Aviation Maintenance Technology

Students learn the flight control systems for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, rotorcraft aerodynamics, rotor drive system vibration and inspection, and the procedures of flight control rigging.  They identify and mitigate risks associated with working around helicopter blades during ground operations, the use and interpretation of cable tensiometers, and the selection and use of lifting equipment used to move aircraft components into place for assembly.  Students remove and reinstall a primary flight control surface, explain procedures to track and balance a rotor system, and adjust push-pull flight control systems.

Students identify different types of sheet metal, rivets, hardware, and types of airframe structures.  They will identify and mitigate risks associated with sheet metal repair practices and use of electrical welding equipment.  Students will install and remove solid rivets, develop layout patterns for bending and cutting, calculate rivet layouts, prepare and install a repair patch, and fabricate aluminum parts in accordance with a drawing.

Students identify different types of sheet metal, rivets, hardware, and types of airframe structures.  They will identify and mitigate risks associated with sheet metal repair practices and use of electrical welding equipment.  Students will install and remove solid rivets, develop layout patterns for bending and cutting, calculate rivet layouts, prepare and install a repair patch, and fabricate aluminum parts in accordance with a drawing.

Students learn the principles of wooden airframe construction, fabric coverings and repair procedures, types of composite materials, and the storage and handling of thermoplastics.  They will identify and mitigate the risks associated with non-metallic repairs and the proper storage of hazardous materials.  Students will clean and repair acrylic windshields, prepare a composite surface for painting, and perform a lay up for a repair to a composite panel.

Students will understand the operating principles of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, servicing requirements, and maintenance procedures. They will assess and mitigate risks associated with high pressure gases and fluids, the storage and handling of hydraulic fluids, and prevention of cross-contamination. Students will install seals in a hydraulic component, remove and install a selector valve, remove, clean, and install a hydraulic system filter, and service a hydraulic system reservoir.

Students will learn about alternators and generators, inverter systems, aircraft lighting systems, soldering procedures, and aircraft battery troubleshooting and maintenance.  They will identify and mitigate risks associated with the maintenance of energized circuits, routing and securing wires and wire bundles, effects of soldering, and maintenance in areas containing aircraft wiring.  Students will perform aircraft wiring and splicing, assemble an aircraft electrical connector, solder aircraft wiring, troubleshoot an airframe electrical circuit, install electrical wiring, switches and protective devices, and perform continuity tests.

Students will learn about fixed and retractable landing gear systems and components, position and warning system inspections and checks, brake assembly servicing and inspection, and alternative landing gear systems.  They will identify and mitigate the risks associated with high pressure strut and system disassembly, operation of retractable landing gear, and safe tire and wheel practices.  Students will inspect and service landing gear, jack an aircraft, troubleshoot a landing gear retraction check, remove and replace brake linings, inspect tires for defects, and troubleshoot landing gear warning systems.

Students will learn about fuel system components, characteristics of fuel types, and requirements of fuel system maintenance. They will identify and mitigate the risks associated with aircraft fueling, fuel spills, and fuel quantity indication. Students will inspect, troubleshoot, and repair a fuel system component, inspect a fuel selector valve, drain a fuel system sump, and remove and install a fuel quantity transmitter.

Students will learn about pressurization systems, bleed air heating, aircraft instrument cooling, exhaust heat exchangers, vapor-cycle systems, and air-cycle systems and components. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with oxygen system maintenance, recovery of vapor-cycle refrigerant, and maintenance of combustion heaters. Students will inspect, purge, and service an oxygen system, locate and troubleshoot a combustion heater, and clean and inspect an outflow valve for a pressurization system.

Students will learn about aircraft icing causes and effects, ice detection systems, de-ice systems, potable water systems, and lavatory waste systems and components. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with lavatory servicing, storage and handling of deicing fluids, and the selection and use of cleaning materials for heated windshields. Students will inspect and operationally check pitot-static anti-ice system, inspect deicer boots, and troubleshoot an electrically-heated pitot system.

Students will learn the types of fires and aircraft fire zones, overheat and fire detection warning systems, smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems, and fire extinguishing agents. They will identify and mitigate the risks associated with the maintenance on circuits associated with fire bottle squibs, the use of PPE when working on or testing fire extinguishing systems, and the health risks of various fire extinguishing agents. Students will troubleshoot a fire detection system, inspect a carbon monoxide detector, perform an operational check of a fire protection system, and inspect a continuous-loop type fire detection system.

Students will learn about the annunciator indicating systems, pressure indicating instruments, position indication sensors, the pitot-static system, built in test equipment, and head-up displays. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with actions in response to a reported intermittent warning or caution annunciator light illumination, and performing maintenance on equipment identified as electrostatic-sensitive. Students will perform a pitot-static test, remove and install instruments, inspect a magnetic compass, adjust gyro/instrument air pressure/vacuum, and explain the adjustment procedures for a stall warning system.

Students will learn radio operating principles, component location and operation, types of antennas, autopilot theory and operation, radio altimeter theory, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) theory.  They will identify and mitigate risks associated with ELT test procedures, wire harness routing, mounting antennas, and electro-static discharge. Students will check VHF communications for operation, inspect a coaxial cable installation for security, inspect static discharge wicks for security and resistance, and check an ELT for operation.

Students will learn inspection requirements under 14 CFR part 91, maintenance record keeping requirements, airworthiness directive compliance, the use of FAA-approved data, and compliance with service letters, service bulletins, and instructions for continued airworthiness. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with performing radiographic inspections, interpretation of inspection instructions, and maintenance record documentation. Students will perform an airframe inspection including a records check, enter results of a 100-hour inspection in a maintenance record, and record findings found during inspection.

Students will learn about the safety culture and organizational factors of the aviation industry. They will learn to assess and mitigate risks associated with the reporting of hazards, fatigue management, and condition-monitoring technologies. Students will demonstrate the ability to file a malfunction or defect report and locate information regarding human factors errors.

Students will review basic mathematic functions and calculate the areas and volumes of various geometrical shapes. They will solve algebraic equations and identify the appropriate process to solve various mathematical problems faced as an aircraft technician. Students will demonstrate the ability to calculate torque when converting from inch-pounds to foot-pounds, compute the area of a wing, and compute compression ratio.

Students will learn Bernoulli¿s Principle, basic fluid mechanics, Newton¿s Laws of Motion, and the theory of aerodynamics. They will identify and assess changes in aircraft and engine performance due to density altitude, and the aerodynamic effects a repair can have on a flight surface. Students will demonstrate the ability to convert temperature units, determine density and pressure altitudes, calculate physical forces, and compute the various types of mechanical advantage.

Students will learn electrical laws and theories, the different types of circuits and components, and about electrical measurement tools, principles, and procedures. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with taking electrical measurements, handling and inspecting batteries, and the safe handling of high-voltage circuits.

Students will learn to read aviation drawings, blueprints, charts, graphs, and system schematics. They will learn to interpret plus or minus tolerances as depicted on aircraft drawings, specifications for design of alterations and repairs, and the applicability of the drawing or schematic to a particular aircraft by model and serial number. Students will draw a sketch of a repair, interpret dimensions from aircraft drawings, and identify changes on an aircraft drawing.

Students will identify materials commonly used in aircraft and their general application. They will learn the characteristics of an acceptable weld, suitability and compatibility of materials, and the operation of precision measuring tools. Students will install safety wire, fabricate a cable assembly, and distinguish between heat-treated and non-heat-treated aluminum alloys.

Students will learn the limitations of a mechanic certificate, how to make logbook entries for return-to service, and the purpose of various FAA forms. They will assess the completeness and accuracy of documentation, utilize Safety Data Sheets, and identify the warnings, cautions, and notes in maintenance and operational manuals. Students will complete an FAA Form 337, review aircraft maintenance records, determine the applicability of Airworthiness Directives, and determine approved replacement parts for installation on a given aircraft.

Students will learn the various inspection methods and processes to complete aircraft inspection programs including progressive, 100-Hour, annual, and other FAA-approved inspections. They will identify the appropriate inspection method required for a task, risks associated with magnetic particle inspection, and how to identify properly calibrated equipment. Students will perform a dye penetrant inspection, perform a tap test on a composite component, and perform various visual inspections.

Students will learn corrosion theory and causation, types of corrosion, aircraft cleaning procedures, and about preparation for protective and finishing materials. They will assess and mitigate risks associated with the application of paints, solvents, and cleaning processes. Students will perform a corrosion inspection, prepare a metal surface for painting, layout and mask a surface for paint, and determine location and size requirements for aircraft registration numbers.

Students will learn the purpose of aircraft weight and balance, the procedure for calculating the arm, moment, and center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft. They will identify risks associated with jacking an aircraft, the aerodynamic effect of CG that is forward or aft of CG limits, and the aerodynamic and performance effects of weight in excess of limits. Students will perform weight and balance calculations, calculate the moment of an item of equipment, identify tare items, revise an aircraft equipment list after an equipment change, and determine an aircraft¿s CG range using aircraft specifications.

Students will learn about tubing and hose materials, applications, sizes and fittings. They will assess and mitigate risks associated with hazardous fluids, high pressure systems and components, installation configurations, and the use of safety equipment. Students will fabricate and install a rigid line, fabricate a flexible hose, and fabricate a flareless-fitting-tube connection.

Students will learn aircraft towing procedures, fueling/defueling procedures, airport operation area procedures, and various aspects of Line Maintenance Servicing. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with connecting external power equipment, ground services, and engine starting and general troubleshooting safety during engine operation. Students will perform a foreign object damage (FOD) procedure, use appropriate hand signals for aircraft movement, and inspect an aircraft fuel sample for contamination.

Students will learn about starter generators, voltage regulators and overvoltage and overcurrent protection, DC and AC generation systems, and the procedure for determining the correct electrical cable/wire size needed for specific applications.  They will identify and mitigate risks associated with maintenance on energized aircraft systems, routing and security of wiring near flammable fluid lines, and polarity when performing electrical system maintenance. Students will replace an engine driven generator or alternator, troubleshoot generating systems, inspect an electrical cable, and fabricate a bonding jumper.

Students will learn about engine speed indicating systems, the electronic centralized aircraft monitor, engine instrument range markings, and pressure and temperature instruments. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with damage to instruments and indicating systems, and engine instrument calibration.  Students will troubleshoot an engine oil temperature/pressure instrument system, identify components of an electric tachometer system, perform resistance measurements of thermocouple indication system, and inspect a manifold pressure system.

Students will learn the types, grades, and uses of engine oil, the lubrication system components and operation, oil system types, and inspection, servicing, and maintenance requirements. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with the mixing of oils, and the handling, storage and disposal of lubricating oils. Students will inspect an oil cooler and lines, perform oil pressure adjustment, replace an oil system component, and troubleshoot an engine oil pressure malfunction.

Students will learn the types of reciprocating engines, internal combustion engine principles, engine storage and preservation, causes and effects of induction system icing, superchargers and controls, carburetor heaters, and liquid cooling system theory. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with maintenance on turbochargers, maintenance related FOD, preparation for and ground operation of a reciprocating engine, and actions in the event of an engine fire.  Students will service an induction air filter, inspect a turbocharger for leaks and security, repair a cylinder baffle, install piston and knuckle/wrist pins, install a cylinder on a horizontally-opposed engine, and identify and inspect various types of bearings.

Students will learn turbine operating principles, the types and applications of turbine engines, causes for turbine engine performance loss, auxiliary power units(APU), turbine engine cowling air flow, induction system theory, and the engine anti-ice system. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with maintenance on compressor bleed air systems, operation of a turbine engine, and actions in the event of a turbine engine fire. Students will remove and install a fuel nozzle in a turbine engine, perform inlet guide vane and compressor blade inspection, inspect a combustion liner, perform an induction and cooling system inspection, and inspect a bleed air system.

Students will learn ignition theory, magneto system components and operation, the three electrical circuits of a magneto system, and turbine engine ignition systems.  They will identify and mitigate risks associated with advanced and retarded ignition timing, maintenance on engines with capacitor discharge ignition systems, and working around reciprocating engines with an ungrounded magneto. Students will set magneto internal timing, time a magneto to an engine, remove, clean, and install spark plugs, troubleshoot and repair an ignition system, inspect an electrical starting system, and troubleshoot turbine engine igniters.

Students will learn about carburetor adjustments, continuous flow fuel injection theory, Digital Engine Control Modules (FADEC), fuel system components, and inspection requirements for fuel systems. They will identify and mitigate risk associated with adjusting a turbine engine fuel control system, considerations during fuel system maintenance, and adjusting reciprocating engine fuel control systems. Students will inspect and repair a continuous-flow fuel injection system, remove and install a carburetor main metering jet, and remove and install a float-type carburetor.

Students will learn about reciprocating and turbine engine exhaust components and inspection, noise suppression theory, and thrust reverser components and operation. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with the inspection of exhaust reversing systems, exhaust system failures, and ground operations of aircraft engines. Students will perform a pressure leak check of a reciprocating engine exhaust system, inspect exhaust heat exchangers, and locate procedures for testing and troubleshooting a turbine thrust reverser system.

Students will learn propeller theory and operation, the types of propellers and blade design, pitch control and adjustment, propeller servicing and inspection requirements, and propeller ice control systems. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with propeller ground operations and propeller maintenance and inspection. Students will remove and install a propeller, check blade static tracking, measure blade angle, adjust a propeller governor, perform a 100-Hour inspection, and inspect and repair a propeller anti-icing or de-icing system.

Students will learn the types of fires and engine fire zones, the fire detection warning system operation, fire extinguishing agents, and fire system maintenance and inspection. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with container discharge cartridges, extinguishing agents, and maintenance on circuits associated with electrically-activated container discharge cartridges (squibs). Students will troubleshoot and repair an engine fire detection system, inspect a fire continuous loop system, inspect fire extinguishing discharge circuit, inspect flame detectors for operation, and check operation of press-to-test and troubleshoot faults.

Students will learn inspection requirements under 14 CFR part 43 and 14 CFR part 91, how to identify life-limited parts, engine component inspection techniques, and engine maintenance record keeping. They will identify and mitigate risks associated with a reciprocating engine compression test, and maintenance on reciprocating and turbine engines. Students will perform a powerplant records inspection, check engine controls for proper operation and adjustment, determine engine installation eligibility, perform a 100-hour engine inspection, and perform an engine start to inspect engine operational parameters.