Higher Technician in Aeromechanical Maintenance of Turbine Engine Aircraft

Diploma of Higher Education in the Aeromechanical Maintenance of Turbine Engine Aircraft

PROFILE OF SKILLS AND COMPETENCES  

The holder has acquired general skills relating to carrying out programmed and corrective maintenance of engines, airframe and mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems of turbine engine aircraft, both on a line and in the hangar and workshop. He or she also participates in the manufacturing and assembly processes of components, applying the regulations in force and the required quality in accordance with the technical documentation, complying with specific aeronautical regulations, the occupational risk prevention and environmental protection plans, and participating in maintenance management.  

Within this framework, each PROFESSIONAL MODULE includes the following LEARNING RESULTS that the holder acquires.  

"Fundamentals of Electricity”.  

The program covers the fundamentals of electricity, including laws and rules governing it, and describes components and elements of direct current circuits. It involves calculations for both direct and alternating current circuits, as well as principles of electromagnetism and characteristics of machines. This includes direct and alternating current machines, along with calculating operating parameters of transformers based on governing principles.  

“Fundamentals of Electronics in Aeromechanics”.  

The program covers measuring basic parameters of semiconductor diodes and thyristors, understanding their operation and circuit applications. It characterizes transistors' principles and usage, along with linear integrated circuits, operational amplifiers, and logic circuits in avionics equipment. Additionally, it defines printed circuit board usage, manufacturing techniques, and constituent elements. Lastly, it explains systems based on servomechanisms, detailing the operating principles of their components.  

“Digital Techniques and Electronic Instrument Systems in Aeromechanics”.  

The program encompasses various aspects, including conversion operations between numbering systems, data bus operation in aircraft systems, logic circuit construction, and microprocessor elements and operation. It also covers data transmission via optical fiber, electronic display devices in aircraft, and effects of electrostatic charges and electromagnetic environments. Additionally, it addresses unapproved software changes' effects on aircraft airworthiness and the layout of electronic systems and associated equipment. Lastly, it covers materials, equipment, and tools in aeromechanics, along with credit equivalence.  

“Materials, Equipment and Tools in Aeronautics”.  

The program covers various aspects of aircraft materials and structures. It characterizes metallic materials, composite materials, and non-metallic materials used in aircraft, along with repair techniques for composite and wooden structures. It also addresses corrosion defects, fastening devices, pipes, hoses, mechanisms for movement transmission, and electrical cables and connectors, detailing their characteristics, applications, and specifications, as well as relevant physical laws and identification codes. 

“Maintenance Practices with Aircraft Mechanical Elements”.  

The program emphasizes workshop safety regulations and usage criteria, analyzing tasks before execution. It involves operations with maintenance tools and testing equipment, as well as interpreting plans and diagrams. Tolerance adjustment methods are applied, and machining, assembly, and maintenance operations on pipes and tubes are performed. It also covers assembly and maintenance of springs, bearings, transmissions, and cables, along with joining elements using rivets or adhesives, and machining operations on composite materials. Finally, it includes disassembly, inspection, repair, and assembly techniques. 

“Maintenance Practices with Aircraft Avionics Elements and Services”.  

The program involves applying aircraft maintenance procedures with adherence to quality standards. It includes connecting and splicing electrical cables, checking aircraft systems with avionics testing equipment, and performing various welding techniques. Additionally, it covers calculating aircraft mass and centering, stewardship and hangar tasks, and characterizing inspection processes for abnormal events and their potential impact on aircraft navigability. 

“Basic Aerodynamics”.  

The program involves calculating aerodynamic performance through the interpretation and application of equations in aerodynamics. It defines phenomena around bodies immersed in air currents, lift and drag coefficients in aerodynamic profiles, and the generation of vortices and their effects on wings. Additionally, it covers flight characteristics and parameters in various situations, as well as the concept of aerodynamic stability of an aircraft and its performance in flight relative to selected reference axes. 

“Human Factors”.  

The program explores factors affecting maintenance technicians' performance, considering human limitations and the role of social psychology. It evaluates how the physical environment influences tasks and communication's impact on aircraft maintenance. It also addresses causes of human error and proposes measures to prevent occupational risks, aligning with existing regulations. Additionally, it covers selecting job opportunities, understanding labor rights and obligations, and the protective role of the Social Security system regarding various contingencies and benefits. 

“Aeronautical Legislation”.  

The program covers the international and European regulatory framework, interpreting established regulations. It includes selecting instructions governing aircraft maintenance and commercial air transport activities, analyzing European regulations. Additionally, it defines regulatory procedures for aircraft design and manufacturing organizations, and types of reports and controls in the maintenance environment, focusing on relevant regulatory aspects. 

“Aerodynamics, Electrical and Avionics Systems of Turbine Engines”.  

The program delves into analogue and digital cockpit instrumentation systems, avionics, autopilot, communications, and navigation systems, as well as the electrical system of aircraft, including generation, regulation, distribution, and protection. It covers different types of aircraft lights and maintenance procedures for electrical and lighting systems. Additionally, it addresses integrated modular avionics (I.M.A.) systems, maintenance systems onboard aircraft, passenger entertainment and communication units, and the air traffic and information management system, detailing their characteristics and operation.  

“Aerodynamics, Structures and Flight Control Systems of Turbine Engine Aircraft”.  

The program encompasses understanding flight control systems and their aerodynamic effects, analyzing constituent elements and operating systems. It also covers effects on aerodynamic forces in high-speed flight, considering air compressibility. Additionally, it identifies aircraft structure elements, functionality, and airworthiness requirements, justifying construction processes and related safety measures. Maintenance operations on aircraft structures and flight controls are performed following established procedures. Lastly, it defines anchoring and balancing conditions for aircraft elements, detailing manufacturing and assembly techniques. 

“Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Landing Gear Systems”.  

The program covers various aircraft systems and maintenance procedures. It characterizes the landing gear, fuel system, hydraulic power generation, pressurization, air conditioning, pneumatic, and vacuum systems, detailing their operation and basic components. Maintenance tasks for each system are performed according to specific manuals and standards, ensuring adherence to established procedures. This comprehensive approach ensures the safe and efficient operation of these critical aircraft systems. 

“Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Oxygen, Water and Protection Systems”.  

The program covers various aircraft systems and safety measures. It characterizes oxygen systems, fire extinguishing and warning systems, ice and rain protection systems, water supply systems, and security systems related to furniture, accessories, and cargo. Maintenance operations on equipment and accessories are performed following established procedures outlined in manuals, ensuring proper functionality and safety measures are maintained for all aspects of aircraft operation. 

“Motores de turbinas de gas” (Gas Turbine Engines).  

The program encompasses gas turbine engine operations and maintenance procedures. It characterizes engine variation, identifies engine components, and describes different types of gas turbine engines and their performance. Additionally, it covers lubrication and fuel supply control systems, pressurized air supply systems, and start-up systems. Maintenance operations on engines and their components are performed according to specific manuals, ensuring proper verification and conservation procedures are followed for optimal engine performance and safety on the ground.  

“Propellers”.   

The program covers aircraft propeller systems comprehensively. It characterizes propeller elements and their functions, calculates aerodynamic forces, and analyzes control mechanisms. Maintenance and installation procedures are performed according to manufacturing systems. Additionally, it addresses defrosting systems and storage procedures for idle propellers. This ensures proper understanding and handling of propeller systems, optimizing their performance and ensuring safety in flight operations and maintenance.  

“Project on the Aeromechanical Maintenance of Turbine Engine Aircraft”.  

The program identifies sector needs and aligns them with suitable projects. It designs projects aligned with diploma skills, detailing each phase. Planning includes intervention plans and documentation. Procedures for monitoring and controlling project execution are defined, with justifications for variable and instrument selection. This comprehensive approach ensures projects are well-suited to meet sector demands, effectively planned, and carefully monitored for successful execution. 

“Company and Entrepreneurial Initiative”.  

The program acknowledges entrepreneurial skills, analyzing job and business needs. It defines opportunities for small business creation, considering environmental impact and ethical values. It guides activities for incorporation and start-up, selecting legal forms and identifying obligations. Additionally, it covers administrative and financial management for SMEs, detailing accounting, tax obligations, and documentation completion. This holistic approach equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful entrepreneurship and business management. 

“Workplace Training”.  

The program covers various aspects of company structure, ethical practices, and operational procedures. It emphasizes adherence to labor standards and ethical conduct, handling documentation accurately for component maintenance and traceability. Operations include programmed revisions of turbine engines and aircraft systems, with strict adherence to maintenance manual procedures. Additionally, fault identification procedures for turbine engine aircraft are detailed, ensuring effective troubleshooting and maintenance practices for safe and efficient operations.  

RANGE OF OCCUPATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO THE HOLDER OF THE CERTIFICATE  

The Holder of a Diploma of Higher Education in the Aeromechanical Maintenance of Turbine Engine Aircraft mainly works in the aircraft maintenance departments of the different airlines or companies dedicated to both passenger and freight transport or to other activities, performing line inspections and line and hangar/workshop maintenance operations.  

The following are the most relevant occupations and jobs:  

- Turbine engine aeromechanical maintenance technician.  

- Systems maintenance technician in a hangar or workshop.  

- Turbine engine adjustment technician.  

- Electrical and electronic equipment technician and fitter.  

- Structural maintenance technician in a hangar or workshop.  

- Non-destructive testing technician.  

- Line mechanic.  

- Mechanical and electrical systems maintenance technician for flight simulators.

- Element and component manufacturing and assembly technician.  

OFFICIAL BASIS OF THE CERTIFICATE  

Name and status of the body awarding the certificate: The Ministerio de Educación (the Ministry of Education) or the Autonomous Communities in the area of their own administrative responsibility. The degree has academic and professional effects that are valid throughout the entire State. Official duration of the Diploma: 2,540 hours.  

Level of the certificate (national or international)

NATIONAL: Non-university higher education.  

INTERNATIONAL:  Level 5b of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 5b). Level 5 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF 5).  

Entry requirements: A Bachelor’s Degree or a Certificate of having passed the corresponding access test.  

Access to the next level of education or training: The holder will be able to access any university degree course. Legal basis. Rules and regulations on which the Diploma is based:  

Minimum teaching requirements established by the State: Royal Decree 1445/2018, of 14 December, which establishes the diploma of Higher Education in the Aeromechanical Maintenance of Turbine Engine Aircraft, and which lays down the corresponding minimum education requirements. Explanatory note: This document is intended as supplementary information to the Diploma in question, but on its own it does not have any legal validity.  

COURSE STRUCTURE OF THE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED DIPLOMA

TOTAL CREDITS: 120
OFFICIAL DURATION OF THE DIPLOMA (HOURS): 2,540