Engine Removal & Installation
Engine Removal & Installation is a core knowledge area on the AMT — Powerplant FAA written exam. This hub collects our 16 in-depth, ACS-aligned engine removal & installation articles — each written in plain English and grounded in the official FAA handbooks. Work through them below, then drill the topic with practice questions.
Engine Mount Inspection and Replacement Procedures
Engine mounts are the structural link between powerplant and airframe; inspecting them for cracks, corrosion, and fatigue — and replacing them correctly — is essential for airworthiness and vibration control.
Engine Lifting Sling Selection and Attachment Points
Selecting the correct lifting sling and properly identifying certified attachment points are critical first steps in safe engine removal and installation, preventing catastrophic drops and structural damage.
Firewall-Forward Component Inventory and Documentation
A thorough pre- and post-installation accounting of every component mounted forward of the firewall—ensuring nothing is missing, incorrectly installed, or undocumented before an engine is returned to service.
Hoisting and Positioning Techniques for Reciprocating Engines
Proper hoisting and positioning of reciprocating engines is essential for safe removal and installation, protecting personnel, airframes, and powerplants from damage or injury.
Torque Sequence and Values for Engine Mounting Hardware
Proper torque sequence and torque values for engine mounting hardware are critical to safe, airworthy installations — incorrect application can cause fastener failure, structural damage, or engine separation in flight.
Engine Preservation and Depreservation Procedures
Engine preservation protects idle piston and turbine powerplants from corrosion and mechanical damage during storage, while depreservation safely restores them to airworthy service — both require strict adherence to manufacturer and FAA-approved procedures.
Cowling Removal and Installation for Engine Access
Cowling removal and installation are foundational engine-access tasks for powerplant technicians, requiring careful attention to fastener sequences, bonding, and safety to protect both the aircraft and the technician.
Fuel System Disconnection and Capping During Engine Removal
Proper fuel system disconnection and capping during engine removal prevents fire, contamination, and system damage — a critical safety and airworthiness procedure every powerplant technician must master.
Hoisting and Positioning Techniques for Turbine Engines
Turbine engines demand precise hoisting and rigging before removal or installation — improper techniques risk airframe damage, injury, and engine damage. Learn the FAA-approved procedures, hardware, and safety principles every AMT must master.
Oil System Draining and Line Disconnection Procedures
Proper oil system draining and line disconnection are safety-critical first steps in engine removal, requiring correct sequencing, contamination control, and regulatory compliance to protect personnel and the powerplant.
Electrical Bonding and Wiring Harness Disconnection at the Firewall
Electrical bonding and proper wiring harness disconnection at the firewall are critical engine removal steps that prevent arcing, static buildup, and post-installation faults in aircraft powerplant systems.
Engine Control Cable Rigging and Reconnection
Proper rigging and reconnection of engine control cables is critical to safe engine operation; improper adjustments can cause uncontrolled throttle, loss of mixture control, or prop governor failure.
Exhaust System Removal and Reinstallation Considerations
Proper exhaust system removal and reinstallation is critical for preventing carbon monoxide intrusion, structural cracks, and engine performance issues — demanding careful inspection and correct torque procedures.
Propeller Removal and Installation Prior to Engine Change
Proper propeller removal and installation procedures are critical safety steps before any engine change, requiring correct tool use, torque specifications, and inspection practices outlined in FAA maintenance handbooks.
Return-to-Service Documentation and Logbook Entries for Engine Replacement
Proper return-to-service documentation after engine replacement is a legal requirement under 14 CFR Part 43 — learn exactly what entries maintenance technicians must make, who can sign them off, and why accuracy protects both aircraft and technician.
Post-Installation Engine Run-Up and Leak Check Procedures
After installing an aircraft engine, technicians must perform a systematic run-up and leak check sequence to verify airworthiness before returning the aircraft to service—covering everything from initial start protocols to post-shutdown inspections.
More AMT — Powerplant subjects
Articles are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. ACS-aligned study aids — not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.