Avionics Technology

This course will give the student a basic knowledge of aircraft aerodynamics and flight. The topics covered will be the properties of air, indicated and true airspeeds, lift and drag, flight controls, special lift and drag control surfaces and thrust. Aircraft performance, stability and control, load factor, supersonic flight and the principles of helicopter flight will also be examined. The student will have an opportunity in the laboratory to observe, adjust, and do calculations on the lift and drag of an actual model aircraft and airfoils in the wind and smoke tunnels.

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) are the regulations and standards for the aircraft industry in Canada. This course provides the learner with a basic understanding of the CARs system as an introduction to accessing and navigating within CARs. The learner will use computer-based learning and classroom theory to develop the skills they will need for using the CARs in a workplace environment.

The students study the mechanical elements of the aircraft. Airframe components, flight controls and propellers are explained and types of aircraft construction are studied. Topics also include metallurgy and sheet metal, aircraft servicing procedures, weight and balance, wheels and brakes and anti-skid systems. Aircraft systems such as hydraulics, ice protection and propellers are also studied.

The students will be given hands-on applications with aircraft electrical and mechanical systems, as well as practical training in ground handling of aircraft.

In this course, you’ll examine key topics in aircraft electrical systems, their installation and their interfaces. You’ll examine the operation and maintenance of AC and DC motors, generators and control systems, as well as transformers and alternate power systems. You’ll also investigate the operation of aircraft busing systems, landing gear, circuit components and lighting systems, and you’ll interpret electrical system schematic diagrams and installation manuals. This course prepares you with the theoretical knowledge required to install and physically interface aircraft components.

Pre-requisites:

• ELEC 214

This is a detailed study of the operation and interconnection, to a block diagram level, of the avionics navigation systems found in a modern aircraft. Standard signal format and testing procedures, as well as troubleshooting techniques, are examined with reference to practical applications.

Pre-requisites:

• ELTR 259
• ELTR 260
• DIGI 235
• DIGI 236

The students will conduct laboratory exercises build skills in aircraft wiring and the interconnection of switches, relays and transformers. Three-phase motors are connected, and interface problems are solved.

This introduction to basic aircraft record keeping will allow students to practice record keeping using maintenance documents as well as government and manufacturers’ publications.

The course starts with a brief overview of the operation of a microprocessor or microcontroller. The student then studies the different computers on board a modern aircraft. Glass cockpit concepts are examined, together with aircraft data buses.

This course involves a detailed study of the application of control systems theory to avionics. Basic position control systems are studied in relation to the operation of compass systems, radar stabilization and automatic flight control.

Pre-requisites:

• ASYS 310

This course explores and develops skills for public speaking and technical presentations. Students will focus on technical writing for reports. Students will also develop resume styles to assist them in their job searches.

The student will study pitot-static instrumentation, gyroscopic principles and gyrodirection indicators. Tachometers, temperature indicators, pressure and quantity gauges and remote indicators are also studied.

This course is a study of aircraft electrical blueprints through the use of CAD software. Topics to be studied include: ANSI Y32.2 specifications, title blocks, list of materials, notes, sheet sizes, drawing area, lines and electrical symbols. Common AutoCad commands will be utilized by the student to reinforce drafting and avionic design concepts with emphasis on schematic interpretation and comprehension of aircraft electrical systems.

CAD software will be used to study advanced aircraft electrical and avionic systems. Topics to be studied include: fixed and rotary wing schematic diagrams, instrument panel layout and wiring interface, avionic installation cost analysis, aircraft avionic modifications, and domestic and foreign aircraft blueprint interpretation. All completed drawings will be based on ANSIY32.2 and Air Transport Association specification 100.

Pre-requisites:

• DFTG 250

Topics include circuit operation of basic combinational logic gates and how they apply to Boolean postulates and theorems. Sequential synchronous and asynchronous circuits, flip/flops, and other devices are studied from a practical aircraft perspective and lead into the computer circuitry of memories, counters and registers.

Pre-requisites:

• ELTR 216

The laboratory program provides practical hands-on application of the concepts and theories discovered in Digital theory. The correct use of digital specific test equipment is practiced.

A typical light aircraft avionics system is installed in a simulated aircraft radio console. The student fabricates the wiring harness and is responsible for the installation of all wiring and hardware and its conformity to aircraft standards. The student performs function checks and troubleshoots the system to ensure that it is operational.

Pre-requisites:

• ASYS 310
• ASYS 307
• ELCM 355

This course provides a solid, fundamental background in communication concepts for students in a diverse range of electronic technologies. It provides the basic concepts required for further studies in the areas of analog and digital transmission, radio and data communications. Major topics include transmission media, amplitude modulation (AM), transmission and reception and frequency modulation (FM).

The students assemble an AM radio in breadboard form. When the radio is working correctly it will be transferred from the breadboard to a printed circuit board for assembly in its case. The students will also perform tests on aircraft communications radios and microwave transmission lines. Specialized measurement techniques on oscilloscopes, signal analyzing equipment and special purpose test equipment will be practiced.

Pre-requisites:

• ELTR 259
• ELTR 260
• STDP 283

The students will conduct an in-depth study of communications systems applied to aircraft applications including HF, VHF and UHF airborne transceivers. ELT is discussed in the general and commercial aviation environments. Topics also covered are transmission lines and wave guides used in microwave systems and their application to Weather Radar. Considerations for aircraft antenna types, location, mounting and their transmission lines are investigated. The use of standard instrumentation such as the oscilloscope, Megger, power meters and signal, analyzing equipment will be studied.

Pre-requisites:

• ELCM 250

The students learn the interaction of the aircraft avionics systems. Electrical distribution, intercom, audio integration, communications and navigation systems are studied to a fundamental Ramp Check level.

In this course you will apply the learnings of ELCM 355 - Avionics Systems Intro Theory. This lab component will have students complete multiple functional checks and tests to avionics equipment using manufacturer’s instructions while adhering to industry guidelines and safety protocols.

Pre-requisites:

• ELCM 355

The student performs operational tests and troubleshooting exercises on a variety of avionics systems.

Pre-requisites:

• ASYS 310
• ELCM 355
• ELCM 349

This course applies the fundamentals of D.C. and A.C. generation and distribution to the aircraft environment. A high degree of aircraft system examples are used to reinforce the correct selection of wire etc. Components studied include switches and relays, circuit protection devices, aircraft batteries, static and rotary inverters. D.C. motor /generators and alternators are also studied.

Students taking this course will expand their knowledge of applied math and physics to develop the skills required to service and repair aircraft electrical and electronic systems.

The basic concepts of D.C. and A.C. for electronics are covered. A strong foundation in the fundamentals of circuit laws with analysis and troubleshooting are studied with examples using aircraft circuits. Reactive components and tuning circuits as well as resonance are studied as it applies to Avionics equipment.

This course develops skill in the construction and testing of basic electronics circuits. The correct use of basic test equipment and the application of troubleshooting techniques are studied.

The operations of the most common active devices in the industry are studied. Devices such as diodes, transistors, thyristors and op-amps are applied to common and specific aircraft applications such as power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators and voltage regulators.

Pre-requisites:

• ELTR 235

This course provides practical experiments and circuit troubleshooting exercises to develop hands on skill to reinforce the concepts learned in Electronics II theory.

Pre-requisites:

• ELTR 235
• ELTR 236

Students study reciprocating piston engine and turbine engine and propulsion system principles and design. Theory is also presented on thrust augmentation and reversal and noise suppression. The operation of anti-icing, ignition and starting systems are discussed. Students study instrumentation for engine analysis, performance monitoring and adjustment.

This is a preparatory level course designed to introduce the students to the effect of human factors in aviation. The course will prepare the student entering the workforce with an awareness of the impact that human factors play in aircraft incidences and provide the opportunity to reduce errors through the adoption of human factor principles.

Topics studied include safety, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), the correct use of common hand tools and precision measuring equipment and lock wiring practices. Aircraft hardware types and coding systems, dimensional problem solving, identification and coding of materials and practical applications will also be examined.

Topics studied include practical applications of hanger and lab safety and practices, the use of common hand and power tools, hands-on practice with precision measuring tools and locking devices.

Students will learn about and practice various skills commonly employed by avionics technicians. Topics will include wire striping, terminations routing, lacing, connections, coax connections, following schematic diagrams and standard wiring practices.