ATT 113 - Communications Systems

1. Explain basic radio concepts and physics.
2. Describe basic antenna theory of operation, including identification and installation methods.
3. Summarize RF transmission terminology, use of test equipment to identify faults and identification of connectors.
4. Describe interphone system theory of operation, use, component location and function and troubleshooting.
5. Demonstrate proficiency with U/VHF regulatory rules, theory of operation, safety and troubleshooting.
6. Explain the difference between HF and U/VHF systems, identify emergency frequencies.
7. Summarize principals of SATCOM and basic satellite concepts.
8. Demonstrate proficiency with transponder system theory of operation, regulatory requirements, the role of Air Traffic Control, troubleshooting and the use of test equipment to isolate faults.
9. Describe the purpose of emergency equipment as well as associated regulatory requirements.
10. Identify the function and application of datalink and entertainment systems.

1. Communication Fundamentals
   1. Modulation
   2. Propagation
   3. Side tone purpose
   4. Squelch
   5. Filter type and purpose
2. Antenna
   1. Characteristics based on application
   2. Installation considerations (A.C. 43-13)
   3. Purpose of couplers
   4. Bonding, gaskets/corrosion prevention
   5. Identification
   6. Aerodynamic forces
   7. Radio frequency radiation exposure safety
3. Radio Frequency Transmission
   1. Transmission lines
      1.  RG SP
      2. RG 404
      3. RG 6
      4. Waveguides
   2. Loss types and prevention
      1. EMI/RFI
      2. Bonding separation
      3. VSWR
   3. Test equipment uses
      1. Wattmeter
      2. VOM
      3. Megger
      4. TDR
   4. Connector type
      1. Crimp/solder methods
      2. TNC
      3. BNC
      4. N-Type
      5. Arinc
4. Intercommunication and Public Address system
   1. General component function and location
   2. System specific safety precautions
   3. Flight crew usage during flight
   4. System operational check
   5. Junction boxes and signal distribution
   6. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
5. Ultra/Very High Frequency (U/VHF) Systems
   1. VHF/UHF Uses and differences
   2. Frequency band demarcation
   3. Identification of emergency frequencies
   4. General component function and location
   5. Line-of-sight communication characteristics
   6. System specific safety precautions
   7. Flight crew usage during flight
   8. Regulatory requirements
   9.       System operational check
   10. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
6. High Frequency (HF) Systems
   1. General component function and location
   2. System specific safety precautions
   3. Identification of emergency frequencies
   4. Difference between HF and U/VHF systems
   5. Beyond-the-horizon communication characteristics
   6. Flight crew usage during flight
   7. Regulatory requirements
   8. System operational check overview
   9. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
7. Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Systems
   1. General component function and location
   2. System specific safety precautions
   3. Uplink/downlink
   4. INMARSAT/iridium
   5. Identification of emergency frequencies
   6. Flight crew usage during flight
   7. System operational check overview
   8. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
8. Transponder System
   1. General component function and location
   2. Mode 3, C
   3. System specific safety precautions
   4. Identification of emergency frequencies
   5. Flight crew usage during flight
   6. System operational check
   7. Troubleshooting and maintenance best practices
   8. Test equipment
   9. Regulatory requirements
   10. Air Traffic Control implications
9. Emergency Equipment
   1. Cockpit voice recorder
   2. ELT/PLB purpose and location
   3. Regulatory requirements
   4. Underwater acoustical beacon
   5. Role of equipment in crash investigations
   6. Preventive maintenance
   7. Operational check overview
10. Miscellaneous Communication Systems
    1. Datalink systems fundamentals
    2. Entertainment systems
       1. DVD Players
       2. Wifi
    3. SELCAL