Course Title: Apply basic aircraft power plant design characteristics

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: AERO6084C

Course Title: Apply basic aircraft power plant design characteristics

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

Mr. Bruce Rogers
Ph: +61 3 9925 4468
Email: bruce.rogers@rmit.edu.au

Appointment by email ( Monday & Thursday only)

Program Manager

Dr Amita Iyer

Ph: 99258311

Email: amita.iyer@rmit.edu.au


 

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

MEA107 Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications

MEA154 Apply work health and safety practices in aviation maintenance

MEA158 Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply basic knowledge of propulsion and power plant selection for aeroplanes and rotary wing aircraft, piston engines and propellers/rotors, turbo prop, gas turbines and gas turbine/rotor.

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

Any other relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MEAMEC0033 Apply basic aircraft power plant design characteristics

Element:

1. Research and evaluate the types of aeroplane and rotary wing aircraft power plant and their relative advantages and disadvantages

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The types of aeroplane and rotary wing aircraft power plant are identified and compared in terms of relative advantages and disadvantages

1.2 Types of propeller are identified and compared in terms of relative advantages and disadvantages 

1.3 Turbojet and turbofan performance is compared in terms of relative advantages and disadvantages 

1.4 Maintenance requirements for aircraft power plants are identified 

Element:

2. Apply basic power plant and propulsion system selection processes

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Given required aeroplane use and performance characteristics an appropriate type of power plant is determined

2.2

An appropriate type of propulsion system is selected

2.3

Given required rotary wing aircraft use and performance characteristics an appropriate type of power plant is determined


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

You will be involved in the following learning activities to meet requirements for this competency and stage 1 competencies for Engineering Associates:

• Lecture
• Tutorial
• Assignment
• Guest speakers/ site visit
 

Engineers Australia Mapping Information:

This course is mapped against stage 1 competencies for Engineering Associates developed by Engineers Australia as detailed below:

EA 1. Knowledge and Skill Base

EA1.1. Descriptive, formula-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the practice area.
EA 1.2. Procedural-level understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the practice area.
EA 1.3. In depth practical knowledge and skills within specialist sub-disciplines of the practice area.
EA 1.4. Discernment of engineering developments within the practice area.
EA 1.5. Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the practice area.
EA 1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the area of practice.

EA 2. Engineering Application Ability

EA 2.1. Application of established technical and practical methods to the solution of well-defined engineering problems.
EA 2.2. Application of technical and practical techniques, tools and resources to well defined engineering problems.
EA 2.3. Application of systematic synthesis and design processes to well defined engineering problems.
EA 2.4. Application of systematic project management processes.

EA 3. Professional and Personal Attributes

EA 3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
EA 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
EA 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
EA 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
EA 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
EA 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies are mapped with competency MEA342A in the Assessment Matrix.
 


Teaching Schedule

The proposed teaching schedule for the competency is detailed below:

Week Topics Delivered Elements/Performance Criteria
                                             Semester 1
1 Introduction to the course  1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
2 & 3 Identification and comparison of various types of aeroplane and rotary wing aircraft power plant  1.1
4 Basic power plant and propulsion system selection processes  2.1, 2.2
5 Introduction to piston engine; piston engine principles of operation 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
6 & 7 Piston engine construction & classifications (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
8 Aircraft carburetors and fuel injection systems  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
9 Aircraft Fuel and fuel metering systems (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
10 Lubrication and cooling systems (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
11 Starting and ignition systems (Check your Progress) (Assignment 1 due)  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
12 Piston engine systems: Power augmentation/Supercharger systems (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
13 Diesel engines  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
14 Piston engine performance and Calculations (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
15 Revision  1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
16 Test 1 - Piston engines 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
17 Review of Test 1   - Feedback to students  1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
                                         Semester 2
1 Introduction to course  
2  Re-sit Test 1  1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2,2.3
3 & 4 Introduction to Propeller, Propeller Construction and Operating Principles (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
5 Introduction to Gas Turbine & Fundamentals  1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
6 Gas Turbine – working cycle (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
7 & 8 Gas Turbine – Intake & Compressors (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2,2.3
9 Gas Turbine – Combustion (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
10 Gas Turbine – Turbine (Check your Progress)  1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
11 & 12 Gas Turbine - Exhaust & Performance (Check your Progress) 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
13

Gas Turbine - Non - Destructive Testing

(Check your Progress) (Assignment 2 due)

  		 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
14 Revision 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
15 Test 2 - Propeller/Gas Turbine 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
16 Review of Test 2 - Feedback to students 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
17 Re-sit Test 2  1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Student directed hours involve completing activities such as reading online resources, assignments, individual student-teacher course-related consultation. Students are required to self-study the learning materials and complete the assigned out of class activities for the scheduled non-teaching hours. The estimated time is minimum 40 hours outside the class time.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Located under 'Resources' in CANVAS.


References

1. FAA-H-8083-32, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook-Powerplant Volume 1, 2012. 2. FAA-H-8083-32, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook-Powerplant Volume 2, 2012. 3. The Jet Engine, EDC Printing Services Inwin, E. Treager. Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Technology, McGraw Hill Publishing 4. Aviation Technician Integrated Training Program 'Powerplant Section' EA ITP-P. 5. Wagtendonk, W, " Principles of Helicopter Flight"' Aviation Supplies & Academics, 2007. 6. Aircraft Ignition and Electrical Systems EA IGS International Aviation Publishing Inc, Casper, Wyoming, USA Kroes, Wild, Bent & McKinley. 7. Rolls-Royce engineers "The Jet Engine, 5th Edition" Technical Publications Department, Rolls-Royce, Derby, England, 1996. 8. Hunecke, Klaus, "Jet Engines: Fundamentals of Theory, Design and Operation", Crowood Press, 1997. 9. Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices: Aircraft Inspection Repair and Alterations, EA-AC43-13 1A & 2A. Federal Aviation Administration Publications, Washington DS, USA Delp, F. 10. Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics 'Powerplant Handbook' EA-AC65-12A Federal Aviation Administration Publications, Washington DC, USA. 11. Eastop, M, " Applied Thermodynamics for Engineers Technologists", Longman, 1996. 12. Aircraft Gas Turbine Power Plants, EA-TEP-2 International Aviation Publishing Inc., Casper, Wyoming, USA. ISBN 0- 89100-255-3-1AP Rolls Royce. 13. Aircrafts Powerplants Delp, F. Aircraft Propellers and Controls, EA-APC International Aviation Publishing Inc., Casper, Wyoming, USA Hurt, HH Jr. 14. Aerodynamics For Naval Aviators, NAVWEPS 00-80T-80 Otis, Charles.


Other Resources

Students will be able to access information and learning materials through myRMIT and may be provided with additional materials in class. List of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content are 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

You are required to complete the following assessment tasks:

Assessment 1: Assignment 1, Semester 1, Week 11 due

Assessment 2: Test 1, Semester 1,Week 16 

Assessment 3: Assignment 2, Semester 2, Week 13 due

Assessment 4: Test 2, Semester 2, Week 15

This course will be assessed as Competent or Not Yet Competent.


 


Assessment Matrix

 Assessment vs MEA342A Elements & Performance Criteria

  MEA342A Elements & Performance Criteria
Assessments 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 2.1 2.2 2.3
Assignment 1 X     X X X  
Assignment 2 X X X   X X X
Test 1 X     X X X  
Test 2 X X X   X X X


Assessment vs Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
Assessments  EA1.1  EA1.2  EA1.3  EA1.4  EA1.5  EA1.6  EA2.1  EA2.2  EA2.3  EA2.4  EA3.1  EA3.2  EA3.3 EA3.4  EA3.5  EA3.6 
Assignment 1  X   X    X  X            X   X     
Assignment 2  X   X    X  X            X    X    
Test 1  X   X    X  X                X    
Test 2  X    X    X  X                X    
ALL ASSESSMENTS MEA342A   3 0 3   0  3  3 0  0  0  0  0  2   0  3 0  0 
0 (Blank) Graduate attribute is not assessed
1 Graduate attribute is assessed in at least one, but less than one-third of the Element
2 Graduate attribute is assessed in at least one third but less than two-thirds of the Element
3 Graduate attribute is assessed in more than two-thirds of the Element

Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

  • Relevant
  • Current
  • Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL

Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you. 
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are: 

  • assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice 
  • maths and science developmental support and advice 
  • English language development 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support 

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission: 

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager. 
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted. 
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date. 

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked. 


Special consideration: 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration 

Plagiarism: 

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. 

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism. 

Other Information: 

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview