Module Details

Module Code: STRU H3603
Module Title: Aircraft Structures
Title: Aircraft Structures
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Edmond Tobin
Domains:  
Module Description: The student will understand standard airframe components, structures and standard practices so they develop basic analytical, troubleshooting and practical skills essential to an aircraft technician.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the general design concepts of an aircraft structure
LO2 Compare and contrast the various methods of aircraft construction
LO3 Identify and compare the various types of air/rotorcraft fuselage, wing and structural designs
LO4 Categorise primary, secondary and tertiary flight control construction methods
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
None
 
Indicative Content
Airframe Structures - General Concepts
Airworthiness requirements for structural strength; Structural classification, primary, secondary and tertiary; Fail safe, safe life, damage tolerance concepts; Zonal and station identification systems; Stress, strain, bending, compression, shear, torsion, tension, hoop stress, fatigue; Drains and ventilation provisions; System installation provisions; Lightning strike protection provision. Aircraft bonding Construction methods of: stressed skin fuselage, formers, stringers, longerons, bulkheads, frames, doublers, struts, ties, beams, floor structures, reinforcement, methods of skinning, anti-corrosive protection, wing, empennage and engine attachments; Structure assembly techniques: riveting, bolting, bonding; Methods of surface protection, such as chromating, anodising, painting; Surface cleaning; Airframe symmetry: methods of alignment and symmetry checks
Airframe Structures - Aeroplanes
Fuselage (ATA 52/53/56): Construction and pressurisation sealing; Wing, stabiliser, pylon and undercarriage attachments; Seat installation and cargo loading system; Doors and emergency exits: construction, mechanisms, operation and safety devices; Windows and windscreen construction and mechanisms Wings (ATA 57) Construction; Fuel storage; Landing gear, pylon, control surface and high lift/drag attachments Stabilisers (ATA 55) Construction; Control surface attachment Flight Control Surfaces (ATA 55/57) Construction and attachment; Balancing - mass and aerodynamic Nacelles/Pylons (ATA 54) Nacelles/Pylons: - Construction; - Firewalls; - Engine mounts
Flight Controls (ATA 27)
Primary controls: aileron, elevator, rudder, spoiler; Trim control; Active load control; High lift devices; Lift dump, speed brakes; System operation: manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, Fly-by-wire; Artificial feel, Yaw damper, Mach trim, rudder limiter, gust locks systems; Balancing and rigging; Stall protection/warning system
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment30.00%
Project40.00%
Practical30.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will accurately record and collate evidence of their practical tasks/activities into a Training Logbook, during term time for which a maximum of 30% will be awarded
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will record and collate a range of their own personal experiences into a Journal/Reflective Learning Portfolio, during term time for which a maximum of 40% will be awarded
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will successfully complete a range of Practical Labs/Engineering Tasks on aircraft/engines during term time for which a maximum of 30% will be awarded
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.
Reassessment Description
Learners that fail but achieve a minimum final percentage of 30% in the module will be eligible for one or more of the following: Submit assignment, Re-submit components, Practical examination, Interview or Presentation.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures and case studies of large transport aircraft 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Practicals Contact Hangar based with tasks completed on aircraft 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 4.33 65
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Dale Crane. Aircraft Maintenance Technician Series - Structures.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • A&P Mechancics Airframe Handbook, [ISBN: 0160051495].
  • A & P Technician Airframe Textbook, Iap, [ISBN: 0891003959].
  • Aircraft Inspection, Repair And Alteration AMT AC43.13-1A.
  • Federal Aviation Administration. Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics General Handbook, Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc., p.561, [ISBN: 089100078X].
  • Jeppesen Sanderson Inc.. A & P Technician General Textbook, Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc., p.533, [ISBN: 0884872033].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: