SECTION 130.452. Introduction to Aircraft Technology (One Credit), Adopted 2015

(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 9-12. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course.

(b) Introduction.

(1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.

(2) The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster focuses on planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water and related professional support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment, and facility maintenance.

(3) Introduction to Aircraft Technology is designed to teach the theory of operation of aircraft airframes, powerplants, and associated maintenance and repair practices. Maintenance and repair practices include knowledge of the function, diagnosis, and service of general curriculum subjects, airframe structures, airframe systems and components, powerplant theory and maintenance, and powerplant systems and components of aircraft. Industry recognized professional licensures, certifications, and registrations are available for students who meet the requirements set forth by the accrediting organization.

(4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.

(5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

(c) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:

(A) identify employment opportunities, including entrepreneurship opportunities, and certification requirements for the field of aircraft maintenance and repair;

(B) demonstrate the principles of group participation and leadership related to citizenship and career preparation;

(C) demonstrate employers' expectations and appropriate work habits;

(D) discuss the competencies related to resources, information, systems, and technology;

(E) demonstrate awareness of the technical knowledge and skills related to human factors in health and safety in the workplace, as specified by appropriate governmental regulations and an understanding of personal responsibility in this area;

(F) demonstrate awareness of the technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to human factors in a successful and profitable workplace, and the role of the employee in creating that success, including personal responsibility; and

(G) apply reasoning skills to a variety of simulated workplace situations in order to make ethical decisions.

(2) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of aircraft maintenance and repair. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with individuals from various cultures such as fellow workers, management, and customers;

(B) identify requirements of work orders and related paperwork for repairs;

(C) locate, read, understand the function of, and interpret documents, including schematics, charts, graphs, drawings, blueprints, wiring diagrams, service-repair manuals and service bulletins, type certificate data sheets, supplemental type certificates, airworthiness directives, and federal aviation regulations and advisory information;

(D) demonstrate an understanding of metric and U.S. customary standard measurement systems;

(E) perform precision measurements, including the use of engineering scales, dial calipers, and Vernier micrometers, and use specifications to diagnose component wear and determine if the component is within tolerance of the specifications; and

(F) develop critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skills to solve problems and make decisions.

(3) The student understands the technical knowledge and skills for aircraft maintenance and repair. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate knowledge of aviation regulations prescribed by the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Volumes I-III, that govern mechanic privileges and the construction, maintenance, and service of aircraft;

(B) apply and understand the principles of simple machines, basic aerodynamics, aircraft structures, and theory of flight;

(C) demonstrate knowledge of aircraft categories as used with respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, including airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter-than-air;

(D) demonstrate knowledge of airframe construction and basic repair methods and techniques, including wood structures, metal tubular structures, fabric coverings, sheet metal, and composite structures;

(E) demonstrate knowledge of airframe systems and components, their functions, and basic operating principles, including landing gear, hydraulic power, cabin atmosphere control systems, and electrical systems;

(F) demonstrate knowledge of aircraft reciprocating and turbine engines, their operating theory, functions, and basic repair methods and techniques;

(G) demonstrate knowledge of powerplant systems and components, their functions, and basic operating principles, including engine instruments, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and propellers;

(H) demonstrate knowledge of aircraft common terminology and standard practices required to complete maintenance, modifications, and repairs;

(I) discuss the completion of logbooks and computer applications to maintain required aircraft documents; and

(J) demonstrate an understanding of the regular audits and inspections to maintain compliance with airworthiness, safety, health, and environmental regulations.

(4) The student understands the function and application of the tools, equipment, technologies, and preventative maintenance used in aircraft maintenance and repair. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate knowledge and basic skills in safely using hand and power tools and equipment commonly employed in the maintenance and repair of aircraft;

(B) demonstrate knowledge of the proper handling and disposal of environmentally hazardous materials used in servicing aircraft;

(C) research and understand the impact of new and emerging aircraft technologies; and

(D) identify and understand the need for preventative maintenance procedures and practices.

(5) The student applies the technical knowledge and skills of the trade to simulated situations. The student is expected to:

(A) start and ground operate an aircraft or simulated aircraft using a high fidelity flight simulator with a physical yoke and pedal device;

(B) research and locate appropriate documentation to perform a function in a written work order and complete the required logbook entry;

(C) draw top, side, and front views of various aircraft categories, including airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter-than-air;

(D) perform basic airframe and engine inspections;

(E) construct an engine troubleshooting chart showing simple defects and resulting effects on engine performance; and

(F) discuss preventative maintenance plans and systems to keep aircraft systems in operation.

(6) The student demonstrates appropriate interpersonal and communication skills. The student is expected to:

(A) describe and apply ethical and legal responsibilities appropriate to the workplace;

(B) demonstrate proper etiquette and behavior;

(C) identify benefits of personal appearance and health habits;

(D) practice written and oral communication skills; and

(E) employ effective listening skills.

(7) The student demonstrates knowledge of and how to develop an occupational experience program as it relates to the aircraft industry. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate knowledge of proper record-keeping skills as related to industry-based occupational experiences;

(B) participate in youth leadership opportunities to create a well-rounded occupational experience;

(C) produce a program of activities for a career and technical student organization or other leadership opportunity; and

(D) develop a work plan and budget.

Source Note: The provisions of this §130.452 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 9123