Section 127.889 - Aircraft Powerplant 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 11 and 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 Powerplant Technology is designed to teach the theory of operation of aircraft powerplants and associated maintenance and repair practices of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) powerplant 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. Powerplant maintenance and repair practices include knowledge of the theory, function, diagnosis, and service of powerplants, 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/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;(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 as 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 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 standards of industry 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 reciprocating engines. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components and types of reciprocating internal combustion aircraft engines, including inline, opposed, V-type, and radial engines;(B) explain the operational theory of reciprocating internal combustion aircraft engines, including inline, opposed, V-type, and radial engines;(C) explain the purpose and methods of reciprocating engine preservation;(D) explain the purpose and methods of reciprocating engine maintenance and inspection;(E) locate and explain the procedures for reciprocating engine ground operations;(F) identify the components and explain the basic operation of diesel engines;(G) explain the basic operational theory of diesel engines;(H) research and identify the risks of maintenance that requires moving the propeller;(I) research and identify the risks of ground operating a reciprocating engine;(J) research and identify the actions necessary in the event of a reciprocating engine fire; and(K) research and identify the risks in not using the manufacturer's procedures during maintenance.(3) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for reciprocating engines, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to:(A) perform and document findings from a cylinder assembly inspection;(B) operate and troubleshoot a reciprocating engine;(C) install a wrist pin in a piston;(D) identify the parts of a cylinder and a crankshaft;(E) identify and inspect bearings found in reciprocating engines; and(F) inspect and rig cable and push-pull engine controls.(4) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of turbine engines. The student is expected to:(A) identify the components and types of turbine engines;(B) explain the basic operational theory of turbine engines;(C) explain the purpose and methods of monitoring turbine engine performance;(D) explain the purpose and methods of turbine engine troubleshooting, maintenance, and inspection;(E) research and explain the causes of turbine engine performance loss;(F) explain the basic operational theory of bleed air systems;(G) explain the purpose and methods of turbine engine preservation;(H) explain the theory and application of auxiliary power units;(I) research and identify the risks of turbine engine operation;(J) research and identify the risks of performing maintenance on a turbine engine;(K) research and identify the actions necessary in the event of a turbine engine fire; and(L) research and identify the risks of foreign object damage (FOD) to turbine engines.(5) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for turbine engines, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify different turbine compressors;(B) identify different types of turbine engine blades;(C) identify components of turbine engines;(D) map airflow direction and pressure changes in turbine engines;(E) identify and locate the procedures for the adjustment of a fuel control unit;(F) identify and locate the installation or removal procedures for a turbine engine;(G) identify damaged turbine engine blades; and(H) analyze causes for turbine engine performance loss.(6) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of engine inspection. The student is expected to: (A) explain the purpose of inspection requirements under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 43 and 14 CFR Part 91;(B) explain the purpose and methods of identification of life-limited parts and life-limited parts replacement intervals;(C) explain the purpose and types of special inspections such as sudden engine stoppage, hard landings, and foreign object debris (FOD) ingestion;(D) explain the purpose of using FAA-approved data;(E) explain the importance of compliance with service letters, service bulletins, instructions for continued airworthiness, airworthiness directives (AD), and Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS);(F) explain the purpose of maintenance recordkeeping requirements under 14 CFR Part 43;(G) explain the purpose of engine component inspection, checking, and servicing;(H) explain the importance of inspecting engine mounts and mounting hardware;(I) research and identify the risks of performing a compression test on a reciprocating engine; and(J) research and identify the risks of performing maintenance on an operating reciprocating engine and a turbine engine.(7) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for engine inspection, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) evaluate a powerplant for compliance with FAA-approved or manufacturer data;(B) perform a powerplant records inspection;(C) inspect a powerplant for compliance with applicable ADs;(D) determine powerplant installation eligibility in accordance with the TCDS;(E) inspect engine controls for proper operation and adjustment;(F) inspect an aircraft engine accessory for serviceability;(G) inspect engine records for time or cycles on life-limited parts;(H) perform an engine start and inspect engine operational parameters; and(I) inspect an engine mount to determine serviceability.(8) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of engine instrument systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components of engine instrument systems, including fuel flow, temperature, engine speed, pressure, torque meter, engine pressure ratio (EPR), engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS), and electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM);(B) explain the operational theory of engine instrument systems, including fuel flow, temperature, engine speed, pressure, torque meter, EPR, EICAS, and ECAM;(C) describe the types of annunciator indicators and the functions of annunciator indicating systems;(D) define the meaning of annunciator indicating system warning, caution, and advisory lights;(E) identify the components and explain the operational theory of full authority digital engine controls (FADEC);(F) explain the purpose and methods of marking engine instrument ranges;(G) research and identify the risks of damaging instrument systems or indicating systems during maintenance; and(H) research and identify the risks of inaccurate engine instrument calibration or inaccurate instrument readings.(9) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for engine inspection, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to:(A) remove, inspect, and install a fuel-flow transmitter;(B) remove, inspect, and install a fuel-flow gauge;(C) identify components of an electric tachometer system;(D) inspect tachometer markings for accuracy;(E) locate procedures for troubleshooting a turbine EPR system;(F) inspect exhaust gas temperature (EGT) probes;(G) locate and inspect engine low fuel pressure warning system components; and(H) troubleshoot an EGT indicating system.(10) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of engine fire protection systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify types of fires such as electrical, structural, and petroleum-based fires and explain the purpose of engine fire zones;(B) identify the components and explain the basic operation of fire detection warning systems;(C) explain the purpose of fire detection system maintenance and inspection requirements;(D) identify fire extinguishing agents and types of fire extinguishing systems;(E) explain the purpose and methods of fire extinguishing system maintenance and inspection;(F) research and identify the risks of container discharge cartridges;(G) research and identify the risks of extinguishing agents; and(H) research and identify the risks of maintenance on circuits associated with electrically activated container discharge cartridges.(11) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for engine fire protection systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify fire detection sensing units;(B) locate troubleshooting procedures for a fire detection system;(C) inspect fire extinguisher discharge circuit;(D) check operation of fire warning press-to-test and troubleshoot faults; and(E) identify continuous-loop fire detection system components.(12) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of engine electrical systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components of engine electrical systems, including alternating current generators, direct current generators, alternators, starter generators, voltage regulators, overvoltage protection, and overcurrent protection;(B) explain the operational theory of engine electrical systems, including alternating current generators, direct current generators, alternators, starter generators, voltage regulators, overvoltage protection, and overcurrent protection;(C) explain the procedure for locating the correct electrical wire size needed to fabricate a wire;(D) explain the purpose of engine electrical wiring, switches, and protective devices;(E) research and identify the risks of reversing polarity when performing electrical system maintenance;(F) research and identify the actions necessary in response to a warning or caution annunciator light;(G) research and identify the risks of performing maintenance on energized aircraft systems; and(H) research and identify the risks of improper routing and securing wiring near flammable fluid lines.(13) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for engine electrical systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) inspect engine electrical wiring, switches, cable, and protective devices;(B) analyze the suitability of a replacement component by part number;(C) troubleshoot a direct-drive electric starter system;(D) select the appropriate wire size for engine electrical system;(E) repair a broken engine electrical system wire;(F) troubleshoot an electrical system using a schematic or wiring diagram;(G) fabricate a bonding jumper; and(H) inspect engine electrical connectors.(14) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of engine lubrication systems. The student is expected to: (A) describe types, grades, and uses of engine oil;(B) identify the components and explain the basic operation of lubrication systems, including wet-sumps and dry-sumps;(C) explain the purpose of chip detectors;(D) explain the purpose and methods of lubrication system maintenance, inspection, servicing, and analysis;(E) explain the causes of excessive aircraft engine oil consumption;(F) research and identify the risks of mixing engine oils;(G) research and identify the risks in not using the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the use of engine lubricants; and(H) research and identify the risks of improper handling, storage, and disposal of used lubricating oil.(15) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for engine lubrication systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to:(A) inspect an oil cooler or oil lines;(B) identify the correct type of oil for a specific engine;(C) identify approved oils for different climatic temperatures;(D) identify and locate procedures for obtaining oil samples;(E) inspect an oil filter or screen based on industry standards;(F) identify oil system components;(G) replace an oil system component;(H) identify oil system flow through the engine;(I) troubleshoot an engine oil pressure malfunction;(J) troubleshoot an engine oil temperature system; and(K) identify types of metal found in an oil filter.(16) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of ignition and starting systems. The student is expected to:(A) identify the components of ignition systems, including spark plugs, shower of sparks, magnetos, impulse couplings, solid-state ignitions, and FADECs;(B) explain the operational theory of ignition systems and components, including spark plugs, shower of sparks, magnetos, impulse couplings, solid-state ignitions, and FADECs;(C) identify the components and explain the basic operation of engine starters;(D) identify the components and explain the basic operation of turbine engine ignition systems;(E) research and identify the risks of advanced and retarded ignition timing on piston engines;(F) research and identify the risks of maintenance on engines with capacitor discharge ignition systems; and(G) research and identify the risks of working around reciprocating engines with an ungrounded magneto.(17) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for ignition and starting systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) remove, clean, inspect, and install a spark plug;(B) inspect an electrical starting system;(C) troubleshoot an electrical starting system;(D) troubleshoot an ignition switch circuit;(E) identify the correct spark plugs used for replacement installation; and(F) identify the correct igniter plug on a turbine engine.(18) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of engine fuel and fuel metering systems. The student is expected to: (A) explain the purpose of proper fuel to air ratios and fuel metering;(B) identify the components, basic operation, and adjustment of fuel metering systems, including float carburetor, pressure carburetor, continuous-flow fuel injection, FADEC, and hydromechanical fuel control;(C) explain the purpose and basic operation of fuel heaters, lines, pumps, valves, filters, and drains;(D) explain the basic operation of fuel nozzles and manifolds;(E) identify the components and explain the basic operation of turbine engine fuel metering systems;(F) locate and explain inspection requirements for an engine fuel system;(G) explain fuel system operation;(H) research and identify the risks of adjusting turbine engine fuel controls;(I) research and identify the risks of adjusting reciprocating engine fuel controls;(J) research and identify the risks of handling fuel metering system components or fuel control units that may contain fuel; and(K) research and identify the risks of fuel system maintenance.(19) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for engine fuel and fuel metering systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify carburetor components;(B) identify fuel and air flow through a float-type carburetor;(C) remove and install a carburetor main metering jet;(D) inspect the needle, seat, and float level on a float-type carburetor;(E) adjust carburetor idle speed and mixture;(F) research and locate procedures for a turbine engine revolutions per minute overspeed inspection;(G) research and locate procedures for adjusting a hydromechanical fuel control unit;(H) explain procedures for removing and installing a turbine engine fuel control unit;(I) identify components of an engine fuel system;(J) identify fuel selector placards;(K) inspect engine fuel system fluid lines and components;(L) locate the procedures for troubleshooting a turbine engine fuel heater system; and(M) inspect fuel selector valve.(20) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of reciprocating engine induction and cooling systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components and explain the theory of operation of reciprocating engine induction and cooling systems;(B) explain the causes and effects of induction system icing;(C) identify the components and explain the theory of superchargers, supercharger controls, turbochargers, turbocharger controls, and intercoolers;(D) identify the components and explain the theory of augmenter cooling systems;(E) identify the components and explain the theory of induction system filtering and carburetor heaters;(F) research and identify the risks of maintenance on turbochargers;(G) research and identify the risks of ground operation of aircraft engines;(H) research and identify the risks of maintenance-related foreign object debris and foreign object damage; and(I) research and identify the risks of chemicals used in liquid cooling systems.(21) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for reciprocating engine induction and cooling systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to:(A) inspect a carburetor heat system;(B) inspect an alternate air valve for proper operation;(C) inspect an induction system drain for proper operation;(D) service an induction air filter;(E) inspect an induction system for obstruction;(F) inspect an air intake manifold for leaks;(G) locate the proper specifications for coolant used in a liquid-cooled engine;(H) inspect reciprocating engine cooling ducting and baffle seals for damage;(I) identify components of a turbocharger induction system;(J) identify exhaust augmenter-cooled engine components;(K) inspect and repair a cylinder baffle;(L) inspect a cowl flap system for normal operation; and(M) inspect cylinder cooling fins for damage.(22) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of turbine engine air systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components and explain the operational theory of air cooling systems, turbine engine induction systems, turbine engine bleed air systems and turbine engine anti-ice systems;(B) explain the purpose and theory of turbine engine cowling air flow and turbine engine internal cooling;(C) identify the components and purpose of turbine engine baffle and methods of seal installation;(D) identify and explain the purpose of turbine engine insulation blankets and shrouds;(E) research and identify the risks of maintenance on compressor bleed air systems; and(F) research and identify the risks of ground operation of aircraft engines following other than manufacturer's instructions.(23) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for turbine engine air systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify location of turbine engine insulation blankets;(B) identify turbine engine cooling air flow;(C) inspect rigid or flexible turbine engine cooling ducting or baffle seals; and(D) identify turbine engine ice and rain protection system components.(24) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of engine exhaust and reverser systems. The student is expected to: (A) identify the components of reciprocating engine exhaust systems, turbine engine exhaust systems, noise suppression systems, and thrust reversers;(B) explain the operational theory of reciprocating engine exhaust systems, turbine engine exhaust systems, noise suppression systems, and thrust reversers;(C) research and identify the risks of maintenance and inspection of exhaust system components;(D) research and identify the risks of operating reciprocating engines with exhaust systems leaks and exhaust system failures; and(E) research and identify the risks of ground operation of aircraft engines.(25) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for engine exhaust and reverser systems, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify the type of exhaust system on a particular aircraft;(B) inspect exhaust system;(C) locate and explain procedures for testing and troubleshooting a turbine thrust reverser system; and(D) perform a pressure leak check of a reciprocating engine exhaust system.(26) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of propellers. The student is expected to: (A) explain the theory and operation of propellers;(B) identify types of propellers and blade design;(C) explain the theory and operation of constant speed propellers, pitch control systems, and propeller governors;(D) explain the theory and operation of turbine engine propeller beta range operation;(E) explain the purpose and methods of propeller servicing, maintenance, and inspections;(F) identify and locate procedures for removal and installation of a propeller;(G) explain the purpose of propeller TCDS;(H) explain the theory and operation of propeller synchronization systems and propeller ice control systems; and(I) research and identify the risks of propeller ground operation, maintenance, and inspections.(27) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for propellers, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) check blade static tracking;(B) inspect a propeller for condition and airworthiness;(C) measure propeller blade angle;(D) locate and explain the procedures for balancing a fixed-pitch propeller;(E) identify propeller range of operation; and(F) determine what minor propeller alterations are acceptable using the propeller specifications, TCDS, and listings.19 Tex. Admin. Code § 127.889
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 36, September 6, 2024, TexReg 7028, eff. 9/9/2024