Course Title: Lay out and set up aircraft systems

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: AERO6077C

Course Title: Lay out and set up aircraft systems

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

School: 520T Future Technologies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6187 - Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)

Course Contact: Amita Iyer

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8311

Course Contact Email: Amita.iyer@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

MEA154

Apply work health and safety practices in aviation maintenance

Course Description

his unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to lay out and set up aircraft systems. It requires the application of basic knowledge of aircraft system design and schematic layout, including the relative advantages of different types of systems.

The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

This unit forms part of the CASA requirement for maintenance certification licences under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought, users must refer to the licensing provisions in the MEA Aeroskills Companion Volume Implementation Guide.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MEA399 Lay out and set up aircraft systems

Element:

1. Select and lay out schematically aircraft mechanical systems

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify mechanical system applications in aircraft design and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types 1.2 Identify components of mechanical systems 1.3 Select a mechanical system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 1.4 Identify mechanical system maintenance requirements

Element:

2. Select and lay out schematically aircraft hydraulic systems

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify hydraulic system applications in aircraft design, their operation, and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types 2.2 Identify aircraft hydraulic fluids, their characteristics and handling precautions 2.3 Identify components of hydraulic systems and describe their operation in general terms 2.4 Select a hydraulic system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 2.5 Determine hydraulic system maintenance requirements

Element:

3. Select and lay out schematically aircraft pneumatic systems

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify pneumatic system applications in aircraft design, their operation, and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types 3.2 Determine components of pneumatic systems and describe their operation in general terms 3.3 Select a pneumatic system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 3.4 Identify pneumatic system maintenance requirements

Element:

4. Select and lay out schematically aircraft fuel storage and distribution systems

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify typical fuel storage and distribution systems used in aircraft design 4.2 Determine components of fuel storage and distribution systems and describe their operation 4.3 Select a fuel storage and distribution system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 4.4 Determine types of aircraft fuel, their characteristics, and handling precautions 4.5 Identify fuel storage and distribution system maintenance requirements

Element:

5. Set up and operate a simple hydraulic system

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Sketch the hydraulic system and label all components 5.2 Obtain required components according to hydraulic system requirements 5.3 Assemble and operate system while observing work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of safety data sheets (SDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the elements of this unit of competency.


Details of Learning Activities

Students will participate a variety of learning methods, such as lectures, class discussions, tutorials, projects, and assessment task.


Teaching Schedule

Please note:-

While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly teaching & assessment order is subject to change depending on class needs & availability of resources.

Refer to CANVAS for schedule.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Notes on CANVAS


References

Jeppersen, S , "A & P Technician Airframe, Textbook", Jeppersen Sanderson Training Products, II Edition, 1992.

(ISBN 978-0884873310)

Moir, I and Seabridge, A , "Aircraft Systems Mechanical, Electrical and Avionic Sub-systems Integration", Longman, 2004.

(ISBN 1860582893)

Neese, W A, "Aircraft Hydraulic Systems", Krieger Publishing Company, 1991.

(ISBN 0894645625)

Other Resources

Bent, R.D.M. McKinley, J. Aircraft Basic Science, McGraw Hill, New York

Crane, D. Airframe Section, Aviation Maintenance Publishing, Basin, Wyoming

Delp, Bent and McKinley, Aircraft Maintenance and Repair, McGraw Hill, New York

Merrill, S.W. Fluid power for Aircraft, International Aviation Publishing Inc., USA

Neese, W.A. Aircraft Hydraulic Systems, Kriger Publishing Company, Florida, USA

Pease, D.A. Pippenger, J.J. Basic Fluid Power, Prentice Hill, New Jersey

Rohner, Pl, Industrial Hydraulic Control, A.E. Press Melbourne

Vickers, Industrial Hydraulic Manual, Lithol, USA

Airframes and Power plant Mechanics, Airframe Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration Publishing, Washington, DC, USA

Peters, D. Aircraft Maintenance Basic Fundamental Devices and Systems, Australian Government Publishing Services, Canberra, ACT

Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics, Aircraft Inspection and Repair, Federal Aviation Administration Publications, Washington DC, USA

Crane, D. Aircraft Wheels and Brakes and Anti Skid Systems, International Aviation Publishing Inc., Casper, Wyoming


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Assessments will comprise of 4 projects, 1 practical and 1 knowledge test.


Assessment Matrix

Element 

        

Performance criteria 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 1: Mechanical systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 2: Hydraulic systems practical 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 3: Hydraulic systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 4: Pneumatic systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 5: Fuel systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 6: Final Test 

        

1. Select and lay out schematically aircraft mechanical systems 

        

  1. Identify mechanical system applications in aircraft design and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types 

      
  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Identify components of mechanical systems 

      
  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7 

        

  1. Select a mechanical system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 

      
  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Identify mechanical system maintenance requirements 

      
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

2. Select and lay out schematically aircraft hydraulic systems 

        

  1. Identify hydraulic system applications in aircraft design, their operation, and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Identify aircraft hydraulic fluids, their characteristics and handling precautions 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Identify components of hydraulic systems and describe their operation in general terms 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

Q8, Q9, Q11, Q12, Q13 

        

  1. Select a hydraulic system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Determine hydraulic system maintenance requirements 

      
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

3. Select and lay out schematically aircraft pneumatic systems 

        

  1. Identify pneumatic system applications in aircraft design, their operation, and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

Q16, Q17, Q19 

        

  1. Determine components of pneumatic systems and describe their operation in general terms 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

Q17, Q18, Q21, Q22, Q26 

        

  1. Select a pneumatic system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Identify pneumatic system maintenance requirements 

      
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

Q20, Q21, Q23, Q24, Q254 

        

4. Select and lay out schematically aircraft fuel storage and distribution 

        

  1. Identify typical fuel storage and distribution systems used in aircraft design 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

  1. Determine components of fuel storage and distribution systems and describe their operation 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

Q27, Q28, Q29, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q33, Q34, Q35 

        

  1. Select a fuel storage and distribution system for an application, sketch the schematic layout, and label all components 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

  1. Determine types of aircraft fuel, their characteristics, and handling precautions 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

Q36, Q37, Q38, Q39, Q40 

        

  1. Identify fuel storage and distribution system maintenance requirements 

      
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

5. Set up and operate a simple hydraulic system 

  

 

        

  1. Sketch the hydraulic system and label all components 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 2 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Obtain required components according to hydraulic system requirements 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 3, Part 4 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  1. Assemble and operate system while observing work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of safety data sheets (SDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 1, Part 4 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        
     

 

  

 

  

Performance Evidence   

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

  

 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 1: Mechanical systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 2: Hydraulic systems practical 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 3: Hydraulic systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 4: Pneumatic systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 5: Fuel systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 6: Final Test 

        

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, which must include the ability to: 

  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  • Lay out one typical aircraft mechanical system  

      
  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  • Lay out one typical aircraft hydraulic system  

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  • Lay out one typical aircraft pneumatic system  

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

  • Lay out one typical fuel storage and distribution system 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

  • Set up and operate one basic aircraft hydraulic system that includes: 

      
  

  • Hydraulic rig 

      
  

  • Manual selector valve 

      
  

  • Filter 

      
  

  • Accumulator 

      
  

  • Check valve 

      
  

  • Linear actuators 

      
  

  • Rigid and flexible plumbing 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 1, Part 2,  

  

Part 3, Part 4 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  • Apply required work health and safety (WHS) precautions, including using safety data sheets (SDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for task. 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 1, Part 4 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Q15 

        
     

 

  

Knowledge Evidence   

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 1: Mechanical systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 2: Hydraulic systems practical 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 3: Hydraulic systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 4: Pneumatic systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 5: Fuel systems 

        

Assessment 

  

Task 6: Final Test 

        

  • Key characteristics of mechanical aircraft systems, their components as follows, and maintenance requirements: 

      
  

  • Cables 

      
  

  • Chains 

      
  

  • Sprockets 

      
  

  • Pulleys 

      
  

  • Fairleads 

      
  

  • Cable tensioners 

      
  

  • Gearboxes 

      
  

  • Screwjacks 

      
  

  • Rods  

      
  

  • Universal joints 

      
  

  • Constant velocity joints 

      
  

  • Clutches 

      
  

  • Bearings and bushes 

      
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Q1, Q2, Q2, Q4, Q4, Q6, Q7 

        

  • Key characteristics of hydraulic aircraft systems, their components as follows, and maintenance requirements: 

      
  

  • Pumps 

      
  

  • Plumbing 

      
  

  • Manual and electrically operated valves 

      
  

  • Actuators 

      
  

  • Motors 

      
  

  • Check valves 

      
  

  • Direct reading and electrical pressure gauges 

      
  

  • Electrical control circuit micro switches 

      
  

  • Reservoirs 

      
  

  • Accumulators 

      
  

  • Filters 

      
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

        

 

        

Part 2, Part 3,  
Part 4 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11, Q12, Q13, Q14 

        

  • Key characteristics of pneumatic aircraft systems, their components as follows, and maintenance requirements: 

      
  

  • Precoolers 

      
  

  • Pressure regulator and shutoff valves 

      
  

  • Temperature modulating valve 

      
  

  • Check valves 

      
  

  • Over-pressure valves 

      
  

  • Temperature regulating valves 

      
  

  • Underloading valves 

      
  

  • Shuttle valves 

      
  

  • Back pressure valves 

      
  

  • Outflow valves 

      
  

  • Heat exchangers 

      
  

  • Moisture separators 

      
  

  • Chemical driers 

      
  

  • Filters 

      
  

  • Mechanical compressors 

      
  

  • Compressed air bottles 

      
  

  • De-icing boots 

      
  

  • Ducting 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

Q16, Q17, Q18, Q19, Q20, Q21, Q22, Q23, Q24, Q25, Q26, Q42 

        

  • Relative advantages and disadvantages of mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems 

      
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

Part 1 

        

Part 1 

        

Q7 

        

  • Aircraft fuel storage and distribution systems and their components, including: 

      
  

  • Integral fuel cells 

      
  

  • Rigid and flexible fuel cells 

      
  

  • External fuel tanks 

      
  

  • Rigid and flexible plumbing and couplings 

      
  

  • Manifolds 

      
  

  • Selector valves 

      
  

  • Anti-surge valves 

      
  

  • Anti-gravity valves 

      
  

  • Fuel quantity indication 

      
  

  • Fuel flow indication 

      
  

  • Boost pumps 

      
  

  • Transfer pumps 

      
  

  • Filters  

      
  

  • Strainers 

      
  

  • Fuel heaters 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

Q27, Q28, Q29, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q33, Q34, Q35 

        

  • Fluid power principles 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

Q10, Q14 

        

  • Plumbing identification marking 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 2, Part 3,  
Part 4, Q1, Q2 

  

 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

Q41 

        

  • Hydraulic fluid types, characteristics and handling precautions 

      
  

 

  

 

        

 

        

Part 1, Part 4 

        

Part 1 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

  • Aircraft fuels, their characteristics and handling precautions 

      
  

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Part 1 

        

Q36, Q37, Q38, Q39, Q40 

        

  • WHS precautions relating to aircraft systems and their operation, including procedures for using SDS and items of PPE 

      
  

 

        

 

        

Part 1, Part 4 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

Q15, Q20 

        
     

 

  

 

  

Course Overview: Access Course Overview