This module comprises two parts; the first looks at aircraft materials and hardware and the second covers the theoretical aspects of aircraft maintenance practices. The practical work associated with this module takes place in other modules in the programme.
Part one of this module starts by exploring the characteristics, properties, applications and typical heat treatments of aircraft ferrous and non-ferrous metals before looking at the properties, characteristics and how to repair typical aircraft composite and non-metallic materials. The content of this element extends beyond the EASA syllabus and there will be a greater emphasis on the mechanical and physical characteristics of material, their time dependent behaviour, behaviour under various loading conditions and features related to the service environment. The module also looks at the selection and application of different types of materials in engineering applications. Where appropriate, state-of-the-art problems will be discussed to illustrate the structure-property relationship in materials. The final topic of this part covers aircraft hardware, here the properties, characteristics, uses and identification of fasteners, pipes, bearings, transmission systems, flying controls, and aircraft electrical cables and connectors are examined.
Part two provides students with the knowledge required to select and use the tools, materials, drawings and equipment necessary to perform aircraft maintenance tasks. It also provides them with the knowledge needed to enable them to work effectively and safely in an aircraft maintenance environment. Topics covered include: tools and equipment and their use, aircraft drawings and manuals, inspection and tolerance checking, electrical measurements, disassembly and reassembly, aircraft weighing and weight and balance calculations, aircraft handling; corrosion prevention removal, assessment and re-protection, non-destructive testing, aircraft storage and preservation and finally aircraft maintenance procedures.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module covers the content of the EASA Part-66 syllabus for Module 6 - Material and Hardware and Module 7 - Maintenance Practices to the category B1.1 licence level. This module also covers a selection of advanced topics in material science including macrostructure and material properties, heat treatment, time dependant behaviour of materials and material selection for engineering design.
Topics covered include but are not limited to:
The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved primarily through lectures because of the theoretical nature of a large proportion of the material; the practical work associated with this module takes place in other modules in the programme. However, where opportunities exist to break the monotony of lectures with practical activities or demonstrations they will be taken; some examples could be: aircraft weight and balance, engineering drawings and EWIS. The module teaching team will also ensure that as many "exhibits" as possible are available during lectures and, where necessary, will organise visits to tool stores, workshops and hangars to view tools, equipment and hardware.
Students will be provided with comprehensive teaching material and, where necessary, worked examples and practice questions. Students will guided through the theory and worked examples in class; given questions, problems and, where possible, practical (class based) activities to work on during lecture sessions and in their own time. Feedback from regular, informal in-class tests and two summative in-class tests will enable students to gauge their level of knowledge and understanding and help them prepare for the written examination that takes place at the end of the module.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures/tutorial | 120 |
Guided independent study | 180 | |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
The summative assessment for this module will comprise a portfolio of in-class tests (two 1hr short ans. in-class tests,10% each), a written assignment and an end-of-module examination. The two in-class tests will focus on the knowledge aspect of the module. The written assignment will focus on topics requiring understanding such as corrosion identification, interpreting engineering drawings, weight and balance and maintenance procedures. The written assignment will be used to gauge student's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and it will also be used to assess the students writing skills.
The end-of-module examination will be a 3-hour, two part written paper. Part-1 (50%) comprising short answer questions worth 1 to 10 marks each covering whole syllabus. Part-2 (50%) answer 2 from 3 essay questions worth 25% each. The end-of-module examination intends to cover all of the module learning outcomes. This is considered necessary because all of the learning outcomes contain an element of fundamental, must-know knowledge; knowledge students will need to know in order to pass the aviation authority examinations for the licence.
The in-class tests and the assignment will be formative as well as summative. The results and feedback from the in-class tests and the assignment will enable students to gauge their level of knowledge and understanding and help them to prepare for the final examination. Feedback on the assignment will provide information on their communication skills and feed-forward for written work that is to follow in the programme. The coursework will also provide staff with an indication of the level of knowledge and understanding of the students and enable them to manage the teaching and learning.
Assessment - Aviation Authority Approved programmes
Students completing this module on an aviation authority approved training course will be expected to complete all of the assessment associated with the approved course. A failure to do may result in a loss of the benefits associated with study on an aviation authority approved course.
Details of the assessment students are required to complete on aviation authority approved courses will be given in the relevant course handbook issued at the start of the course. It should be noted that aviation authority assessment will be changed, if and when necessary, to ensure continued compliance with the approval.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1. Critically describe basic properties of engineering materials and be able to relate these properties to the microstructure of the materials. | Examination. Coursework. |
2. Explain different modes of failure of engineering materials and relate these to service conditions, failure mechanisms and microstructural changes | Examination. Coursework. |
3. Compare and contrast the different properties and characteristics of materials used in the construction of aircraft. | Coursework. Examination. |
4. Recognise and assess defects in and/or the deterioration of aircraft materials and hardware and determine the appropriate action to be taken. | Examination. Coursework. |
5. Explain the practices and procedures associated with aircraft maintenance, be able to select the tools and equipment needed for specific activities and illustrate precautions to be observed when using them. | Coursework. Examination. |
6. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter in the EASA Part-66 syllabus for Aircraft Materials and Hardware and Maintenance Practices (modules 6 and 7). | Coursework. Examination. |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Written Exam | Written Exam | 50% |
Portfolio of in-class tests | Written Exam | 20% |
Written assignment | Coursework | 30% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
The course material supplied by the module teaching team at the start of the module.
Hosford, W. (2012). Elementary Materials Science. Materials Park: A S M International.
Callister, W. (2007). Materials science and engineering : An introduction (7th ed.). New York ; Chichester: Wiley.
Federal Aviation Administration (1998) Advisory Circular AC 43.13 - 1B with CHANGE 1, AC 43.13 - 2A Combined - acceptable methods, techniques, and practices - aircraft inspection and repair USA, Englewood, Jeppesen
Larry Reithmaier and Ron Sterkenburg (2013) Standard Aircraft Handbook for Mechanics and Technicians. 7th ed. McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN-13 978-0071826792
Jeppesen Sanderson Inc. (2009) A & P Technician General Textbook. Jeppesen.
ISBN-13 978-0884875222
Jeppesen Sanderson Inc. (2003) A & P Technician Airframe Textbook. 3rd ed. Jeppesen.
ISBN-13 978-0884873310
Eismin, T (2013) Aircraft Electricity & Electronics. 6th ed. McGraw-Hill Professional.
ISBN-13 9780071799157
DeGarmo, E. Paul, Temple Black, and Ronald A. Kohser (2017) Materials and processes in manufacturing, John Willey & Sons, ISBN 0-471-0306-5.
Aviation Authority Approval - Course Material
Aviation authorities normally require approved training organisations to produce and maintain training material for the modules associated with the courses they deliver under their approval. Students on aviation authority approved courses will be provided with training material in accordance with the requirements of the approval and the conditions specified by the training organisation. Partner organisations may charge for this material.