Section 127.888 - Aircraft Airframe Technology (Two Credits), Adopted 2024(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Aircraft Maintenance Technology. Students shall be awarded two credits for successful completion of this course.(c) Introduction. (1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.(2) The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster focuses on planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water and related professional support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment, and facility maintenance.(3) Aircraft Airframe Technology is designed to teach the theory of operation of aircraft airframes and associated maintenance and repair practices of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airframe curriculum subjects utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. In this course, the academic and technical skills are separated to reflect the learning outcomes as designed in the FAA Airman Certification Standards. Airframe maintenance and repair practices include knowledge of the theory, function, diagnosis, and service of airframe structures, systems, and components of aircraft. Industry-recognized professional licensures, certifications, and registrations are available for students who meet the requirements set forth by the accrediting organization.(4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.(5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.(6) The FAA uses standard terms with specific expectations for performance. The terms are defined as follows. (A) Check means to verify proper operation.(B) Inspect means to examine with or without inspection-enhancing tools or equipment.(C) Overhaul means to disassemble, clean, inspect, repair as necessary, and reassemble.(D) Repair means to correct a defective condition.(E) Service means to perform functions that assure continued operation.(F) Troubleshoot means to analyze and identify malfunctions.(7) When a student performs an action, such as checking, inspecting, overhauling, repairing, servicing, troubleshooting, and installing in this course, they are to complete all associated tasks. If an action detects a flaw, defect, or discrepancy in an aircraft or component, that finding could trigger another maintenance action. Actions may include documenting findings through logbook entries, maintenance action forms, installation plans, and work orders.(d) Knowledge and skills. (1) The student demonstrates professional standards, interpersonal communication, and employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to: (A) identify and compare employment opportunities, including entrepreneurship opportunities, and certification requirements for the field of aircraft maintenance and repair;(B) identify and demonstrate ways to contribute and collaborate as an effective member of a team;(C) identify individual ethical and legal behavior standards according to professional and regulatory agencies;(D) research and discuss the impact of the English language proficiency requirements as prescribed by the Federal Aviation Regulations;(E) identify and explain human factors that may impact health and safety in a worksite and how they are addressed by industry standards;(F) explain the role of human factors in maintaining health and safety in the workplace and demonstrate personal responsibility to maintain health and safety in the workplace;(G) identify and explain how employees' personal responsibility and other human factors, including personal attitudes, can affect the success and profitability of a workplace; (H) apply reasoning skills to a variety of simulated workplace situations in order to make ethical decisions;(I) identify industry standards related to employee appearance and health habits;(J) identify and practice effective written and oral communication skills; (K) identify and practice effective listening skills; and (L) define and apply FAA standard terms that have specific expectations for performance, including check, inspect, overhaul, repair, service, and troubleshoot. (2) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of metallic structures. The student is expected to: (A) describe best practices for maintenance safety, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and precautions for sheet metal repairs and fabrication;(B) identify characteristics and types of metallic structures;(C) identify types of sheet metal defects and select sheet metal repair materials;(D) explain inspection and testing processes of metal structures; (E) explain the selection of rivets, hardware, and fasteners for a sheet metal repair per FAA-approved data;(F) explain the layout, forming, and drilling of sheet metal components per FAA-approved data; and(G) explain rivet layout, installation, and removal per FAA-approved data. (3) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for metallic structures utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) install and remove solid rivets such as universal head, countersink head, and blind rivets;(B) create a drawing of a repair, including the number of rivets and size of sheet metal required, utilizing a manufacturer's structural repair manual;(C) design a rivet pattern for a specific repair; (D) determine the applicability of sheet metal for a repair in a specific application;(E) design a repair using a manufacturer's structural repair manual;(F) sketch and build a piece of sheet metal to fit a prepared area; and(G) determine the extent of damage to a metallic structure and decide if it is repairable.(4) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of non-metallic structures. The student is expected to: (A) identify and discuss maintenance safety practices for composite materials, composite structures, and windows;(B) identify and discuss tools, inspection techniques, and practices for wood structures, including determining acceptable and unacceptable wood defects;(C) define and explain covering textile terms;(D) identify and explain commonly used covering methods of attachment, including types of approved aircraft covering material and common stitching seams used with aircraft covering;(E) describe inspection methods for textile aircraft coverings;(F) identify and discuss composite repair methods, techniques, fasteners, and practices;(G) differentiate between composite structure fiber, core, and matrix materials;(H) identify and discuss types of composite structure defects such as delamination, crush core, and surface gouges;(I) identify inspection and testing of composite structures such as tap testing and ultrasonics;(J) research and describe the care and maintenance of windows;(K) research and describe thermoplastic material inspection and types of thermoplastic material defects;(L) research and describe temporary and permanent window repairs; and (M) research and describe inspection of restraints and upholstery.(5) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for non-metallic structures, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) inspect and repair fiberglass, composite, plastic, or glass-laminated structures;(B) clean and inspect acrylic-type windshields; (C) perform a tap test on composite material;(D) locate and explain repair procedures for elongated bolt holes; and (E) perform lay up for a repair to a composite panel, including preparation for vacuum bagging, using a manufacturer's repair manual.(6) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for flight controls. The student is expected to: (A) identify and compare types of aircraft control cables and control cable maintenance techniques;(B) identify and explain the function of cable connectors, cable guides, and control stops;(C) identify and explain the function of push-pull tubes and torque tubes;(D) identify bellcranks and explain their function;(E) explain the purpose of maintaining a calibration schedule for cable tension meters and other rigging equipment;(F) explain the use and interpretation of cable tensiometer equipment and a cable tension chart;(G) define and explain flutter and flight control balance;(H) identify and explain primary aircraft flight controls, stabilizer systems, and flight control rigging; and(I) identify and explain secondary and auxiliary control surfaces and other aerodynamic wing features.(7) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for flight controls, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify fixed-wing aircraft rigging adjustment locations;(B) inspect and report findings on primary and secondary flight control surfaces;(C) inspect and report findings on primary control cables;(D) adjust and secure a primary flight control cable;(E) adjust push-pull flight control systems;(F) check the balance of a flight control surface and balance a control surface;(G) determine allowable axial play limits for a flight control bearing; and(H) identify and locate appropriate data to verify aircraft flight control travel limits.(8) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for airframe inspection. The student is expected to: (A) explain the use of inspection requirements under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91;(B) discuss maintenance recordkeeping requirements under 14 CFR Part 43;(C) research and describe requirements for complying with airworthiness directives, as found in 14 CFR Part 39;(D) identify and differentiate between FAA-approved data and other data sources such as manufacturer manuals;(E) explain the need for compliance with service letters, service bulletins, instructions for continued airworthiness, and airworthiness directives;(F) explain the purpose and methods of visual inspections;(G) describe the method to select and use checklists and other maintenance publications, including service letters, service bulletins, instructions for continued airworthiness, and airworthiness directives; and(H) describe the importance of maintenance record documentation.(9) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for airframe inspection, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) perform a portion of a 100-hour inspection in accordance with 14 CFR Part 43 such as a records check using the appropriate checklist;(B) enter results of a 100-hour inspection, including airworthy and unairworthy conditions, in a maintenance record; and(C) analyze and inspect applicable equipment and documents to determine compliance with a specific airworthiness directive.(10) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for landing gear. The student is expected to: (A) identify and discuss safety precautions when using aircraft jacks;(B) identify and discuss safety precautions when working with high pressure fluids and gases;(C) identify and discuss safety precautions in the storage and handling of hydraulic fluids;(D) identify and discuss safety precautions in the operation of retractable landing gear systems around personnel;(E) identify and discuss safety precautions in landing gear, tire, and wheel maintenance operations;(F) describe fixed and retractable landing gear systems and components;(G) explain the necessity of landing gear strut servicing and lubrication;(H) describe and compare the method of inspection of bungee and spring steel landing gear systems;(I) describe and compare aircraft steering systems;(J) explain landing gear position and warning system inspection, check, and servicing;(K) explain brake assembly servicing and inspection; and(L) describe and compare brake actuating systems.(11) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for landing gear, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) inspect and service landing gear such as fixed or retractable systems;(B) jack an aircraft for a gear retraction check;(C) inspect wheels, brakes, bearings, and tires;(D) bleed air from a hydraulic brake system;(E) inspect a tire for defects;(F) replace shock strut air valve;(G) locate and explain the process for checking landing gear alignment; (H) troubleshoot aircraft steering system issues such as nose-wheel shimmy;(I) identify landing gear position and warning system components;(J) troubleshoot landing gear position and warning systems;(K) inspect a brake for serviceability; and(L) inspect tube landing gear for damage. (12) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The student is expected to: (A) describe hydraulic system components, including reservoirs, filters, hoses, lines, fittings, valves, actuators, accumulators, and pumps;(B) explain the function of hydraulic system components, including reservoirs, filters, hoses, lines, fittings, valves, actuators, accumulators, and pumps;(C) explain hydraulic system operation, inspections, operational checks, servicing, and troubleshooting;(D) describe pneumatic system components, including reservoirs, filters, hoses, lines, fittings, valves, actuators, accumulators, and pumps;(E) explain the function of pneumatic system components, including reservoirs, filters, hoses, lines, fittings, valves, actuators, accumulators, and pumps;(F) explain pneumatic system operation, inspections, operational checks, servicing, and troubleshooting;(G) identify types of hydraulic seals and hydraulic seal fluid compatibility;(H) research and identify the risks associated with high pressure gases and fluids;(I) research and identify the risks of not properly relieving system pressure prior to system servicing;(J) research and identify the risks associated with storage and handling of hydraulic fluids; and(K) research and identify the risks of cross-contamination of hydraulic fluids.(13) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify different types of hydraulic fluids;(B) install seals and backup rings in a hydraulic component;(C) remove, clean, inspect, and install a hydraulic system filter; (D) service a hydraulic system reservoir;(E) purge air from a hydraulic system;(F) inspect a hydraulic system and a pneumatic system for leaks;(G) troubleshoot a hydraulic system and a pneumatic system for leaks; (H) locate and explain hydraulic fluid servicing instructions; (I) identify and select hydraulic fluid for a given aircraft; and(J) locate installation procedures for a seal, backup ring, or gasket.(14) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for environmental systems. The student is expected to: (A) explain the operation and purpose of pressurization systems and bleed air heating systems;(B) explain and compare aircraft instrument cooling methods;(C) differentiate between exhaust heat exchanger system and combustion heater system components, functions, and operations;(D) differentiate between vapor-cycle system and air-cycle system components, function, and operation;(E) explain cabin pressurization systems, components, and operation;(F) differentiate between types of aircraft oxygen systems;(G) differentiate between types of aircraft oxygen system components;(H) identify and assess risks associated with oxygen system maintenance; (I) identify and assess risks associated with the recovery of vapor-cycle refrigerant;(J) identify and assess risks associated with storage, handling, and use of compressed gas cylinders;(K) identify and assess risks associated with disregarding manufacturer's recommended refrigerant servicing procedures; and(L) identify and assess risks associated with maintenance of combustion heaters.(15) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for environment systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) inspect and service an oxygen system;(B) clean and inspect emergency oxygen masks and supply hoses;(C) inspect an oxygen system cylinder for serviceability;(D) locate and describe the procedures to troubleshoot a combustion heater;(E) locate and describe the procedures for servicing a refrigerant (vapor-cycle) system;(F) locate and describe the troubleshooting procedures for an air-cycle system;(G) inspect a cabin heater system equipped with an exhaust heat exchanger for cracks; and(H) locate troubleshooting procedures for a pressurization system.(16) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for aircraft instrument systems. The student is expected to: (A) describe annunciator indicating systems and define the meaning of warning, caution, and advisory lights;(B) differentiate between fuel quantity indicating systems;(C) differentiate between types of gyroscopic instruments; and(D) explain the function and operation of: (i) magnetic compasses and compass swinging procedures;(ii) pressure and temperature indicating instruments;(iii) position indication sensors and instruments;(iv) engine indication and crew alerting systems;(v) instrument vacuum and pneumatic systems;(vi) pitot-static systems;(vii) electronic displays and flight instrument systems;(viii) transponder and encoder systems;(ix) angle of attack and stall warning systems; and(x) takeoff and landing gear configuration warning systems.(17) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for aircraft instrument systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) remove and install an aircraft instrument;(B) determine barometric pressure using an altimeter;(C) verify proper range markings on an instrument for a particular aircraft using approved data;(D) locate the procedures for troubleshooting a vacuum-operated instrument system;(E) identify exhaust gas temperature system components;(F) inspect an aircraft's alternate static air source; and(G) locate and explain the adjustment procedures for a stall warning system.(18) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for aircraft communication and navigation systems. The student is expected to: (A) describe radio operating principles and radio components;(B) identify and explain mounting requirements of antennas, static discharge wicks, and avionics components; (C) identify the components of communication systems, including very high frequency (VHF), high frequency (HF), satellite communications (SATCOM), and Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS);(D) explain the basic operation of communications systems, including VHF, HF, SATCOM, and ACARS;(E) identify the components of emergency locator transmitters (ELT) and explain the basic operation of ELTs;(F) identify the components of navigation systems, including distance measuring equipment (DME), instrument landing system (ILS), global positioning system (GPS), automatic direction finder (ADF), and VHF omnidirectional range (VOR);(G) explain the basic operation of navigation systems, including DME, ILS, GPS, ADF, and VOR;(H) identify the components of collision avoidance systems, including radio altimeter (RA), automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), traffic collision avoidance systems (TCAS), and ground proximity warning system (GPWS);(I) explain the basic operation of collision avoidance systems, including RA, ADS-B, TCAS, and GPWS;(J) identify the components and explain the basic operation of intercom systems;(K) identify the components and explain the basic operation of weather radar;(L) identify the components and explain the basic operation of autopilot and auto-throttle systems;(M) research and identify the risks of improper ELT testing procedures;(N) research and identify the risks of performing maintenance on high power/high frequency systems such as weather radar and SATCOM systems; and(O) research and identify the risks of improper mounting of antennas.(19) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for aircraft communication and navigation systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) locate and explain autopilot inspection procedures;(B) identify navigation and communication antennas;(C) perform an operational check of a VHF communications system;(D) locate proper testing procedures for an ELT, inspect ELT batteries for expiration date, and perform an operational check of an ELT; and(E) locate and explain the installation procedures for antennas, including mounting and coaxial connections.(20) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for aircraft fuel systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify fuel system types and fuel system components, including filters and selector valves;(B) differentiate between types of aircraft fuel tanks and types of fuel cells;(C) explain fuel flow during fuel transfer, fueling, defueling, and fuel jettisoning;(D) describe characteristics of fuel types;(E) describe fuel system maintenance industry best practices;(F) differentiate between fuel quantity indication methods such as float type, electrical resistance, or visual indicators;(G) research and identify the risks of improper fuel system maintenance;(H) research and identify the risks of fuel system contamination and spills;(I) research and identify the risks of fuel system maintenance requiring fuel tank entry; and(J) research and identify the risks when defueling aircraft.(21) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for aircraft fuel systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) inspect a metal, bladder, or integral fuel tank;(B) inspect a fuel selector valve;(C) drain a fuel system sump;(D) service a fuel system strainer; and(E) identify and locate fuel system operating instructions, inspection procedures, crossfeed procedures, required placards, and defueling procedures.(22) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for aircraft electrical systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components of generators, direct current (DC) generation systems, and DC power distribution systems;(B) explain the basic operation of generators, DC generation systems, and DC power distribution systems;(C) identify the components of alternators, alternating current (AC) generation systems, and AC power distribution systems;(D) explain the basic operation of alternators, AC generation systems, and AC power distribution systems;(E) identify the components and explain the basic operation of voltage regulators, over-volt protection, and overcurrent protection; (F) identify the components and explain the basic operation of inverter systems;(G) explain aircraft wiring size and type selection criteria;(H) explain the purpose of aircraft wiring shielding;(I) explain the purpose of aircraft bonding and lightning protection;(J) describe basic electrical system troubleshooting practices;(K) identify soldering preparation techniques, types of solder, and flux usage;(L) identify types of aircraft electrical connectors, splices, terminals, and switches;(M) describe methods of aircraft battery troubleshooting and maintenance; (N) research and identify the risks of testing electrical systems, including energized and non-energized systems;(O) research and identify the risks of connecting and disconnecting external power;(P) research and identify the risks of maintenance in areas containing aircraft wiring;(Q) research and identify the risks of improperly routing and securing wires and wire bundles;(R) research and identify the risks of improper selection or installation of wire terminals; and(S) research and identify the risks of improper soldering practices. (23) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for aircraft electrical systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) inspect aircraft wiring installation and routing;(B) perform wire terminating and splicing;(C) identify components using a wiring circuit diagram;(D) connect aircraft wires using a solder joint;(E) troubleshoot a simple airframe electrical circuit;(F) install bonding jumpers to electrically connect two isolated components;(G) measure the resistance of an electrical system component;(H) inspect and test anti-collision, position, and landing lights for proper operation;(I) identify components in an electrical schematic where AC is rectified to a DC voltage;(J) perform a continuity test to verify the condition of a conductor; and (K) perform a test on a conductor for a short to ground. (24) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for ice and rain control systems. The student is expected to: (A) explain causes and effects of aircraft icing;(B) identify the components of ice detection systems, aircraft anti-ice systems, and de-ice systems;(C) explain the basic operation of ice detection systems, aircraft anti-ice systems, and de-ice systems;(D) explain wind screen rain control systems, including wiper blade, chemical, and pneumatic bleed air systems;(E) research and identify the risks of improper ice and rain control system testing or maintenance;(F) research and identify the risks of improper storage and handling of deicing fluids; and(G) research and identify the risks of improper selection and use of cleaning materials for heated windshields.(25) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for aircraft electrical systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) clean a pneumatic deicer boot;(B) locate and explain the procedures for inspecting an electrically operated windshield wiper system;(C) locate and explain the procedures for replacing blades on a windshield wiper system; and(D) locate and explain the procedures for inspecting a pneumatic rain removal system.(26) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for airframe fire protection systems. The student is expected to: (A) explain types of fires and aircraft fire zones;(B) identify the components and explain the basic operation of overheat detection and warning systems;(C) identify the components and explain the basic operation of fire detection and warning systems;(D) identify the components and explain the basic operation of smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems;(E) describe types of fire extinguishing systems and extinguishing agents;(F) research and identify the risks of maintenance on circuits associated with fire bottle squibs;(G) research and explain the use of PPE when working on or testing fire extinguishing systems; and(H) explain the risks of exposure to fire extinguishing agents.(27) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for airframe fire protection systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) evaluate an installed fire extinguisher system for proper container pressure;(B) locate and explain the procedures for checking a smoke detection system;(C) locate and explain the procedures for inspecting an overheat detection system; and(D) inspect fire protection system cylinders and check for hydrostatic test date.(28) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for rotorcraft fundamentals. The student is expected to: (A) explain the characteristics of rotorcraft aerodynamics and flight controls;(B) identify the components and explain the function of rotorcraft transmissions;(C) explain the need for rigging requirements for rotary wing aircraft;(D) identify rotor systems, rotor blade functions, and rotor blade construction;(E) explain the need for helicopter skid shoe and tube inspections;(F) explain causes of rotor system and drive system vibrations;(G) explain the purpose of rotor blade track and balance;(H) research and identify the risks of working around helicopter blades during ground operations;(I) research and identify the risks of improper ground-handling procedures;(J) research and identify the risks of ground operations and functional tests; and(K) research and identify the risks of improper maintenance of rotorcraft systems and components.(29) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for rotorcraft fundamentals, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify components of a helicopter rotor system;(B) identify and locate helicopter rotor blade track and balance procedures;(C) identify and locate procedures needed to rig helicopter controls; and(D) identify and locate procedures to track and balance a rotor system.(30) The student understands the academic knowledge and skills for water and waste systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components and explain the basic operation of potable water systems;(B) identify the components and explain the basic operation of lavatory waste systems;(C) describe servicing requirements for water and waste systems; and(D) research and identify the need for PPE to reduce the risks associated with servicing lavatory waste systems.(31) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for water and waste systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) locate and explain the procedures for servicing a lavatory waste system; and(B) locate and explain the procedures for servicing a potable water system.19 Tex. Admin. Code § 127.888
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 36, September 6, 2024, TexReg 7028, eff. 9/9/2024