Maintaining navigation systems on aircraft (Aviation Maintenance) (ATA 34) 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 navigation systems, in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual,approved change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements. It covers both fixed wing and rotary wingedaircraft, and includes units and components which provide aircraft navigational information, as applicable to the aircraft type. Themaintenance activities will include the removal, fitting and testing of a range of navigational components. They will be required to selectthe correct tools and equipment to use, based on the operations to be performed and the components to be removed or replaced. Theaircraft system components will include items such as air data computers, pitot/static, distance measuring equipment (DME), very highfrequency omnidirectional range (VOR), instrument landing (ILS), auto direction finder (ADF), global positioning (GPS), Doppler, longrange navigation (LORAN), homing, inertial navigation system (INS), compasses and other devices, as applicable to the aircraft type.They will remove the required components and fit approved replacements, as appropriate. They will then need to test and adjust thecompleted system to meet the aircraft maintenance manual, change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements.

    Exam Tips

    Common Mistakes

    Key Marking Points

    Maintaining navigation systems on aircraft (Aviation Maintenance) (ATA 34)

    EXCELLENCE-ACHIEVEMENT-AND-LEARNING-LIMITED
    vocational

    This unit covers maintenance of aircraft navigation systems (ATA 34), including removal, fitting, and testing of components like air data computers, VOR, ILS, GPS, and INS. Learners must follow approved documentation and airworthiness requirements.

    0
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    1
    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 or engineers. It covers the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to maintain, repair, and certify aircraft airframes, engines, and systems in compliance with aviation regulations. This diploma aligns with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-66 standards, providing a pathway to obtaining an Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML).

    Students will explore topics such as aircraft structures, propulsion systems, electrical and electronic systems, and human factors in maintenance. The qualification emphasises safety, regulatory compliance, and the ability to interpret technical documentation. By combining theoretical learning with hands-on practical assessments, learners develop competence in diagnosing faults, performing scheduled maintenance, and completing documentation accurately. This diploma is essential for those aiming to work in hangars, repair stations, or with airlines, as it builds the foundation for a career in aviation maintenance.

    Within the broader context of Design and Technology, this qualification applies engineering principles to real-world aviation scenarios. It bridges the gap between design theory and practical maintenance, ensuring that technicians can not only follow procedures but also understand the rationale behind design choices. Mastery of this diploma demonstrates to employers that a candidate is competent, safety-conscious, and ready to contribute to the aviation industry from day one.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Aircraft Airworthiness: Understanding the legal and technical requirements for an aircraft to be safe to fly, including maintenance schedules, inspections, and certification processes.
    • →Propulsion Systems: Knowledge of gas turbine engines, piston engines, and propellers, including their components, operation, and common faults.
    • →Electrical and Electronic Systems: Familiarity with aircraft electrical power generation, distribution, avionics, and troubleshooting using wiring diagrams and test equipment.
    • →Human Factors: Recognition of how human performance limitations (e.g., fatigue, stress, communication errors) affect maintenance safety and quality, and strategies to mitigate risks.
    • →Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to CAA/EASA Part-145 and Part-66 regulations, including documentation standards, tool control, and the role of the certifying staff.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Select correct tools and equipment for navigation system maintenance.
    • Remove and replace navigation components following manual procedures.
    • Perform functional tests and adjustments to meet specifications.
    • Complete documentation accurately, including service bulletins.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Select correct tools and equipment for navigation system maintenance.
    • Remove and replace navigation components following manual procedures.
    • Perform functional tests and adjustments to meet specifications.
    • Complete documentation accurately, including service bulletins.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Familiarise yourself with common navigation system schematics.
    • 💡Practice using the aircraft maintenance manual for procedures.
    • 💡Understand the purpose of each navigation component.
    • 💡When answering written questions, always reference the relevant regulation (e.g., 'According to EASA Part-66...') to show you understand the legal framework. This scores highly in marking schemes.
    • 💡In practical assessments, demonstrate your thought process aloud. Explain why you are performing each step, such as 'I am checking the torque because the manual specifies 20 Nm for this bolt.' This shows competence and safety awareness.
    • 💡For fault-finding tasks, use a logical approach: start with the simplest and most likely cause (e.g., check power supply before replacing a circuit board). Examiners look for systematic troubleshooting, not guesswork.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Incorrectly identifying component part numbers or locations.
    • Failing to follow electrostatic discharge precautions.
    • Not performing required post-installation tests.
    • Misconception: 'If a component looks fine, it doesn't need testing.' Correction: Visual inspection alone is insufficient; many faults are latent. Always follow the maintenance manual's required tests, even if the part appears serviceable.
    • Misconception: 'Torque values are just guidelines.' Correction: Torque specifications are critical for safety. Under-torquing can cause loosening; over-torquing can damage threads or components. Always use a calibrated torque wrench.
    • Misconception: 'I can skip steps if I'm experienced.' Correction: Maintenance procedures are legally binding. Skipping steps, even minor ones, can lead to catastrophic failures and legal liability. Always follow the approved data.

    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, trigonometry).
    • •Familiarity with engineering drawings and technical manuals.
    • •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 that they are competent inbeing able to carry out maintenance activities on aircraft navigation systems, in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual,approved change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements. It covers both fixed wing and rotary wingedaircraft, and includes units and components which provide aircraft navigational information, as applicable to the aircraft type. Themaintenance activities will include the removal, fitting and testing of a range of navigational components. They will be required to selectthe correct tools and equipment to use, based on the operations to be performed and the components to be removed or replaced. Theaircraft system components will include items such as air data computers, pitot/static, distance measuring equipment (DME), very highfrequency omnidirectional range (VOR), instrument landing (ILS), auto direction finder (ADF), global positioning (GPS), Doppler, longrange navigation (LORAN), homing, inertial navigation system (INS), compasses and other devices, as applicable to the aircraft type.They will remove the required components and fit approved replacements, as appropriate. They will then need to test and adjust thecompleted system to meet the aircraft maintenance manual, change documentation (service bulletin) and airworthiness requirements.

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