103.1 Define the following acronyms:

a. RADAR

Radio Detection and Ranging. Used in aircraft to detect objects, and indicate their range and relative position.

b. IFF

Identification Friend or Foe. Allows a friendly aircraft to identify itself automatically, when interrogated, before approaching near enough to threaten the security of other naval units.

c. ADF

Automatic Direction Finding. Two identical ADF systems are installed on the aircraft. Each system receives signals from radio range stations, commercial AM stations, and low-frequency nondirectional navigation aid stations. Each system provides automatic direction-finding capability.

d. TACAN

Tactical Air Navigation. Uses a bearing determining system to determine aircraft position and distance from a TACAN station up to 300 nautical miles to a selected facility or TACAN beacon. Primary navigation aid used by carrier-based aircraft.

e. TCAS

Traffic Collision Avoidance System. Tells the exact position or location of other aircraft traffic.

f. FMS

Flight Management System. Tells your position, fuel burn, rate of fuel consumption, guides the automatic pilot, gives time to way point, fuel required and airspeed. Similar to the INS system but better due to better accuracy. INS is a backup for the FMS system.

g. GPS

Global Positioning System. Works in conjunction with a minimum of three global satellites to provide exact location in longitude, latitude and attitude. Accurate within 3 to 6 meters.

h. INS

Inertial Navigation System. A navigation system that provides aviation and guidance data without reference to ground-based navigation aids. The INS provides steering guidance, capture, tracking, and leg transfer signals to the autopilot. It also provides steering commands to the flight directors and true heading, desired track and track deviation to the horizontal situation indicators.

I. VOR

Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Station. A ground-based electronic navigation aid transmitting very high frequency navigation signals, 360 degrees in an azimuth, oriented from magnetic north. Voice transmissions may be made by the pilot and air traffic control facility.

j. ILS

Instrument Landing System. A precision approach system that provides alignment and descent guidance to the pilot.

k. GPWS

Ground Proximity Warning System. Provides the pilot with a visual and aural warning of potentially hazardous flight paths relative to the terrain.

103.2 Discuss the importance of the Aircraft Static Dissipation system.

Static discharges are installed at the extremities of the airplane to dissipate static electricity with a minimum amount of radio interference. Static dischargers are located where discharge is likely to occur. These include the wing tips, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer and tailcone.

103.3 State the purpose of the C-9B/DC-9 Electrical Power Supply system as stated in the NATOPS Flight Manual.

The aircraft's engine-driven generators are the main electric power source. The APU generator is used for electric power for engine starting, air-conditioning, and other electric needs while on the ground, and as a backup power source in flight. For dc power requirements, four transformer rectifiers convert 115-Volt alternating current (Vac) power to 28-Volt direct current (Vdc) power for lighting, control circuits, and other dc components. Two nickel cadmium, 14-volt batteries provide emergency ac and dc power to essential flight instruments and necessary lights and radios in the event of a total loss of ac power. The batteries are also used for power to start the Auxilliary Power Unit (APU) and run the refueling system via the emergency inverter when normal ac power is not available.

103.4 Define thermal runaway as it pertains to aircraft batteries.

Thermal runaway is a condition in which the current for a fully charged nickel-cadium battery rises out of all proportion to the impressed voltage. It is caused by heat from oxygen recombination and an inherent property of most rechargeable batteries that causes their voltage to drop as they get hot. The battery can become dangerously hot, gas excessively, and spew electrolyte. During overcharge, the oxygen gas generated in the cells can pass through or around the separator and recombine on the negative plates. The oxygen recombination generates heat, causing the battery temperature to rise and the battery voltage to drop, so that it draws a higher charge current. If allowed to continue, the cadmium plate may ignite and burn.

103.5 Discuss the procedures for detecting and handling thermal runaway.

Check for the following conditions: If flames are present, use a CO2 fire extinguisher. If no flames are present, but smoke, fumes, or electrolyte is coming from the battery or vent tubes, spray the battery with low-velocity water fog. Never spray CO2 from a portable fire extingusisher into a battery compartment for cooling or to displace explosive gases. The static electricity generated by the discharge of the extinguisher could explode the gases trapped in the battery compartment.

103.6 Discuss the precautions concerning the use of radar.

a. Do not operate radar during refueling operations or in the vicinity of trucks or containers holding flammable or explosive liguids.

b. Do not operate radar when ground personnel are within 21 feet of the radar antenna. The transmission of radio frequency energy could result in serious injury.

c. Do not operate the radar while the aircraft is in the hangar or with the antenna directed towards nearby large metal objects.

103.7 State the location of the Electronic Equipment compartment (E & E compartment).

Access to the E & E compartment is located aft of the nose wheel landing gear assembly on the underside of the fuselage. Aft of the pilot's seat in the cockpit is an access panel to the compartment on the floor.

103.8 Briefly discuss the Fire Detection system:

The fire detection system detects overheating or a fire condition in either engine nacelle or in the APU compartment and alerts the crew by aural and/or visual indications. It is a dual system with 2 separate fire-sensing element loops and control units for each fire detector area.