Aircraft Structural Technology (AST2)  Diploma

Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.

Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

This course introduces basic blueprint reading. Emphasis will be placed on reading and interpreting blueprints found in a manufacturing environment. Topics include: lines and symbols, orthographic drawings, views, material, form and position, title blocks, sketching, features, and sections.

Introduces the fundamental concepts required in aerospace structural manufacturing and repair. Emphasis is placed on safety, quality, and precision. Topics include: safety, flat pattern layout, quality standards, fasteners, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments.

This course introduces aerospace specific blueprint information which builds on a basic knowledge of blueprint terminology and symbols. Topics include: dimensioning standards and practices, blueprint components, interpretation of reference planes and coordinate systems, engineering numbering and revision system, body/field of the drawing, detail drawings, configurated/method/undimensioned drawings.

Continues the development of knowledge and skills required to perform basic aerospace layout and fabrication. Emphasizes the safe use of stationary equipment. Topics include: machine safety, stationary equipment, bend allowance, fasteners layout, parts fabrication, special fasteners, and geometric functions.

Introduces the student to the concept of Aerospace Quality Management Systems used in the American workplace. Topics include: History of quality management, principles of quality, tools used in quality systems, quality team building.

This course presents the theory of flight and aircraft design as it applies to the manufacturing and repair processes. Topics include: terminology, theory of flight, structural design, control surfaces, and stress and fatigue.

Emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills necessary to fabricate and repair bonded and composite aircraft parts. Topics include: safety, terms, classification and characteristics, inspection techniques, and application.

Emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills necessary to assess damage due to corrosion and take corrective action. Topics include: safety; corrosion theory; corrosion types; corrosion removal, repair, and treatment; and corrosion prevention.

Introduces the types of metals used in aircraft construction and provides a study of their properties and working characteristics. Topics include: safety, types of metals, properties of metals, methods of identification, heat treatment, temper designations, and working characteristics.

Continues the study of aircraft technical publications found in the manufacturing and repair process. Research skills necessary to locate information in technical publications will be emphasized. Topics include: document control numbers; technical publications; instructional repair manuals; aircraft transport association (ATA) codes; technical orders; tech order system, general; tech order, aircraft specific; and industry specific manuals.