FdSc Professional Aviation Engineering Practice (with Foundation Year)

This module is designed to enable you to identify and develop skills for successful higher education study and transferable employability skills.  Delivery and assessment is designed to develop study skills through personal reflection and the identification of personal goals and communication skills.  The skills are core to any undergraduate programmes.

Assessments:

• Group presentation
• Journal 

This module comprises two parts: the first will look at the way human factors affect aircraft maintenance and flight safety, and the second will focus on the legal framework in which UKCAA Part-66 Licensed Engineers work. 

 Assessment: 

• Case Study 

This Module provides you with the knowledge required to select and use the appropriate tools, materials, drawings and equipment necessary to perform aircraft maintenance tasks. It also provides you with knowledge necessary to work effectively and safely in an aircraft maintenance environment  

 The module also introduces you to inspection, testing, repair, assembly and disassembly methodologies as well as the various philosophies that shape or determine the planning and application of aircraft maintenance activities. 

 Assessment: 

• Essay 

• Presentation 

The coursework will require you to produce a technical written report, related to materials and workshops. Whilst being summative, the assignment will also adopt a formative approach to assist you in developing, through feedback, your technical skills.  

You will be required to present an analysis of the significance of control cables in terms of overall airworthiness.  

 Assessments: 

• Report 

• Presentation 

This module introduces and provides an opportunity for you to develop the hand skills and basic maintenance skills needed by an aircraft maintenance engineer. The module is not intended to turn you into a skilled expert; rather it is designed to provide a thorough introduction and solid grounding for further training, practice and development. The hand-skills experience will include: reading engineering drawings, marking out, cutting, filing, drilling, and thread cutting etc.  

 As you progress, you will start to increase your skills, these will include: using maintenance manuals, following procedures, completing documentation, and fundamental maintenance activities such as: identifying parts, wire-locking, panel removal and refitment, torque loading, assembly and disassembly. At all times throughout the module, you will be expected to display maturity, integrity, good work practices and have a responsible attitude towards safety.  

Assessments: 

• Student Portfolio 

The module extends physics and mathematics knowledge to a level sufficient to underpin key engineering principles. It will prepare you for the applied mathematics and physics required in further study.  

Assessment: 

• Applied Assignment 

The principles of operation of gas turbine engines are examined using fundamental laws of physics, and the performance of a range of aircraft propulsion systems are assessed. The module also looks at the construction of typical engines by examining the various component parts (stages) of engines in detail. The layout and operation of engine systems (fuel, lubrication, air distribution, anti-icing, starting, ignition, power  augmentation and fire systems) are also studied followed by engine monitoring, ground operation and storage. The engines element of the module concludes by examining the construction and operation of typical engine measuring and indication systems. The material covered should enable you to inspect the various engine stages and systems and make independent decisions regarding their serviceability. 

The module follows with a look at the aerodynamics principles of propellers, their construction and performance, before looking at propeller assemblies and associated control and monitoring systems. Topics covered include: propeller pitch control, overspeed mechanisms, protection devices, synchronising and synchrophasing.  

 The depth of study is sufficient to enable system serviceability to be confirmed and basic faults to be investigated so that the action necessary to restore the system to a serviceable condition can be taken.  

 Assessment: 

• Essay 

• Report 

This module comprises both theory and practical exercises. The theory is delivered in a series of lectures and the practical involves you completing a series of laboratory sessions designed to reinforce the knowledge gained in the lectures. 

This module starts by looking at electrical charge and how electricity is created, before moving on to look at resistors, capacitors and inductors. The construction and identification of each component is described before their uses, properties and characteristics are studied. To aid theoretical information (explained later in the module, where the operation of generators, motors and transformers is explored) the principles of  magnetism and induction are studied. A look at DC generators and motors then completes the DC element of electrical fundamentals.  

 Alternating current (AC) theory starts by investigating how the passive components discussed within the DC element of the module behave in AC circuits. The relationship between: resistance, reactance and impedance; voltage, current and impedance; and reactive, true and apparent power, are examined.  

These  fundamental relationships are then applied to explain the construction and operation of filter  circuits.  

Magnetism and induction is then revisited for transformers, before the final section which covers the theoretical aspects of AC generators and motors. 

Assessment: 

• Presentation 

• Practical Competency Tasks 

This module is split into two parts: mechanical / aerodynamic and electrical / avionic.  

It has structures, aerodynamics and mechanical systems as its primary focus, requiring an in-depth understanding of the underpinning principles and a developed understanding of system layout, function and interaction. The mechanical section provides opportunities to analyse and assess elements of aircraft design, construction and mechanical systems. Aerodynamic principles are used to examine the Theory of Flight and how airflow affects the design and operation of aircraft. The system elements evaluate and describe the layout and operation of the main aircraft mechanical systems, including: flight controls, fuel, hydraulics, pneumatics, and air conditioning / pressurisation.  

 The electrical / avionics section is investigated in the context of the interrelationships with aircraft structures and other systems, particularly those requiring electrical power for their operation. This section includes an evaluation of Electrical Power Generation and Distribution along with Internal and External lighting systems.   

The module also gives an introduction to air data, gyroscopic and compass flight instrument systems and an overview of a number of avionic systems, including: on-board maintenance systems, integrated modular avionics and information systems.   

 Based on the above theoretical elements, and given a period of time to gain experience of the relevant systems in a maintenance environment, you should be able to determine the serviceability of a system, and investigate and identify basic faults in a system.  

Assessment: 

• Portfolio  

• Essay 

This module covers a combination of electronic fundamentals, aircraft digital systems / digital techniques, and aerodynamics.   

 The electronic fundamentals section evaluates semiconductor components such as diodes and transistors, and leads into basic logic gate operation and operational amplifiers. Transducers and synchronous data transmission systems found on aircraft are also considered.   

Digital techniques include the review and analysis of combinational and sequential logic circuits, and an introduction to the basic layout and operation of computers and the use of computer technology in aircraft. Aircraft specific databus and network systems, along with display panel technologies, are also studied.  

 Aircraft digital systems involves investigating the layout, operation and built-in-test equipment (BITE) of a selection of electronic and digital aircraft systems, including: Electronic Flight Instrument systems (EFIS), Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor system (ECAM), Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS), ARINC Communication and Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), Fly-by-Wire (FBW), Inertial Reference Systems (IRS), and the Flight Management System (FMS).   

 The aerodynamics element of this module will look into the need for a standard atmosphere (ISA), and describe the properties of the atmosphere as applicable to aerodynamics. Airflow around a body and the generation of lift and drag are examined, with relevant terminology and formulae being introduced and calculations performed. Lift augmentation, stability, and high-speed flight are also considered, as are the characteristics of a range of aerofoils appropriate to different aircraft designs. 

Assessment: 

• Student Portfolio 

• Essay