SECTION 130.454. Aircraft Powerplant Technology (Two Credits), Adopted 2015  


Latest version.
  • (a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 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 Powerplant Technology is designed to teach the theory of operation of aircraft powerplants and associated maintenance and repair practices. Powerplant maintenance and repair practices include knowledge of the theory, function, diagnosis, and service of 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) discuss 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 knowledge of the technology 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 to a variety of 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, including fellow workers, management, and customers;

    (B) follow work orders and related paperwork;

    (C) develop an understanding of how to estimate parts and labor costs on powerplant 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 powerplant system malfunctions, solve problems, and make decisions.

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

    (B) apply and understand the principles of simple machines, fluid dynamics, and heat dynamics, including Boyle's Law and Charles' Law;

    (C) demonstrate understanding of aircraft reciprocating engines, including the operating theory, cylinder configurations, functions, and service and repair methods and techniques for two-cycle, four-cycle, and diesel engines;

    (D) demonstrate understanding of aircraft turbine engines, including the operating theory, mechanical arrangements, functions, and service and repair methods and techniques for turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft engines;

    (E) demonstrate knowledge of powerplant systems and components, their functions, and basic operating principles, including engine instruments, fire protection systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, fuel metering systems, fuel delivery systems, inductions systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and propellers;

    (F) review the necessary steps to perform a reciprocating engine overhaul following industry best practices;

    (G) identify and select appropriate nondestructive testing methods for component inspections, including dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle inspections;

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

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

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

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

    (D) describe the detailed function and operation of a reciprocating and a turbine aircraft powerplant using drawings and written descriptions;

    (E) describe the detailed function and operation of a reciprocating or turbine aircraft powerplant system or component using drawings and written descriptions;

    (F) construct a detailed engine troubleshooting chart showing possible defects and resulting effects on engine performance of a reciprocating or turbine aircraft powerplant;

    (G) apply aircraft maintenance and repair essential knowledge and skills to learning experiences such as job shadowing, mentoring, apprenticeship training, and career preparation;

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

    (I) 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 §130.454 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 9123