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Printed on 3/21/2023

Aircraft Electronics

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10-486-1 Associate Degree (AAS) Full Time 63 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Time of Day: Day Location*: Oshkosh

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

If you love airplanes and electronics, this is the degree program for you. As an aircraft electrician, you'll install, inspect, test, repair, and align communication, navigation and flight control systems. You’ll learn the theory and practice of avionics and gain the skills necessary for a career as an entry-level avionics technician. Spend more than half of your time in hands-on experience with modern avionic systems and associated test equipment. When you're done, you'll be ready for certification by the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies. Once you earn the Aircraft Electronics degree, with only one additional year of instruction, you can also complete the Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics program. (Transfer students, please see Additional Information tab below for FAA requirements.)

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (42 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Materials and Installation
    10-486-112
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10486112
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces aerospace materials, hardware and processes. Students study the proper use of hand and power tools and precision measuring equipment. Safety is emphasized. Students do hands-on activities in sheet metal layout, bending and forming and install antennas and avionics equipment. They identify and inspect finishing materials.

    Prereq: Admission to Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic programs; Coreq: College Technical Math 1 (10804115) or College Technical Math 1A (10804113)
  • Aeronautics, Introduction to
    10-486-124
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10486124
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides an overview of aviation including the principles of flight. This course introduces aircraft systems and performance, navigation, basic meteorological concepts, aviation safety and specific regulations. The social and environmental impacts of aviation are discussed.

    Coreq: College Technical Math 1 (10804115) or College Technical Math 1A (10804113).
  • Aircraft Electrical Power
    10-486-160
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10486160
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces aircraft power sources and starting systems. Students complete maintenance and troubleshooting on batteries, generators, alternators and starters. Aircraft electric motor operation and systems application are also covered.

    Prereq: Admission to Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic programs; Coreq: College Technical Math 1 (10804115) or College Technical Math 1A (10804113)
  • Aviation Regulations & Publications
    10-486-161
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10486161
    • Credits: 2.00

    Studies FAA and manufacturers' publications. FAA regulations for certification, maintenance and aircraft airworthiness are reviewed. Students identify FAA-approved publications and procedures to perform maintenance to an airworthy standard including aircraft record requirements.

    Prereq: Admission to Aircraft Electronics or Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic programs; Coreq: College Technical Math 1 (10804115) or College Technical Math 1A (10804113)
  • DC Circuits 3 - Aircraft/Electromechanical
    10-620-103
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10620103
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers capacitors and inductors including time constants and instantaneous voltage and current values of RC and RL circuits. Applications and various types of capacitors and inductors are discussed. Magnetism, electromagnetism, and devices, such as relays and solenoids, are also presented. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: DC Circuits 2 (10660111)
  • DC Circuits 1
    10-660-110
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660110
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces electrical safety and program procedures. The course covers Ohm's Law, power law, series circuits, and voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter applications. Number powers, electronic notations, circuit component recognition and diagrams, resistor power ratings, color code, Kirchhoff's voltage law and atomic structure are also included.

    Coreq: College Technical Math 1 (10804115) OR College Technical Math 1A (10804113) OR Industrial Maintenance Math (31804308) OR College Algebra and Trigonometry with Applications (10804197) OR Intermediate Algebra with Applications (10804118)
  • DC Circuits 2
    10-660-111
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660111
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers basic parallel and series-parallel circuits and their properties. Examines the theory, application and design of series-parallel circuits, such as loaded and unloaded voltage dividers and the Wheatstone bridge. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: DC Circuits 1 (10660110)
  • AC Circuits 1
    10-660-114
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660114
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers AC waveforms and different voltage values including Peak, RMS, Average and Peak to Peak. The operation of transformers is also included. Laboratory activities using the oscilloscope are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: DC Circuits 3 (10660112) OR enrolled in the Manufacturing Engineering Tech program (106233) and Coreq: DC Circuits 2 (10660111)
  • Aircraft Instrument Systems
    10-486-110
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10486110
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces operating principles and use of aircraft instrumentation on pressure, gyroscopic, and direction indicating. Operation and use of electronic systems for flight instrument, altitude direction indicator, centralized aircraft monitoring, engine indicator and crew alerting systems will be studied. Inspection and troubleshooting of engine instrument systems and components will be covered.

    Prereq: Aeronautics, Introduction to (10486124 or 10402124); DC Circuits 1 (10660110); DC Circuits 2 (10660111); DC Circuits 3 (10620103); AC Circuits 1 (10660114)
  • Basic Avionics Systems
    10-486-111
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10486111
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces avionics systems which will provide the student with the knowledge to understand the operation of communication and navigation components and systems. Emphasis is on familiarization with avionics systems used on aircraft and how these systems are utilized by the flight crew. Avionics systems introduce the following: Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR), Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), Marker Beacon, Long-Range Navigation (LORAN C), Automatic Direction Finder (ADF), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Area Navigation (RNAV), Global Position Systems (GPS), Very High Frequency Communication Systems (VHF Com.), Audio Control Systems, Radar Altimeters, Transponders, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and Weather Radar Systems.

    Prereq: Introduction to Aeronautics (10486124 or 10402124), DC Circuits 1 (10660110), DC Circuits 2 (10660111), DC Circuits 3 (10620103) and AC Circuits 1 (10660114)
  • Aircraft Electrical Systems
    10-486-163
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10486163
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces aircraft electrical systems and component operation. Projects will allow students to develop skills in wiring installation, termination, repairs and inspection of systems. Maintenance of controls, switches, indicators and protective devices will be introduced to develop servicing and troubleshooting skills.

    Prereqs: Aircraft Electrical Power (10486160 or 10402160); DC Circuits 1 (10660110); DC Circuits 2 (10660111); DC Circuits 3 (10620103); AC Circuits 1 (10660114)
  • Maintenance Forms & Records
    10-486-166
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10486166
    • Credits: 1.00

    Focuses on understanding and applying FAA regulations and requirements for aircraft maintenance records. Student learns record entry procedures and required details for completion of FAA forms, documentation for major repairs, inspections and weight & balance records. Work orders, parts tagging, time controlled parts and inspection monitoring will be identified.

    Prereq: Aviation Regulations & Publications (10486161 or 10402161); Materials & Installation (10486112 or 10402112)
  • Technical Drawings & Diagrams
    10-486-167
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10486167
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares students to read and use aircraft blueprints, draw sketches of aircraft repairs and alterations. Identify symbols and utilize schematic diagrams, graphs and charts in specific applications. Apply troubleshooting skills to systems with the use of electrical wiring diagrams.

    Prereq: Aviation Regulations & Publications (10486161 or 10402161); Aeronautics, Introduction to (10486124 or 10402124)
  • Avionics Communications
    10-486-114
    3Credit
    108
    68
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 68
    • Course Number: 10486114
    • Credits: 3.00

    Studies integrated communication systems used in various aviation aircraft. Very High Frequency Communication, High Frequency Communication, Ultra High Frequency Communication, Audio Control, Selective Calling, Satellite Communications and Transmitter systems are emphasized. Class provides in-depth, hands-on training in identifying, isolating, repairing and calibrating avionics communication systems.

    Prereq: (10486122 OR 10486163), (10486121 OR 10486110), (10486120 OR 10486111); Coreq: 10660115, 10660129, 10660131
  • Avionics Control Systems
    10-486-140
    2Credit
    72
    50
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 50
    • Course Number: 10486140
    • Credits: 2.00

    Studies the operation of air data, flight director, autopilot, altitude and heading reference systems. Examines the integration of these systems and the control of the aircraft in flight. Aircraft control surfaces and information sources used to fly the aircraft are emphasized. Teaches practical application of servo, synchro slaved compass systems, flight director and autopilot systems.

    Prereq: Avionics Fundamentals 10486120 OR Basic Avionics Systems 10486111
  • AC Circuits 2
    10-660-115
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660115
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers reactive properties of series and parallel RC, RL and RLC circuits. Topics include reactance, phase angle and fundamental AC power concepts such as power triangle and power factor. Circuit quantities are determined using triangular analysis. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: AC Circuits 1 (10660114); OR for students active in Electrical Engineering (106621) or Electronic Engineering (106057) AC Circuits 1 (10660114) AND College Tech Math 2 (10804116) OR College Algebra and Trig w Apps (10804197)
  • Semiconductors 2
    10-660-129
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660129
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces students to transistor operation as a switch, SCR, Triac, and Operational Amplifier operation and application.

    Coreq: Semiconductors 1 (10660128)
  • Digital Electronics Tech 1
    10-660-130
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660130
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces digital electronics, the operation of logic gates, and the theory of combination logic devices such as encoders, decoders, multiplexers, binary adders and parity circuits. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: DC Circuits 1 (10660110)
  • Digital Electronics Tech 2
    10-660-131
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660131
    • Credits: 1.00

    Examines flip-flops, various types of shift registers and counters, arithmetic circuits, and practical application digital devices. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Digital Electronics 1 (10660130)
  • Semiconductors 1
    10-660-128
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660128
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces semiconductor materials, the operation of diodes, Zener diodes and the construction of rectifier and filter circuits. Fundamental transistor construction and operation is also introduced. Laboratory experiments are performed to verify the theory.

    Prereq: AC Circuits 1 (10660114); College Technical Math 1 (10804115) OR College Technical Math 1A (10804113) OR Intermediate Algebra with Apps (10804118)
  • Avionics Surveillance Systems
    10-486-143
    3Credit
    108
    68
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 68
    • Course Number: 10486143
    • Credits: 3.00

    Studies integrated surveillance avionics systems in various aviation aircraft. Transponders, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning, and Weather Radar systems are studied. Class focuses on understanding each system's operation and use by the flight crew. Identifying, isolating, repairing and calibrating the systems, within the guidelines established by the manufacturer, are emphasized.

    Prereq: Avionics Fundamentals 10486120 OR Basic Avionics Systems 10486111
  • Avionics Navigational Systems
    10-486-169
    3Credit
    108
    68
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 68
    • Course Number: 10486169
    • Credits: 3.00

    Studies integrated navigational avionics systems used in various aviation aircraft. VHF Omni directional Range, Instrument Landing Systems, Marker Beacon, Global Positioning System and Distance Measuring Equipment are emphasized. Class provides in-depth, hands-on training in identifying, isolating, repairing and calibrating avionics systems.

    Prereq: AC Circuits 2 - 10660115, Semiconductors 2 - 10660129, (Avionics Fundamentals 10486120 OR Basic Avionics Systems 10486111); Coreq: Digital Electronics Tech 2 - 10660131

    General Studies (18 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting and revising. Through writing assignments, students analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Class sessions and assignments involve giving oral presentations and using computers.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR Not pursuing a degree
  • College Technical Math 1A
    10-804-113
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804113
    • Credits: 3.00

    Included topics are solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. Successful completion of College Technical Math 1A and College Technical Math 1B is the equivalent of College Technical Math 1.

    Prereq: Alg – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 51+, Next Gen 250+, ACT Math 18+ OR Alg Prep 10834109 OR Math & Logic 10804133 OR Not pursuing a degree.
  • Survey of Physics
    10-806-139
    3Credit
    72
    90

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10806139
    • Credits: 3.00

    Emphasizes understanding basic physics concepts through laboratory investigation and applications. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, temperature, heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.

    Prereq: College Technical Math 1A (10804113) or College Mathematics (10804107) or College Technical Math 1 (10804115) or instructor approval
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the theoretical foundation of human functioning and looks at learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. Students consider the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Economics
    10-809-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809195
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course is designed to give an overview of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Concepts include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment and global economic issues.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree

    Suggested Electives (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • FCC License, Preparation for
    10-486-123
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10486123
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides an overview of the topics addressed in the first year of the Aircraft Electronics program. The student will study the necessary elements to prepare and write the Federal Communication Commission's General Radiotelephone Operator's License exam.

    Prereq: (10486122 OR 10486163), (10486121 OR 10486110), (10486120 OR 10486111); Coreq: 10660115, 10660128, 10660129, 10660131, 94486101
  • Human Factors
    10-486-168
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10486168
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces maintenance resource management issues. The study of airline safety, human error in maintenance, human factors fundamentals, worker safety, communication, team work, situation awareness, and performance management.

  • Installation Project 1
    10-486-144
    1Credit
    54
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10486144
    • Credits: 1.00

    Utilizes procedures for installation and removal of avionics electronic equipment on aircraft. Student uses federal rules and regulations; procedures for equipment layouts; proper installation of cable runs; proper use of sheet metal including cutting, bending and fabrication using the correct fasteners; maintenance records; and procedures used to properly compute weight and balance to complete an installation project.

  • Installation Project 2
    10-486-145
    1Credit
    54
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10486145
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides for the completion of a more in-depth project as a continuation of Installation Project 1. Student follows procedures for installation and removal of avionics electronic equipment on aircraft utilizing federal rules and regulations; procedures for equipment layouts; proper installation of cable runs; proper use of sheet metal including cutting, bending and fabrication using the correct fasteners; maintenance records; and procedures used to properly compute weight and balance.

  • Installation Project 3
    10-486-146
    1Credit
    54
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10486146
    • Credits: 1.00

    Utilizes procedures for installation and removal of avionics electronic equipment on aircraft. Student follows federal rules and regulations; procedures for equipment layouts; proper installation of cable runs; proper use of sheet metal including cutting, bending and fabrication using the correct fasteners, maintenance records and procedures used to properly compute weight and balance to complete an installation project. A continuation of Installation Project 2.

  • Avionics Co-op 1
    10-486-130
    1Credit
    216
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 216
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10486130
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides the Aircraft Electronics student to gain experience in an aircraft electronics-related repair/service business. Each placement is based on student and co-op site needs and is coordinated and supervised by FVTC Aircraft Electronics staff. Student participates in the program three hours a week. Department consent required.

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Expected Competencies

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