Aircraft Maintenance Engineering - BSc

Program Overview

The BSc in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at TUS prepares students for the Irish Aviation Authority's EASA Cat A1 License, providing them with the knowledge and skills for a rewarding career in the aviation maintenance industry. The program combines theoretical learning with extensive practical training, including on-the-job experience in a live EASA Part 145 maintenance organization. Upon completion, graduates can pursue a range of roles in aircraft maintenance, CAMO, technical services, and other aviation sectors.

Program Outline

The program has two primary objectives:

EASA License Preparation:

Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for the Irish Aviation Authority's EASA Cat A1 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License.

Academic Accreditation:

The program provides a QQI Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, offering a strong academic foundation for the field. The program is designed to meet the occupational standards required for licensing, ensuring graduates possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence.

Outline:

The program is delivered full-time over 28 months at the Atlantic Aviation Group Training Academy in Shannon. It is structured into three academic years, with a mix of theoretical and practical modules.

Year 1:

• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Air Law: Introduces fundamental concepts of human factors relevant to aircraft maintenance, as per EASA Part 66 Category B1 syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Human Factors: Covers human factors principles for aircraft maintenance environments, aligned with EASA Part 66 Category B1 syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 A1 Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems: Provides detailed knowledge of aircraft structural and mechanical systems, as required by EASA Part 66 Category A syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat A1 Digital Techniques: Introduces fundamental concepts of digital electronics for aircraft maintenance, as per EASA Part 66 Category A syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat A1 Electrical Fundamentals: Covers fundamental concepts of electricity for aircraft maintenance, as per EASA Part 66 syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Basic Aerodynamics: Introduces fundamental concepts of aerodynamics for aircraft maintenance, as per EASA Part 66 Category B1 syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Gas Turbine Engines: Provides detailed knowledge of gas turbine engine components, assembly, and operation, as per EASA Part 66 Category B1 syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Maintenance Practices: Introduces fundamental aircraft maintenance skills, procedures, and practices, as per EASA Part 66 Category B1 syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Materials & Hardware: Covers materials and hardware used in aircraft manufacturing, as per EASA Part 66 Category B1 syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Mathematics: Introduces fundamental concepts of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, developing mathematical skills relevant to EASA Part 66 Category B1.1 Module Course syllabus.
• EASA Part 66 Cat B1 Physics: Covers fundamental concepts of matter, mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and wave motion for aircraft maintenance, as per EASA Part 66 Category B1 syllabus.
• A320 Familiarisation Course: Provides an overview of the A320 airframe, systems, and powerplant, following Air Transports Association of America, Aircraft Type Training Level 1 specification.
• Aircraft Practical Training: Includes practical use of tools and equipment, disassembly/reassembly of aircraft parts, and participation in maintenance activities relevant to EASA Part 66 modules, conducted in an EASA Part 145 facility.
• ATA 20E Standard Practices Electrical: Develops skills in interpreting and performing electrical wiring repairs and assembly, utilizing aircraft manuals and consolidated exercises.
• ATA 20M Standard Practices Mechanical: Develops hands-on skills for performing standard mechanical tasks and procedures, interpreting technical manuals, and enhancing workshop safety practices.
• Basic Metal Work: Develops hand skills for working with steel, applying techniques and procedures in consolidated exercises, interpreting technical drawings, and enhancing workshop safety practices.
• Inspection Techniques: Introduces the requirements of aircraft inspections, covering different types of inspections and their requirements.
• Sheet Metal Work: Develops hand skills for working with aluminum, applying techniques and procedures in consolidated exercises, interpreting technical drawings, and enhancing workshop safety practices.

Year 3:

• Aircraft On the Job Experience: Provides practical experience across the full spectrum of maintenance tasks on aircraft in a live EASA Part 145 Maintenance Repair Organisation.
Each task is assessed and graded by a licensed EASA aviation engineer.
• CDCCL / Fuel Tank Safety Continuation Training: Reviews Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) issues and new instructions related to materials, tools, documentation, and manufacturer's or competent authority's directives.
• Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems: Covers proper procedures, methods, techniques, and practices for maintaining, inspecting, altering, and cleaning EWIS, as per AMC 20 22.

Teaching:

The program is delivered at the Atlantic Aviation Group Training Academy, with teaching methods likely to include a combination of lectures, workshops, practical exercises, and on-the-job training.

Careers:

Graduates of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – BSc program can pursue a variety of careers in the aviation industry, including:

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer: This is the primary career path for graduates, allowing them to work on aircraft maintenance and repair.
• CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation): Graduates can work in CAMO organizations, responsible for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft.
• Technical Services: Graduates can find roles in technical services departments, providing support and expertise to various aviation operations.
• Aircraft Leasing: Graduates can work in aircraft leasing companies, managing the maintenance and airworthiness of leased aircraft.
• Engineering: Graduates can pursue engineering roles in aviation companies, contributing to aircraft design, development, and maintenance.
• Training: Graduates can become instructors, training future aircraft maintenance engineers.
• Maintenance Manager: With experience, graduates can progress to management roles, overseeing maintenance operations.

Further Study:

Graduates who have achieved their Level 7 QQI qualification can continue to an appropriate Level 8 program at TUS or another third-level institution.

Other:

The program is delivered in partnership with Atlantic Aviation Group H1 Ltd., a leading aviation company. The program's content is aligned with EASA regulations and industry standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the aviation workforce.