Lifting and trestling/shoring aircraft for maintenance/repair operations (Aviation Maintenance) Revision — Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited Occupational Qualification

    This unit identifies the training and development required in order that the apprentice can demonstrate thatthey are competent in being able to lift and where appropriate, trestle/shore commercial, military or lightaircraft, both fixed wing and rotary aircraft, for maintenance operations (such as routine maintenance, repair,refurbishment or recovery), in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual or approved changedocumentation (service bulletin) requirements. They will be required to use correctly specified items of liftingand supporting equipment, which will include hand and/or power operated lifting and jacking equipment, andassociated lifting accessories. They must check that the lifting equipment is within current authorisation dates,is undamaged and within the permitted safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL). They will beexpected to establish the weight of the aircraft to be lifted, and to attach the appropriate liftingequipment/slings to the designated lifting points on the aircraft, in order to achieve a safe and balanced lift.

    Exam Tips

    Common Mistakes

    Key Marking Points

    Lifting and trestling/shoring aircraft for maintenance/repair operations (Aviation Maintenance)

    EXCELLENCE-ACHIEVEMENT-AND-LEARNING-LIMITED
    vocational

    This unit covers lifting and trestling/shoring aircraft for maintenance and repair operations. Learners must use correct equipment, follow manuals, and ensure safe lifting procedures.

    0
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    5
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    EAL Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence)

    Topic Overview

    The EAL Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) is a vocational qualification designed for individuals pursuing a career as aircraft maintenance technicians or engineers. It covers the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to maintain, repair, and certify aircraft in compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. This diploma is part of the Design and Technology curriculum, focusing on the application of engineering principles to real-world aviation scenarios.

    Students will explore topics such as aircraft structures, propulsion systems, electrical and electronic systems, and maintenance practices. The qualification emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and the development of competence in performing routine inspections, fault diagnosis, and component replacements. It is essential for those aiming to achieve Part-66 aircraft maintenance license (AML) categories, as it provides the theoretical foundation and practical experience needed for certification.

    This diploma fits into the wider subject of Design and Technology by bridging engineering theory with hands-on maintenance. It prepares students for roles in the aviation industry, including line maintenance, base maintenance, and workshop environments. Mastery of this qualification ensures graduates can work safely and effectively on modern aircraft, contributing to the reliability and safety of air travel.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Airworthiness and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding CAA and EASA regulations, including Part-145 (maintenance organizations) and Part-66 (licensing), and how they govern maintenance procedures.
    • →Aircraft Structures and Materials: Knowledge of airframe components (fuselage, wings, empennage), materials (aluminum alloys, composites), and structural repair techniques.
    • →Propulsion Systems: Principles of gas turbine and piston engines, including components, operation, and maintenance procedures for engines and propellers.
    • →Electrical and Electronic Systems: Fundamentals of aircraft electrical power generation, distribution, avionics, and troubleshooting using wiring diagrams and test equipment.
    • →Maintenance Practices: Procedures for scheduled inspections, fault isolation, component replacement, and documentation (e.g., maintenance logs, work orders).

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Selects appropriate lifting equipment and checks its condition.
    • Establishes aircraft weight and lifting points.
    • Attaches slings and equipment correctly for balanced lift.
    • Follows safety procedures and communicates effectively.
    • Completes documentation and checks equipment after use.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Selects appropriate lifting equipment and checks its condition.
    • Establishes aircraft weight and lifting points.
    • Attaches slings and equipment correctly for balanced lift.
    • Follows safety procedures and communicates effectively.
    • Completes documentation and checks equipment after use.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Know the weight and balance calculations.
    • 💡Practice interpreting lifting diagrams.
    • 💡Always double-check equipment certification.
    • 💡Always reference the relevant regulatory documentation (e.g., CAA CAP 553, EASA Part-66) in your answers to demonstrate understanding of compliance requirements.
    • 💡When describing maintenance procedures, include safety precautions (e.g., lock-out/tag-out, use of personal protective equipment) to show awareness of industry standards.
    • 💡Practice interpreting technical diagrams and schematics under timed conditions, as exam questions often require quick identification of components and systems.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Using equipment beyond its safe working load.
    • Incorrect attachment to lifting points.
    • Failing to communicate with the team during lift.
    • Misconception: Aircraft maintenance is just about following checklists without understanding the underlying systems. Correction: Technicians must understand system interactions and failure modes to diagnose issues correctly and ensure safety.
    • Misconception: Once a component is replaced, the job is done. Correction: Post-replacement testing and functional checks are critical to verify correct installation and system operation.
    • Misconception: Electrical systems are too complex to troubleshoot without specialized training. Correction: Basic troubleshooting follows logical steps using schematics and test equipment; the diploma provides these foundational skills.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of physics (forces, electricity, thermodynamics) and mathematics (algebra, geometry).
    • •Familiarity with engineering drawings and technical documentation.
    • •Completion of a Level 2 qualification in engineering or a related field is recommended.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • This unit identifies the training and development required in order that the apprentice can demonstrate thatthey are competent in being able to lift and where appropriate, trestle/shore commercial, military or lightaircraft, both fixed wing and rotary aircraft, for maintenance operations (such as routine maintenance, repair,refurbishment or recovery), in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual or approved changedocumentation (service bulletin) requirements. They will be required to use correctly specified items of liftingand supporting equipment, which will include hand and/or power operated lifting and jacking equipment, andassociated lifting accessories. They must check that the lifting equipment is within current authorisation dates,is undamaged and within the permitted safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL). They will beexpected to establish the weight of the aircraft to be lifted, and to attach the appropriate liftingequipment/slings to the designated lifting points on the aircraft, in order to achieve a safe and balanced lift.

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