This course is designed to provide the students with an understanding of non-metallic aircraft structures, such as wood, fabrics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and other composite materials, along with various types of plastics found on aircraft such as windshields and windows. This course is also designed to introduce students to the basics aircraft finishing and of rotorcraft design, theory, and maintenance.
Prerequisites
Prior to enrolling in any Airframe courses, students must be complete with (or on track to complete) the General curriculum of Big Bend Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology, or otherwise complete with the requirements necessary to take the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for General as verified by the instructors of BBCC AMT.
This course is designed to teach and prepare students for the FAA Airframe Mechanic written, oral, and practical exams, specifically those parts of the exams that pertain to non-metallic structures and rotorcraft fundamentals.
Program Outcome PO4 Applies to this course: Students will be able to identify and explain FAA rules/regulations, as well as describe, identify components of, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of airframe and powerplant systems.
IO1, Communication: Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within a workplace context.
IO2, Quantitative Reasoning: Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.
IO3, Human Relations/ Workplace Skills: Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork, ethics, appropriate safety awareness and/or workplace specific skills
During this course, the students will receive training in areas pertaining to non-metallic structures and rotorcraft fundamentals using various methods of instruction, such as classroom lectures and lab projects. Knowledge items and skills taught in this course include, but is not limited to:
- Identifying and explaining different characteristics and defects of wooden aircraft structures
- Identifying substitutes and other materials used in the construction and repair of wood structures
- Describing aircraft covering methods, materials, and processes.
- Inspecting and repairing aircraft fabrics and wooden structures.
- Inspecting/testing of composite aircraft structures.
- Explaining and performing proper lay-up of composite materials
- Describing various composite manufacturing/repair methods and materials.
- Assessing damage to a composite component.
- Explaining and performing common composite laminate/honeycomb repair procedures.
- Cleaning, inspecting, and repairing of various aircraft thermoplastics such as windows
- Identifying mitigating risks associated with the maintenance and repair of non-metallic aircraft structures
- Explaining basic rotorcraft theory
- Identifying and explaining the function of various rotorcraft components.
- Demonstrating an understanding of track and balance operations and other rotorcraft maintenance items
- Identifying and mitigating risks associated with the maintenance of rotorcraft.