root?
3. When would scientific notation be used?
4. When using the powers of 10, how many one million be defined?
5. What is the formula for the area of a circle?
6. What is Pi?
7. What is the sum of a large positive number and a small negative number?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: plus 3 more tasks
None listed that MUST be demonstrated but a Note is added to this section, The practical portion of the Mathematics subject area may be tested simultaneously when performing calculations in subject areas Basic Electricity and Weight and Balance.
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Maintenance Forms and Records
Oral Test Questions
1. Who makes the final maintenance record entry after a 100-hour inspection is completed?
2. What are the elements of a maintenance record entry?
3. Where should a description of a major alteration be recorded?
4. For how long should an aircraft owner retain a record of 100 hour inspections?
5. What records are required to be transferred with the aircraft uopn sale?
6. Where is there an example of a 100-hour inspection maintenance record entry?
7. What is the meaning of the term "time-in-service"?
8. Under what regulation is a mechanic with a inspection authorization authorizes to approve or disapprove a major repair or alteration?
9. A person who makes or causes to make a false or fraudulent entry in a record that is required to be kept could face what penalties?
10. Which maintenance record entry is required to contain the aircraft total time?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: plus 3 more tasks
1. Demonstrates the ability to write appropriate entries on FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Major Alterations, indicating performance of a major repair, and make appropriate corresponding aircraft maintenance record entry. [Level 3]
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Basic Physics
Oral Test Questions
1. What are the measurements for a standard day?
2. What is the energy of motion called?
3. What are the three methods of heat transfer?
4. What are the factors involved in work?
5. What is standard day temperature in degrees F?
6. What is relative humidity?
7. What is the formula for computing force, given pressure and area?
8. What are three states of matter?
Practical Test Questions
Must demonstrate: plus 3 more tasks
None listed that MUST be demonstrated.
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Maintenance Publications
Oral Test Questions
1. Where can a list of approved engines for an aircraft be found?
2. How can you find out if an airplane can be certificated in more than one category?
3. What is the purpose of an AD?
4. When must an AD's be complied with?
5. Airworthiness certificated are issued under what part of the CFR's?
6. Type certificated for engines are issued under what section of the CFR's?
7. Are AD's automatically issued to certificated mechanics?
8. How would you determine that the maintenance manual being used is current?
9. 14 CFR FAR 43 Appendix D may be used for what part of an inspection?
10. How can a mechanic determine if the repair is major or minor?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: plus 3 more tasks
1. Read, comprehend, and apply information contained in a manufacturer's maintenance manual or illustrated parts manual. [Level 3]
2. Locate and list all applicable ADs for at least one particular make, model, and serial number of an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance. [Level 2]
BASIC PRINCIPLES


Aviation Mechanics Privileges and Limitations
Oral Test Questions
1. What part of the CFR's prescribes the certification requirements for a mechanic?
2. How soon after moving must a mechanic notify the FAA of the change in address?
3. What may a certificated mechanic accomplish on an aircraft?
4. What type of maintenance may a mechanic perform on an instrument?
5. In addition to performing maintenance, what may an airframe mechanic perform?
6. Wher can the minimum requirements for a 100/annual inspection be found?
7. What is the duration of a mechanic's certificate?
8. How long must a person wait before reapplying for a certificate after a revocation?
9. May a pilot perform any maintenance to their aircraft?
Practical Test Questions
Must Demonstrate: plus 4 more tasks
None listed that MUST be demonstrated.
BASIC PRINCIPLES

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airframe

Wood structures

Aircraft Covering

Aircraft Finishes

Sheet Metal and Non-Metallic Structures

Welding

Assembly and Rigging

Airframe Inspection

Aircraft Landing Gear Systems

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems

Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems

Aircraft Instrument Systems

Communication and Navigation Systems

Aircraft Fueling Systems

Aircraft Electrical Systems

Position and Warning System

Ice and Rain Control Systems

Fire Protection Systems

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Powerplant

Reciprocating Engines

Turbine Engines

Engine Inspection

Engine Instrument Systems

Engine Fire Protection Systems

Engine Electrical Systems

Lubrication Systems

Ignition Starting Systems

Fuel Metering Systems

Engine Fuel Systems

Induction and Engine Airflow Systems

Engine Cooling Systems

Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems

Propellers

Turbine Powered Auxiliary Power Units


----------------------------------------------------------------
June 2009

1st
Electricity
Aircraft Drawings
Weight and Balance
Fluid Lines and Fittings

2nd
Materical and Processes
Ground Operations and Servicing
Cleaning and Corrosion Control
Mathematics

3rd
Maintenance Forms and Records
Basic Physics
Maintenance Publications
Privileges and Limitations

4th
Wood Structures
Covering
Finishes
Sheet Metal and Non-Metallic Structures

5th
Welding
Assembly and Rigging
Inspection
Landing Gear

6th
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems
Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems
Instrument Systems
Communication and Navigation Systems

7th
Fuel Systems
Electrical Systems
Position and Warning Systems
Ice and Rain Control Systems

8th
Fire Protection
Recip. Engines
Turbine Engines
Engine Inspection

9th
engine instrument systems
engine fire protection systems
engine electrical systems
lubrication systems

10th
ignition and starting systems
fuel metering
fuel systems
induction and airflow

11th
cooling systems
exhaust and reverser
props
apu's

12th
Review

13th
Review

14th
Review

15th
Review

-------------------------------------------------------------
Blackhawk Technical College Aircraft

CESSNA'S

150E
1965
N232BT
S/N:15061302

172
1957
N233BT
S/N:29977

U206C
1967
N3967G
U206-0967

TU206C
1965
N3958G
U206-0958

210
1960
N9442T
S/N:57242

BEECHCRAFT'S

BARON
T42A/B55B
1965
N242BT
S/N:65-12702

KING AIR
C-90
1971
N90WJ
LJ-525

BEECHCRAFT G18S
1962
N604DK

SABRELINER
T-39A
1961
N21092
S/N:61-0639

BELL'S

HUEY
UH1H
1970
70-16-283
S/N:12588

BELL 47
1954
52-7893
SNOH13G
AAB12588

SIKORSKY'S

HH3F
1968
COAST GUARD #1467

HH3F
1988
COAST GUARD #1479



























Monday, June 1, 2009

The Moon 06-01-2009 From my Cellphone

Sorry I'm not the best photographer and plus, this was with my phone people!! I did my best!! I set up my telescope, TeleStar Meade D=114mm F=1000mm f/8.8 with (long range) MEADE MH9mm (close range) MEADE MA25mm.

































Tuesday, May 26, 2009

STS-127


STS-127
Launch Target: 6:17 a.m. CDT – June 13, 2009
Mission Duration: 16 days
"Space shuttle mission STS-127 is the 32nd construction flight of the International Space Station and the final of a series of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex.
Mark L. Polansky will command the shuttle Endeavour for STS-127. (Look for him on Twitter! Astro_127).
Douglas G. Hurley will serve as the pilot.
Mission specialists are Christopher J. Cassidy, Thomas H. Marshburn, David A. Wolf and Julie Payette, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut.
The mission will deliver Timothy L. Kopra to the station as a flight engineer and science officer and return Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata to Earth.
Hurley, Cassidy, Marshburn and Kopra will be making their first trips to space.
Endeavour sets sail on its 23rd mission with the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section.
The facility will provide a type of "front porch" for experiments in the exposed environment, and a robotic arm that will be attached to the Kibo Pressurized Module and used to position experiments outside the station.
The mission will include five spacewalks. STS-127 is the 29th shuttle mission to the International Space Station."


"STS127-S-001 (February 2009) --- Space Shuttle mission STS-127 is the 32nd construction flight of the International Space Station (ISS) and the final of a series of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese "Kibo" laboratory complex. In addition to delivering, installing, and servicing an external scientific platform that will be attached to the end of the Japanese module, STS-127 will bring up a new ISS crew member and return another one to Earth, replace vital components of the ISS electrical production system, and transfer various pieces of hardware to ISS. Five spacewalks and the operation of four different robotic arms will be required to accomplish these tasks over 10 days. A crew spokesperson had the following words for the patch. "Bathed in sunlight, the blue Earth is represented without boundaries to remind us that we all share this world. In the center, the golden flight path of the space shuttle turns into the three distinctive rays of the astronaut symbol culminating in the star-like emblem characteristic of the Japanese Space Agency, yet soaring further into space as it paves the way for future voyages and discoveries for all humankind." The NASA insignia design for shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced."