Maintaining auto flight systems on aircraft (Aviation Maintenance) (ATA 22) Revision — Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited Occupational Qualification

    This unit identifies the training and development required in order that the apprentice can demonstrate that they are competent inbeing able to carry out maintenance activities on aircraft auto flight systems, in accordance with the approved aircraft maintenancemanual, approved change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements. It covers both fixed wing and rotarywinged aircraft, and includes units and components which provide a means of automatically controlling the flight of the aircraft,including direction, heading, altitude and speed, as applicable to the aircraft type. The maintenance activities will include the removal,fitting and testing of a range of auto flight components. They will be required to select the correct tools and equipment to use, based onthe operations to be performed and the components to be removed or replaced. The aircraft components will include items such ascomputers, controllers, air data units, and detectors, gyros (rate and vertical); trim units, actuators, stick position cancellers and angle ofattack and stall warning components. They will remove the required components and fit approved replacements, as appropriate. Theywill then need to test and adjust the completed system to meet the aircraft maintenance manual, change documentation (servicebulletin) and airworthiness requirements.

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    Common Mistakes

    Key Marking Points

    Maintaining auto flight systems on aircraft (Aviation Maintenance) (ATA 22)

    EXCELLENCE-ACHIEVEMENT-AND-LEARNING-LIMITED
    vocational

    This unit covers maintenance of auto flight systems on fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including removal, fitting, and testing of components like computers, gyros, and actuators. Learners must follow approved manuals and airworthiness requirements, selecting correct tools and equipment.

    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, specifically within the Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited (EAL) occupational qualification framework, and it prepares students for roles in the aviation industry, such as working for airlines, maintenance repair organisations (MROs), or the military.

    The qualification is structured around key areas including aircraft structures, propulsion systems, electrical and electronic systems, and regulatory compliance. Students learn to interpret technical manuals, use specialised tools, and apply safety procedures to ensure airworthiness. This diploma is crucial because it bridges theoretical engineering principles with hands-on maintenance tasks, directly aligning with industry standards. It also serves as a stepping stone towards obtaining an Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) under Part-66, which is essential for certifying aircraft after maintenance.

    Within the wider subject of Design and Technology, this diploma emphasises practical problem-solving, attention to detail, and adherence to strict quality control. It integrates engineering science with real-world applications, such as diagnosing faults in avionics or performing structural repairs. By completing this qualification, students gain a competitive edge in the aviation sector, which demands high levels of competence and safety awareness. The course is typically delivered through a combination of classroom theory, workshop practice, and on-the-job training, making it ideal for apprentices or those already employed in the industry.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Airworthiness and Regulatory Framework: Understanding CAA, EASA, and FAA regulations, including Part-145 (maintenance organisations) and Part-66 (licensing), is essential for legal compliance and safety.
    • →Aircraft Structures and Materials: Knowledge of metallic and composite materials, corrosion prevention, and structural repair techniques (e.g., riveting, bonding) is critical for maintaining airframe integrity.
    • →Propulsion Systems: Familiarity with gas turbine and piston engine principles, including fuel systems, lubrication, and troubleshooting, ensures safe engine operation.
    • →Electrical and Avionic Systems: Competence in reading wiring diagrams, testing circuits, and diagnosing faults in navigation, communication, and flight control systems is vital for modern aircraft.
    • →Human Factors and Safety Management: Awareness of human error, fatigue management, and safety culture (e.g., SMS) reduces risks during maintenance tasks.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Correctly identify and select tools and equipment for auto flight component removal and replacement.
    • Safely remove and fit auto flight components following approved maintenance documentation.
    • Test and adjust auto flight systems to meet specified parameters.
    • Complete documentation accurately, including service bulletin compliance.
    • Demonstrate awareness of airworthiness requirements throughout the process.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Correctly identify and select tools and equipment for auto flight component removal and replacement.
    • Safely remove and fit auto flight components following approved maintenance documentation.
    • Test and adjust auto flight systems to meet specified parameters.
    • Complete documentation accurately, including service bulletin compliance.
    • Demonstrate awareness of airworthiness requirements throughout the process.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Memorise the sequence for power-down and power-up of auto flight systems.
    • 💡Practice interpreting wiring diagrams and system schematics.
    • 💡Understand the function of each component to aid troubleshooting.
    • 💡Always reference the correct regulatory documentation (e.g., CAA CAP 562, EASA Part-66) in your answers. Examiners look for evidence that you can apply legal requirements to practical scenarios, not just recite theory.
    • 💡When answering questions about fault diagnosis, use a systematic approach: state the symptom, list possible causes, describe how you would test each, and conclude with the most likely fault. This demonstrates logical thinking and thoroughness.
    • 💡Pay close attention to units and tolerances. In calculations (e.g., torque values, clearances), missing a decimal point or using the wrong unit can cost marks. Always double-check your work and show your working out.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Failing to isolate electrical power before removing components.
    • Incorrectly torquing fasteners or misaligning connectors.
    • Not verifying system functionality after installation.
    • Misconception: 'Aircraft maintenance is just following a checklist.' Correction: While checklists are important, technicians must understand the underlying principles to diagnose unexpected issues and make sound judgments, especially when deviations from standard procedures are necessary.
    • Misconception: 'All tools are the same; any wrench will do.' Correction: Aircraft require specialised, calibrated tools (e.g., torque wrenches, tension meters) to avoid damaging sensitive components. Using incorrect tools can lead to catastrophic failures.
    • Misconception: 'If it looks fine, it is fine.' Correction: Many defects (e.g., cracks, corrosion) are not visible without non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like dye penetrant or eddy current inspection. Visual checks alone are insufficient for airworthiness.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic Engineering Principles: Understanding of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science at Level 2 or GCSE equivalent is assumed.
    • •Mathematics and Physics: Competence in algebra, geometry, and basic physics (e.g., forces, electricity) is necessary for technical calculations.
    • •Health and Safety Awareness: Familiarity with workplace safety practices, such as COSHH and risk assessments, is beneficial before starting practical maintenance tasks.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • This unit identifies the training and development required in order that the apprentice can demonstrate that they are competent inbeing able to carry out maintenance activities on aircraft auto flight systems, in accordance with the approved aircraft maintenancemanual, approved change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements. It covers both fixed wing and rotarywinged aircraft, and includes units and components which provide a means of automatically controlling the flight of the aircraft,including direction, heading, altitude and speed, as applicable to the aircraft type. The maintenance activities will include the removal,fitting and testing of a range of auto flight components. They will be required to select the correct tools and equipment to use, based onthe operations to be performed and the components to be removed or replaced. The aircraft components will include items such ascomputers, controllers, air data units, and detectors, gyros (rate and vertical); trim units, actuators, stick position cancellers and angle ofattack and stall warning components. They will remove the required components and fit approved replacements, as appropriate. Theywill then need to test and adjust the completed system to meet the aircraft maintenance manual, change documentation (servicebulletin) and airworthiness requirements.

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