Printed on 3/28/2024

Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics

32-486-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Full Time 64 Credits Learn About Financial Aid Available Times of Day: Day, Evening Location*: Oshkosh

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Aviation maintenance technicians play an important role in keeping aircraft safe and ready to fly. This program prepares you for Federal Aviation Administration certification which allows a mechanic to inspect and maintain U.S.-registered civil aircraft. Through hands-on training you’ll learn to inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain aircraft structure and aircraft engines. You’ll also learn the details of maintenance documentation, recordkeeping and certification, as well as how to read technical drawings and diagrams. This career field requires a high standard of integrity and ethics. Are you ready? (Transfer students, please see additional FAA information below.)

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (55 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Aircraft Fundamentals
    10-486-100
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10486100
    • Credits: 2.00

    Explore the principles of flight and the basic design of aircraft. Introduces students to the nomenclature, history, and configuration of aircraft. Students will also learn about the theory of flight, aerodynamics, and basic meteorological concepts.

    Prereq: Admission to the Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics plan
  • Aviation Records, Regulations & Publications
    10-486-101
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10486101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces the student to the Code of Federal Regulations that govern U.S. civil aviation. Generate various aircraft maintenance records that document: repairs, alterations, weight and balance changes, life-limited parts, and inspection status. Students will also study how various manufactures’ documents are used in the maintenance of aircraft.

    Prereq: Admission to the Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics plan
  • Aircraft Materials & Hardware
    10-486-102
    2Credit
    60
    48
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486102
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the materials, hardware, and processes used to maintain aircraft. Students practice the proper use of hand and power tools. Students will also demonstrate the proper installation, torquing, and securing of fasteners. Students will fabricate rigid fluid lines and flexible hoses.

    Prereq: Admission to the Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics plan
  • Aircraft Corrosion Control
    10-486-103
    2Credit
    60
    48
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486103
    • Credits: 2.00

    Apply the principles of corrosion control in the preservation of aircraft. Introduces the student to the different forms, causes, removal, and prevention of corrosion. Students will have the opportunity to also identify, inspect, and apply surface finishing materials to aircraft structures.

    Prereq: Admission to the Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics plan
  • Inspection Fundamentals
    10-486-104
    1Credit
    30
    24
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486104
    • Credits: 1.00

    Inspect aircraft and components to determine airworthiness. Introduces the student to visual, dimensional, and non-destructive inspection techniques. Use precision measuring equipment and perform magnetic particle, dye penetrant, eddy current, and ultrasonic tests to identify defective parts.

    Prereq: Admission to the Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics plan
  • Ground Handling & Servicing
    10-486-105
    1Credit
    30
    24
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486105
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares the student to operate in the maintenance environment by covering ramp safety, ground operations, preflight, engine runs, and aircraft servicing.

    Prereq: Admission to the Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics plan
  • DC Circuits 1
    10-660-110
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660110
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces electrical safety and program procedures. The course covers Ohm's Law, power law, series circuits, and voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter applications. Number powers, electronic notations, circuit component recognition and diagrams, resistor power ratings, color code, Kirchhoff's voltage law and atomic structure are also included.

    Coreq: College Technical Math 1 (10804115) OR College Technical Math 1A (10804113) OR Industrial Maintenance Math (31804308) OR College Algebra and Trigonometry with Applications (10804197) OR Intermediate Algebra with Applications (10804118)
  • DC Circuits 2
    10-660-111
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660111
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers basic parallel and series-parallel circuits and their properties. Examines the theory, application and design of series-parallel circuits, such as loaded and unloaded voltage dividers and the Wheatstone bridge. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: DC Circuits 1 (10660110)
  • DC Circuits 3
    10-660-112
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660112
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers capacitors and inductors including time constants and instantaneous voltage and current values of RC and RL circuits. Applications and various types of capacitors and inductors are discussed. Magnetism, electromagnetism, and devices, such as relays and solenoids, are also presented. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: DC Circuits 2 (10660111)
  • AC Circuits 1
    10-660-114
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660114
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers AC waveforms and different voltage values including Peak, RMS, Average and Peak to Peak. The operation of transformers is also included. Laboratory activities using the oscilloscope are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: DC Circuits 3 (10660112) OR enrolled in the Manufacturing Engineering Tech program (106233) and Coreq: DC Circuits 2 (10660111)
  • Avionics Fundamentals
    10-486-120
    2Credit
    60
    48
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486120
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the student to the operation and use of various communication and navigation systems used by flight crews as they travel around the globe. Learn how a combination of ground, air, and satellite-based stations are used by aircraft to coordinate traffic and avoid mishaps as they deal with changing weather conditions. Students will also use test equipment to evaluate proper systems operation.

    Coreq: Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Airframe Instrumentation
    10-486-121
    2Credit
    60
    48
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486121
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the operating principles used by aircraft instruments to detect and display information about the flight environment and aircraft’s performance. Prepares students to work with pressure, gyroscopic, and directional instrumentation. Electronic flight instruments, centralized aircraft monitoring, and crew alerting systems will also be explored.

    Prereq: Active in Aircraft Elect or A&P Mech plans, Aircraft Fund 10486100, DC Circuits 1 - 10660110, DC Circuits 2 - 10660111, DC Circuits 3 Aircraft/Elect 10620103 OR DC Circuits 3 - 10660112, AC Circuits 1 - 10660114. OR Prereq: Aircraft Fund 10486100
  • Airframe Electrical Power
    10-486-122
    2Credit
    60
    48
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486122
    • Credits: 2.00

    Learn how to maintain aircraft electrical systems. Component operation, power sources, and power distribution will be studied. Students will have the opportunity to install, terminate, and repair electrical wiring. Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of switches, relays, circuit protective devices, and electric motors is also covered.

    Prereq: Active in Aircraft Elect or A&P Mech plans, Aircraft Fund 10486100, DC Circuits 1 - 10660110, DC Circuits 2 - 10660111, DC Circuits 3 Aircraft/Elect 10620103 OR DC Circuits 3 - 10660112, AC Circuits 1 - 10660114. OR Prereq: Aircraft Fund 10486100
  • Aircraft Metallic Structures
    10-486-125
    2Credit
    60
    48
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486125
    • Credits: 2.00

    Apply the different techniques used to inspect, maintain, and repair metallic structures. Students will be able to practice designing, bending, forming, and installing sheet metal repairs. Installation of antennas and other avionics equipment will be covered.

    Prereq: Aircraft Materials & Hardware 10486102 AND Aircraft Corrosion Control 10486103; Coreq: Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Airframe Fuel Systems
    10-486-126
    1Credit
    30
    24
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486126
    • Credits: 1.00

    Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair fuel systems onboard the aircraft. Students will explore different fuel types, storage, distribution, and quantity indication sub-systems used in aviation.

    Prereq: Ground Handling & Servicing 10486105; Coreq: Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Aircraft Technical Drawings
    10-486-127
    1Credit
    30
    24
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486127
    • Credits: 1.00

    Interpret aircraft blueprints, charts, and graphs. Students will identify symbols, lines, and terminology used in aircraft applications. Students will sketch repairs and alterations made to aircraft.

    Prereq: Aircraft Fundamentals 10486100 AND Aviation Records, Regulations, & Publications 10486101 OR Aviation Regulations & Publications 10486161 AND Maintenance Forms & Records 10486166
  • Human Factors
    10-486-168
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10486168
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces maintenance resource management issues. The study of airline safety, human error in maintenance, human factors fundamentals, worker safety, communication, team work, situation awareness, and performance management.

  • Powerplant Instrumentation
    10-486-141
    1Credit
    30
    24
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486141
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces operating principles and use of engine instruments to detect and display engine performance data. Students will study the operation and use of mechanical and electronic systems for engine indicator and crew alerting systems. Maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of engine instrument systems and components will be covered.

    Prereq: Aircraft Fundamentals 10486100, DC Circuits 1 - 10660110, DC Circuits 2 - 10660111, DC Circuits 3 Aircraft/Electrome 10620103 OR DC Circuits 3 - 10660112, AC Circuits 1 - 10660114, College Tech Math 1A 10804113 OR College Tech Math 1 - 10804115
  • Powerplant Electrical Power
    10-486-142
    1Credit
    30
    24
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486142
    • Credits: 1.00

    Learn how the engine is used to supply electrical power to the aircraft. Students will study the operation of power generation and starter circuits. Practice maintaining alternators, generators, starter motors, and other electrical components on the powerplant.

    Prereq: Aircraft Fundamentals 10486100, DC Circuits 1 - 10660110, DC Circuits 2 - 10660111, DC Circuits 3 Aircraft/Electrome 10620103 OR DC Circuits 3 - 10660112, AC Circuits 1 - 10660114, College Tech Math 1A 10804113 OR College Tech Math 1 - 10804115
  • Aircraft Cabin & Environmental Systems
    32-486-330
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 32486330
    • Credits: 1.00

    Ensure the comfort and safety of passengers and pilots alike. Students will study how supplemental oxygen, cabin pressurization, and climate control systems allow for high altitude operations. Introduces students to the importance of maintaining potable drinking water and waste storage systems in creating a clean cabin environment.

    Prereq: Airframe Instrumentation 10486121, Airframe Electrical Power 10486122, Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127, Survey of Physics 10806139
  • Airframe Protection Systems
    32-486-332
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486332
    • Credits: 2.00

    Keep fire and ice from cutting a flight short. Students will study the operation, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of airframe fire detection and extinguishing systems. Students will be introduced to how ice is detected, prevented, and removed from the airframe and the proper maintenance of these systems.

    Prereq: Airframe Electrical Power 10486122 AND Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Aircraft Non-metallic Structures
    32-486-334
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486334
    • Credits: 2.00

    From wood to carbon fiber, students will explore the different non-metallic structural materials used to construct aircraft. Students will repair composite structures using the vacuum bagging process. Sew a fabric covering and dope it on a wing mockup. Learn how to install, clean, and repair transparent plastics used in windows and windshields.

    Prereq: Aircraft Materials & Hardware 10486102, Inspection Fundamentals 10486104, Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Aircraft Hydraulics & Pneumatics
    32-486-335
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486335
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares students to maintain fluid power systems. Students will learn the operating principles, design, and components used in aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Ensure airworthiness through the inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

    Prereq: Aircraft Materials & Hardware 10486102, Ground Handling & Servicing 10486105, Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127, Survey of Physics 10806139
  • Aircraft Landing Gear
    32-486-336
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486336
    • Credits: 2.00

    Service, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft landing gear systems. Students will explore the different configurations and components that make up landing gear systems. Wheels, tires, brakes, shock absorption and gear retraction are covered.

    Prereq: Airframe Electrical Power 10486122 AND Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Aircraft Flight Controls
    32-486-338
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 32486338
    • Credits: 1.00

    Apply concepts of aerodynamics and how to control an aircraft by adjusting the flight control system. Students will balance and adjust primary flight controls. The inspection and repair of control cables and associated systems will be introduced. This includes flight controls on both fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft.

    Prereq: Aircraft Materials & Hardware 10486102, Inspection Fundamentals 10486104, Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Propellers
    32-486-339
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486339
    • Credits: 2.00

    Explains the construction and operating principles of propellers and propeller systems. Federal Aviation Administration regulations and manufacturers' specifications relating to the installation, inspection and maintenance of propellers and their systems are addressed.

    Prereq: (Inspection Fundamentals 10486104, Ground Handling & Servicing 10486105 AND Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127) OR Aeronautics, Introduction to 10486124
  • Airframe Inspections
    32-486-340
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 32486340
    • Credits: 1.00

    Inspect an airframe to determine airworthiness. Students will research maintenance records, perform required inspections, and ensure the aircraft’s configuration conforms to approved documentation.

    Prereq: 10486120, 10486125, 10486126; Coreq: 32486330, 32486332, 32486334, 32486335, 32486336, 32486338
  • Turbine Engines
    32-486-341
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486341
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces students to the theory and design that makes turbine engines unique. Students will have the opportunity to perform different inspection, servicing, and troubleshooting tasks. The uses of special test equipment and proper operating procedures are also covered.

    Prereq: Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127
  • Turbine Systems 1
    32-486-342
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486342
    • Credits: 2.00

    Examine how several sub-systems ensure the safe operation of turbine engines. Students will learn about engine cooling, ignition, and lubrication systems. The safe operation, maintenance, inspection and troubleshooting of these systems are covered.

    Coreq: Turbine Engines 32486341
  • Turbine Systems 2
    32-486-343
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 32486343
    • Credits: 1.00

    Examine how intake and exhaust systems affect turbine performance. Students will study how these systems are designed to optimize airflow, suppress noise, and provide reverse thrust. The maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of components and systems is covered.

    Coreq: Turbine Engines 32486341
  • Powerplant Inspections
    32-486-344
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 32486344
    • Credits: 1.00

    Inspect a powerplant to determine airworthiness. Students will research maintenance records, perform required inspections, and ensure the engine’s configuration and performance conforms to approved documentation.

    Prereq: 32486339, 10486141; Coreq: 32486342, 32486343, 32486346, 32486347, 32486348, 32486349
  • Reciprocating Engines
    32-486-345
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486345
    • Credits: 2.00

    Learn how a reciprocating piston engine operates. Apply the theory of operation while running and evaluating an engine. Students will have the opportunity to disassemble, clean, inspect, repair and reassemble an aircraft engine.

    Prereq: Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127, Inspection Fundamentals 10486104, Aircraft Materials & Hardware 10486102
  • Reciprocating Systems 1
    32-486-346
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 32486346
    • Credits: 1.00

    Explore the sub-systems needed to ensure an engine runs reliably and efficiently. Students will learn how the induction, exhaust, cooling, and lubrication systems affect engine operation and service life.

    Coreq: Reciprocating Engines 32486345
  • Reciprocating Systems 2
    32-486-347
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486347
    • Credits: 2.00

    Examine the different ways precise timing of the ignition event is accomplished in aircraft engines. Students will study how aircraft magnetos, spark plugs, and auxiliary systems work together to ensure operation. Students will have the opportunity to troubleshoot, adjust, and service aircraft ignition systems.

    Coreq: Reciprocating Engines 32486345
  • Powerplant Fuel Metering
    32-486-348
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 32486348
    • Credits: 2.00

    Examine how the fuel/air ratio must be maintained to get the most out of an engine. Students will study how reciprocating engines use float carburetors, pressure carburetors, or fuel injectors to control the rate at which fuel is burned. Turbine engine fuel systems are also covered. Students will have the opportunity to install, adjust, troubleshoot, and repair fuel metering systems.

    Coreq: Turbine Engines 32486341 AND Reciprocating Engines 32486345
  • Powerplant Protection Systems
    32-486-349
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 32486349
    • Credits: 1.00

    Protect the engine from the hazards of fire and ice. Students will study the operation, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of powerplant fire detection and extinguishing systems. Students will be introduced to how ice affects engine performance, how engines are designed to remedy these hazards and the maintenance of these systems.

    Prereq: Aircraft Technical Drawings 10486127 AND Powerplant Electrical Power 10486142

    Occupational Supportive (9 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • College Technical Math 1A
    10-804-113
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804113
    • Credits: 3.00

    Included topics are solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. Successful completion of College Technical Math 1A and College Technical Math 1B is the equivalent of College Technical Math 1.

    Prereq: Alg – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 51+, Next Gen 250+, ACT Math 18+ OR Alg Prep 10834109 OR Math & Logic 10804133 OR Not pursuing a degree.
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting and revising. Through writing assignments, students analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Class sessions and assignments involve giving oral presentations and using computers.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR Not pursuing a degree
  • Survey of Physics
    10-806-139
    3Credit
    72
    90

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10806139
    • Credits: 3.00

    Emphasizes understanding basic physics concepts through laboratory investigation and applications. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, temperature, heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.

    Prereq: College Technical Math 1A - 10804113 OR College Mathematics 10804107 OR College Technical Math 1 - 10804115 OR College Algebra and Trig with Apps 10804197 OR instructor approval
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Expected Competencies


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