SECTION 130.453. Aircraft Airframe Technology (Two Credits), Adopted 2015  


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  • (a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Introduction to Aircraft Technology. Students shall be awarded two credits 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) Aircraft Airframe Technology is designed to teach the theory of operation of aircraft airframes and associated maintenance and repair practices. Airframe maintenance and repair practices include knowledge of the function, diagnosis, and service of airframe structures, systems, and components of aircraft.

    (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) evaluate 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) develop an understanding of how to estimate parts and labor costs on airframe repair orders;

    (D) 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;

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

    (F) perform precision measurements, including the use of engineering scales, dial calipers, and Vernier micrometers; and

    (G) employ critical-thinking skills and structured problem-solving skills to diagnose airframe system malfunctions, solve problems, and make decisions.

    (3) The student knows the technical knowledge and skills of aircraft services. 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, the construction, maintenance, and service of aircraft, and 100-hour and annual inspections;

    (B) demonstrate knowledge of aircraft categories as used with respect to the certification of aircraft based upon intended use or operating limitations such as transport, normal, utility, acrobatic, limited, restricted, and provisional;

    (C) apply the principles of basic aerodynamics, theory of flight, and the function of primary and secondary flight controls;

    (D) demonstrate knowledge of aircraft weight and balance and how repairs, alterations, and loading can adversely affect safe operation of an aircraft;

    (E) demonstrate knowledge of aircraft finishes and corrosion prevention and removal processes;

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

    (G) demonstrate knowledge of aircraft assembly and rigging procedures such as structure alignment checks, balancing flight control surfaces, removing and installing flight control surfaces, and jacking aircraft;

    (H) demonstrate knowledge of airframe systems and components, their functions, and detailed operating principles, including landing gear, hydraulic power, cabin atmosphere control systems, aircraft instrument systems, aircraft navigation and electronic communication systems, ice and rain control systems, fire protection systems, and electrical systems;

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

    (J) discuss the completion of logbooks and computer applications to maintain required aircraft documents.

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

    (A) demonstrate knowledge and a high degree of 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 and actual work situations. The student is expected to:

    (A) accurately calculate aircraft weight and balance;

    (B) accurately determine airframe component wear by using precision measuring and published specifications to determine if a given component is within wear tolerance and research necessary repairs;

    (C) build and fly a paper airplane with simple flight control surfaces that will predictably complete an objective;

    (D) research proper repair methods for a simulated repair and write a work order that calls out specific maintenance references and estimates cost of repairs;

    (E) create an appropriate inspection checklist for a given airframe based on regulated mandatory inspection points for an annual inspection and perform the inspection;

    (F) fabricate an example or simulated example of an airframe construction and repair method such as wood structures, metal tubular structures, fabric coverings, sheet metal, or composite structures;

    (G) describe the detailed function and operation of an airframe system using drawings and written descriptions;

    (H) construct an airframe system troubleshooting chart showing possible defects and resulting effects on system performance;

    (I) apply the essential knowledge and skills in aircraft maintenance and repair to work-based learning experiences such as cooperative education, job shadowing, mentoring, and apprenticeship training;

    (J) indicate and select proper products used in preventative maintenance for a given aircraft from appropriate maintenance publications; and

    (K) perform regular audits and inspections to maintain compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

    (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 the uses of 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 learns the value of and how to develop an occupational experience program as it relates to the aircraft industry. The student is expected to:

    (A) apply 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 §130.453 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 9123