Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul introductory year, foundation degree FdEng and top-up year BSc(Hons)

Why chose this course?

This programme is run in partnership with Marshall Aerospace, one the UK's major aircraft, maintenance and repair (MRO) organisations. It will train you for a career in the aircraft MRO sector and is taught by practising aircraft engineers at Marshall Aerospace's Aero Academy in Cambridge. You can choose to 'top up' to the Aircraft Engineering BSc(Hons) after graduating.

What will you study?

You will study:

• the essential facts, concepts, theories and principles that underpin engineering in general and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul engineering in particular;
• the aircraft, maintenance and overhaul industry;
• the roles, responsibilities and legal obligations of aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul engineers and the effects of them exercising their engineering judgement;
• typical aircraft manuals and documentation, how they are used and how to use them correctly and effectively; and
• the need for ensuring a clean working environment, to follow all safety precautions and to have a responsible attitude in respect to flight safety and airworthiness of aircraft.

You will also gain important communication skills, both oral and technical report writing.

In year 2 of the foundation degree FdEng you will progress to the core elements of aircraft mechanical, avionic and design disciplines.

Introductory year

The introductory year (initial Year 0) course helps to start you on a path towards achieving your aircraft licences or other aircraft related role. The syllabus for this one-year course is closely matched to the requirements of the EASA A Licences. Examination is by Kingston University exams, although it is an ideal programme to assist in working towards aircraft maintenance licences. You can choose to sit these EASA/CAA exams under your own, private arrangements at EASA examination centres.

Foundation degree FdEng

The foundation degree in Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul helps to start you on a career path in the aviation industry in a variety of roles. In addition to attaining an industry-recognised foundation degree qualification, this course also covers many of the knowledge requirements of the EASA B licence theory modules which can assist you in working towards aircraft maintenance licences. You can choose to sit these EASA/CAA exams under your own, private arrangements at EASA examination centres.

Top-up year BSc(Hons)

If you successfully complete the two-year FdEng, you may be able to progress to a BSc top-up programme (one-year full time or two-year part time) held at Kingston University.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 0 (introductory year)

• Aerodynamics and Electronic Instrument Systems

• Aerodynamics and Electronic Instrument Systems

  This module is designed to introduce you to basic aerodynamics and aircraft flight instruments.

  The combination seems unusual, but aerodynamics is about controlling the movement of the aircraft through the air, and the instruments discussed in this module show how the aircraft is positioned in the sky, so it works well.

  The module starts by introducing the International Standard Atmosphere and basic aerodynamic terms. This is followed by:

  • basic theory of flight, stability and lift augmentation;
  • cockpit instrument layouts, the instruments in the panels and the information displayed on the instruments; and
  • basic computer terminology, the use of computers in aircraft and the handling of static sensitive devices (all associated with the modern electronic display systems being used in aircraft).

  This module is designed to satisfy the knowledge requirements for EASA Part 66 modules 8 and 5 to Category A level.

  
   
• Aircraft Maintenance

• Aircraft Maintenance

  This module introduces you to the practical aspects of aircraft maintenance, including:

  • safety precautions and the use of basic hand tools and materials;
  • the use and interpretation of engineering drawings;
  • the practical issues of fitting electrical cables, rivets, pipelines, springs, bearings, transmission and flying control systems;
  • the safety precautions associated with ground handling of aircraft;
  • the disassembly, assembling and repair of aircraft components;
  • the storage and preservation of aircraft in storage;
  • maintenance procedures and the associated manuals and documentation.

  This module is designed to satisfy the knowledge requirements for EASA Part 66 module 7 to Category A level.

  
   
• Aircraft Materials and Hardware

• Aircraft Materials and Hardware

  This module introduces the use, properties and treatment of many different materials in aircraft engineering, including:

  • corrosion in metals;
  • the use of composite materials; and
  • defects and repair of aircraft materials are discussed.

  The second part of the module is concerned with the hardware used in aircraft, including the properties, characteristics, uses and identification of fasteners, pipes, bearings, transmission systems, flying control transmission systems and aircraft electrical cables and connectors.

  This module is designed to satisfy the knowledge requirements for EASA Part 66 module 6 to Category A level.

  
   
• Engineering Fundamentals

• Engineering Fundamentals

  This module introduces the fundamentals of engineering mathematics, science and electrical engineering fundamentals needed to complete the course. The engineering mathematics element includes:

  • basic arithmetic operations operations and calculations;
  • evaluation of basic algebraic expressions; and
  • production and use of graphs of mathematical data.

  The science section describes basic atomic structure and terms used in statics, kinetics, dynamics and heat theory.

  The electrical engineering phase of the module discusses:

  • distribution of electrical charges;
  • static electricity;
  • sources of electricity; and
  • terms used in both AC and DC.

  This module is designed to satisfy the knowledge requirements for EASA Part 66 modules 1, 2 and 3 to category A level.

  
   
• Human Factors and Aviation Legislation

• Human Factors and Aviation Legislation

  This module introduces both the human factor issues and legal requirements associated with aircraft maintenance of which the engineer needs to be fully aware.

  The human factors element explains how social, cultural, physical and psychological factors may affect the performance of an engineer. We discuss case studies concerning aircraft accidents and incidents, and methods of avoiding maintenance related errors.

  In the legislation element of the module, we cover:

  • the development of both national and international aviation legislation;
  • the relationship between EASA-Ops, EASA-145, EASA-Part 66, EASA Part 147 and EASA Maintenance; and
  • the applicable national and international legislative requirements.

  This module is designed to satisfy the knowledge requirements for EASA Part 66 modules 9 and 10 Category A level.

  
   
• Turbine Aeroplanes (double-module)

• Turbine Aeroplanes (double-module)

  This module introduces you to aeroplane flying controls, structures and some of the associated aircraft systems.

  The first part of the module introduces:

  • the operation and effect of aircraft primary and secondary controls at low speed and high speed;
  • the basic construction methods used in aircraft and the associated parts; and
  • methods used to check the accuracy of construction.

  The systems element of the module introduces:

  • basic mechanical systems - including flight controls, fuel, hydraulic power, waste and water, pneumatics, air-conditioning and cabin pressurisation, ice and rain protection, and fire and smoke detection, to name but a few; and
  • a number of avionic systems - such as electrical power generation and management, instrumentation, auto-flight, communication, navigation and on-board maintenance systems; and
  • maintenance procedures and basic fault finding techniques.

  This module is designed to satisfy the knowledge requirements for EASA Part 66 module 11 to Category A level.

  
   
• Turbine Engines and Propellers

• Turbine Engines and Propellers

  This module introduces you to the fundamentals of gas turbine engines, propellers and their associated systems.

  We first introduce you to the basic construction and operation of the various types of turbine engines and their major components, followed by:

  • the operation and basic components in the lubrication, fuel, air, starting, ignition, indication and fire protection systems; and
  • power-plant installation, engine monitoring and ground operation.

  The propeller element introduces basic terms associated with propeller operation and aerodynamics, followed by:

  • the basic construction of propellers, propeller control and over-speed mechanisms; an d
  • a basic description of propeller maintenance.

  This module is designed to satisfy the knowledge requirements for EASA Part 66 modules 15 and 17 to Category A level.

  
   
• Workshop and Hangar Practice (work-based module)

• Workshop and Hangar Practice (work-based module)

  This module introduces you to the practical side of engineering and aircraft maintenance. We introduce you to general engineering tools and give you the opportunity to learn and develop the basic hand skills required of maintenance engineers, including:

  • how to identify the appropriate tools and equipment needed to complete a task;
  • the manuals to use and how to use them; and
  • the documentation that needs to be completed whenever maintenance takes place.

  We expect you to demonstrate:

  • that you are capable of working correctly, effectively and safely with minimal guidance (once shown, and after some practice);
  • a high level of maturity, responsibility and integrity whilst completing the module;
  • key skills in areas such as self-organisation, communication, interpersonal relationships, team work, and problem solving and planning.

  During this module students will keep a record (log book) of all the practical work you complete and get the entries certified by supervisors. You will keep this record, which can be used to record the maintenance experience needed for a licence application.

  
   

Year 1 (foundation degree)

• Aerospace Workshop I
• Aircraft Introduction
• Engineering and Aviation Science

• Engineering and Aviation Science

  This course covers the fundamentals of engineering science and equips you with the scientific skills and knowledge needed for successful completion of the course.

  
   
• Introduction to the Aerospace Industry
• Technology Maths

• Technology Maths

  This course covers  the fundamentals of engineering mathematics and equips you with the mathematical skills needed for successful completion of the course.

  
   
• Information Technology 1
• Electrical Engineering A

• Electrical Engineering A

  This module is approximately 66% theory and 33% practical. The theory is delivered in a series of lectures and the practical involves laboratory work designed to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge gained in the lectures.

  The module starts by looking at electrical charge and how electricity is created, before moving on to look at resistors, capacitors and inductors. It covers:

  • the construction and identification of each component, alongside their uses, properties and characteristics;
  • the operation of the components in simple DC circuits (explained in the lectures and explored in the laboratory);
  • the principles of magnetism and induction (to explain how inductors work, and in preparation for the next electrical engineering module where the operation of generators and motors is explored).

  This module is designed to partly satisfy the knowledge requirements of EASA Part 66 Module 3 to Category B level.

  
   
• Electrical Engineering B

• Electrical Engineering B

  This module builds on the material covered in Electrical Engineering A, and in some ways is more important because it is more closely allied to the aircraft electrical systems that will be studied later in the course. However, you need a good understanding of the fundamentals provided in Electrical Engineering I to understand the material covered in this module.

  The module follows directly on from Electrical Engineering A by exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of DC generation. It then completes the DC element of electrical engineering fundamentals by looking at DC motors.

  Alternating current (AC) theory starts by investigating how the passive components discussed in Electrical Engineering A behave in AC circuits. You examine in class and tutorial sessions the relationship between:

  • resistance, reactance and impedance;
  • voltage, current and impedance; and
  • reactive, true and apparent power.

  In the laboratory you examine simple circuits containing combinations of resistors, capacitors and inductors.

  Finally you look at:

  • induction for transformers; and
  • the theoretical and practical aspect of AC generators and motors.

  This module is designed to partly satisfy the knowledge requirements of EASA Part 66 Module 3 to Category B level.

  
   

Year 2 (foundation degree)

• Human Factors and Aviation Law
• Aircraft Maintenance Practices
• Electronics and Computing

• Electronics and Computing

  This module covers:

  • the scientific fundamentals and concepts of the properties and use of materials in electronic engineering;
  • the characteristics and applications of electronic components and devices used in electronic engineering, developed to provide an understanding of the operation of computers;
  • the construction, operation and use of synchro and servo systems; and
  • basic fault diagnosis techniques.
  
   
• Aerospace Workshop 2
• Turbine Aeroplanes Systems
• Aircraft Propulsion
• Materials and Hardware

• Materials and Hardware

  This module covers:

  • the properties, characteristics and applications of aircraft engineering materials and how to identify them;
  • he chemical fundamentals of corrosion, and how to identify, prevent, reduce and remove corrosion damage; and
  • the types, properties, characteristics and uses of different types of aircraft hardware and how to identify them.
  
   
• Aircraft Electronic Techniques and Digital Systems

• Aircraft Electronic Techniques and Digital Systems

  This module covers:

  • the fundamentals of electronic engineering, introducing you to digital and computing terminology and techniques;
  • typical electronic, digital and computing components, equipment and systems found on modern large commercial jet aircraft;
  • the problems associated with the use of electronic and digital components, equipment and systems on aircraft, and the influence these problems have on maintenance procedures and practices; and
  • the basic knowledge and skills necessary to identify and solve simple problems on electronic and digital components and systems encountered as an engineer in the aviation industry.
  
   
• Avionic Systems

• Avionic Systems

  This module covers:

  • aircraft aerodynamics and the construction, layout and operations flight controls, airframe structures, aircraft electrical systems, aircraft internal and external lighting systems and equipment and furnishings;
  • an understanding of the aircraft as a whole rather than individual elements so that you are able to work effectively and safely in an aircraft maintenance environment; and
  • the skills and knowledge necessary to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, identify, investigate, analyse and rectify faults on the aircraft systems identified above.
  
   
• Advanced Avionics Systems
• Aerospace Workshop: Mechanical
• Information Technology 2