Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

ATT 206 - Infrared and Weather Radar Installation

5 Credits, 7 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 4 lab periods

Installation of weather radar systems, radio altimeter systems, and Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS). Includes schematic use, special tooling and equipment, switching, circuit protection, and instrument panel features for modification for installation. Also includes standard wiring and installation of stand-alone and integrated avionic devices and multifunctional display equipment. Also includes a mandatory requirement that all installed equipment be tested for functionality after installation.

Prerequisite(s): ATT 103  and ATT 205  
Information: Includes an emphasis on system operation, testing, and troubleshooting techniques demonstrated by technicians trained on the aircraft systems. Additional self-paced independent course study materials are required for non-certified Airframe and Powerplant students. students.



Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply approved manufacturers’ installation techniques.
  2. Perform inspections of weather detection systems.
  3. Use industry terminology with a concentration in weather detection and enhanced vision systems.
  4. Discuss the various types of systems currently available.
  5. Identify hazards associated with radar.
  6. Discuss the signs and symptoms of radar’s energy exposure.
  7. Track and follow various levels of environmental concerns.
  8. Discuss the safe operating and environmental concerns when using radar and avionics equipment.
  9. Interpret various weather system displays through the use of common symbology (disambiguation) common to radar systems.
  10. Perform functional operations checks and troubleshooting techniques.

Outline:
I.       Weather Radar Operating Principles and Installation

         A.   Precipitation and radio frequencies (rf) energy

         B.   Propagation of rf wave

         C.   rf energy channeling

II.       Weather Radar Features and Controls

         A.   Frequency

         B.   Pulse width

         C.   Range resolution

         D.   Pulse repetition frequency

         E.   Power output

         F.   Beam width

         G.   Tilt and stabilization

         H.   Contour

         I.    Sensitivity time control

         J.   Automatic gain control

         K.   Display

         L.   Scanner

III.      Radar Components and Installation

         A.   Antenna

         B.   Elevation motor

         C.   Azimuth motor

         D.   Inertial reference

         E.   Duplexer

         F.   Microprocessor

         G.   Transmitter

         H.   Receiver

         I.    Symbol generator

         J.   Typical Installations

         K.   System layout

         L.   Power requirements

         M.  Radomes

IV.     Doppler Radar Theory of Installation

         A.   Reflectivity

         B.   Doppler shift

V.      Radar Modes

         A.   Range

         B.   Azimuth

         C.   Cyclic

         D.   Mapping

         E.   Normal or standby

VI.     Radar Controls, Operations, Maintenance and Testing

         A.   Range switch

         B.   Off/standby

         C.   Function switch

         D.   Gain control

         E.   Test switch

         F.   Scanner stab switch

         G.   Tilt control

         H.   Intensity control

         I.    Freeze/Hold switch

         J.   Erase/Trace control

         K.   Range mark control

         L.   Azimuth marker switch

         M.  Target alert switch

         N.   Sector scan switch

         O.   Contrast control

         P.   Manual tune control

         Q.   Radar operation

               1.   Mapping

               2.   Drift indicator

               3.   Beacon Interrogation

         R.   Maintenance and testing

               1.   Safety precautions

               2.   Condition and assembly

               3.   Ramp test equipment

               4.   Function checks

VII.    Storm Scopes Installation

         A.   Operation theory

         B.   Operation modes

         C.   Comparison to typical radar

         D.   Installation

         E.   Function checks

         F.   Factors affecting radar performance

               1.   Meteorological targets

               2.   Minimum detectable signals

               3.   Atmospheric effects

VIII.    Radio Altimeter - Principles of Operation and Installation

         A.   Radar types

         B.   Equipment limitations

         C.   Integrated systems

         D.   Factors affecting performance

         E.   Signal interference

         F.   System components

               1.   Antennas

               2.   Indicators

               3.   Transmitters

               4.   Controls

               5.   Input

         G.   Installations

               1.   Antenna mounting locations

               2.   Cockpit controls

               3.   Transmitters

         H.   Inspections and function checks

               1.   Monitoring equipment

               2.   Self-test features

               3.   Typical errors

IX.     Enhanced Vision Systems - Infrared Operational Theory and Installation

         A.   Light spectrums

         B.   System interpretations

         C.   System components

X.      Enhanced Vision Systems - Typical Systems and Installation Requirements

         A.   Heads Up Display (HUD)

         B.   Multifunction Display (MFD)

         C.   Cameras

         D.   Location of equipment

         E.   System interface

         F.   Installations

         G.   Certification issues

         H.   Overlay of information

 

Note:  This is an accelerated overview course. It is the responsibility of the student to use supplemental information on subjects that are not fully understood. At the instructor’s discretion, a student without a current “A” airframe certificate issued from the FAA in good standing will be required to review and test on supplemental material available (on CD-ROM) for check out from the Aviation Technology Center’s tool crib. Proof of current enrollment is required.


Effective Term:
Spring 2016