Maintaining fuel systems on aircraft (Aviation Maintenance) (ATA 28) 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 fuel systems, in accordance with the approved aircraft maintenance manual,approved change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements. It covers both fixed wing and rotary winged aircraft,and covers the units and components which store and deliver fuel to the engine. It includes engine driven fuel pumps for reciprocatingengines, tanks (bladder), tanks (integral), tanks auxiliary, valves, boost pumps, fuel dump systems, fuel tank leak detection components,fuel draining, fuel tank capacitance units, float switches, float valves, temperature sensing, refuel diffuser systems, dip sticks, magneticlevel indicators, fuel tank baffling, flame arrester components and tank venting systems. The maintenance activities will include theremoval, fitting and testing of a range of fuel system components. They will be expected to use the approved procedure for correctlyisolating the system before breaking into the system circuit. They will remove the required components and fit approved replacements,as appropriate. They will then need to test and adjust the completed system to meet the aircraft maintenance manual, changedocumentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements.

    Exam Tips

    Common Mistakes

    Key Marking Points

    Maintaining fuel systems on aircraft (Aviation Maintenance) (ATA 28)

    EXCELLENCE-ACHIEVEMENT-AND-LEARNING-LIMITED
    vocational

    This unit covers maintenance activities on aircraft fuel systems, including removal, fitting, and testing of components. Learners demonstrate competence in accordance with approved manuals and airworthiness requirements.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    2
    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    4
    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. It covers the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to maintain, repair, and certify aircraft in compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. This diploma is part of the Design and Technology curriculum, focusing on engineering principles, aerodynamics, materials, and systems specific to aviation.

    This qualification is essential for those aiming to work in the aviation industry, as it provides the foundation for obtaining an Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML). It integrates hands-on training with academic study, covering topics such as airframe structures, propulsion systems, electrical systems, and human factors. Mastery of this diploma ensures students can perform safe and efficient maintenance, contributing to the high safety standards required in aviation.

    Within the wider subject of Design and Technology, this diploma applies engineering concepts to a specialized field. It emphasizes problem-solving, precision, and adherence to regulatory standards. Students develop competencies in fault diagnosis, component replacement, and documentation, which are critical for career progression in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Airworthiness and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding CAA and EASA regulations, including Part-145 (maintenance organization approvals) and Part-66 (licensing requirements), and how they govern maintenance procedures.
    • →Aircraft Structures and Materials: Knowledge of airframe construction, including metallic and composite materials, stress analysis, and corrosion prevention techniques.
    • →Propulsion Systems: Principles of gas turbine and piston engines, including components, operation, and maintenance procedures for turbofans, turboprops, and reciprocating engines.
    • →Electrical and Avionic Systems: Fundamentals of aircraft electrical power generation, distribution, and avionics systems such as navigation, communication, and flight instruments.
    • →Human Factors and Safety: Application of human factors principles to reduce maintenance errors, including fatigue management, communication, and error prevention strategies.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Isolate the fuel system correctly before maintenance.
    • Remove and fit fuel system components accurately.
    • Test and adjust the system to meet specifications.
    • Follow approved documentation and airworthiness requirements.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Isolate the fuel system correctly before maintenance.
    • Remove and fit fuel system components accurately.
    • Test and adjust the system to meet specifications.
    • Follow approved documentation and airworthiness requirements.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always refer to the maintenance manual.
    • 💡Double-check all connections after fitting.
    • 💡Always refer to the latest maintenance manuals and data sheets during exams; marks are awarded for citing correct procedures and tolerances, not just general knowledge.
    • 💡Pay attention to human factors questions—examiners look for understanding of how errors occur and how to mitigate them, such as using checklists and effective communication.
    • 💡In practical assessments, demonstrate methodical fault-finding: start with visual inspections, then use test equipment, and document each step. This shows competence and safety awareness.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Not following isolation procedures correctly.
    • Using incorrect torque settings.
    • Misconception: Aircraft maintenance is purely mechanical work with no need for electrical knowledge. Correction: Modern aircraft rely heavily on complex electrical and avionic systems; technicians must understand both mechanical and electrical principles to diagnose and repair faults.
    • Misconception: Once a component is replaced, no further testing is needed. Correction: After replacement, functional tests and system checks are mandatory to ensure the component operates correctly and integrates with other systems, as per maintenance manuals.
    • Misconception: Regulations are optional guidelines. Correction: CAA and EASA regulations are legally binding; non-compliance can result in grounding of aircraft, fines, or loss of licence. Strict adherence is non-negotiable.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic engineering principles (mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science) at Level 2 or GCSE equivalent.
    • •Understanding of electrical fundamentals (DC/AC circuits, Ohm's law, and basic electronics).
    • •Familiarity with health and safety practices in an engineering environment.

    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 fuel systems, in accordance with the approved aircraft maintenance manual,approved change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements. It covers both fixed wing and rotary winged aircraft,and covers the units and components which store and deliver fuel to the engine. It includes engine driven fuel pumps for reciprocatingengines, tanks (bladder), tanks (integral), tanks auxiliary, valves, boost pumps, fuel dump systems, fuel tank leak detection components,fuel draining, fuel tank capacitance units, float switches, float valves, temperature sensing, refuel diffuser systems, dip sticks, magneticlevel indicators, fuel tank baffling, flame arrester components and tank venting systems. The maintenance activities will include theremoval, fitting and testing of a range of fuel system components. They will be expected to use the approved procedure for correctlyisolating the system before breaking into the system circuit. They will remove the required components and fit approved replacements,as appropriate. They will then need to test and adjust the completed system to meet the aircraft maintenance manual, changedocumentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements.

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