ATT 112 - Airframe and Instrument Systems

4.50 Credits, 6.00 Contact Hours
3.75 lecture periods 2.25 lab periods

Concepts, procedures, and regulatory requirements regarding various avionic and aircraft electrical systems. Includes instrumentation; air data systems; pressurization and warning systems; and signal conversion for glass cockpit applications.

Information: Students must either have FAA Airframe license, or completed PCC’s Aviation General Mechanics Curriculum before enrolling in this course. Additional self-paced independent course study materials will be provided as required.

1. Identify typical analog and digital instrument configurations and associated regulatory requirements.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in handling, marking, and identifying drive mechanisms in analog instruments.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the identification, handling, testing and troubleshooting of air data systems.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in the identification, handling, testing and troubleshooting of compass systems.  
5. Describe the types of fuel quantity indication, calibration processes and troubleshooting techniques associated with fuel quantity indication.
6. Identify pressurization component function, location, and safety concerns.
7. Identify the meaning of different audible warning tones, fire detection methods, position sensing and regulatory requirements of warning systems.
8. Compare and contrast analog instrumentation with digital “glass cockpit” installations.

1. Instrumentation Basics
   1. Standard analog instrument installation configuration
   2. Glass flight deck capabilities and comparison
   3. Regulatory requirements
   4. Validity signals
   5. Readings, errors, and misreading
   6. Safety of flight
2. Analog Instruments
   1. Range marking
   2. Slippage marking
   3. Three wire servo-synchro systems
   4. Indicator drive mechanisms (mechanical, electrical, etc.)
3. Air Data Systems
   1. Pitot Static line handling
   2. Barometric altimeter
   3. Airspeed indication
   4. Vertical speed/rate of climb indication
   5. Test equipment use and precautions
   6. Integration with other systems
   7. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
4. Compass System
   1. Compensator/flux valve
   2. Lines of magnetic flux
   3. Compass rose swing
   4. Digital compass system
   5. Directional gyroscope functionality
   6. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
5. Fuel Quantity Indication
   1. Capacitance
   2. Float type
   3. Indication calibration
   4. Test equipment use and precautions
   5. Integration with other systems
   6. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
6. Aircraft Pressurization
   1. Safety considerations
   2. Relief valve purpose
   3. Regulatory requirements
   4. Component location and function
   5. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
7. Warning Systems
   1. Meaning of audible warning tones
   2. Regulatory requirements
   3. Fire detection methods
   4. Position sensors
   5. Weight on wheels
   6. Thermocouple repair and calibration
   7. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
8. Digital Display/Glass Flight Deck
   1. Analog to digital signal conversion
   2. LED/CRT display comparison
   3. Flight symbol generation
   4. System interfacing and integration

Component installation considerations