Explore aircraft maintenance
ARE you intrigued by the mechanisms of an aircraft? Do you feel awed and mesmerised when you watch a plane take off?
“To become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, students should be wellversed in technical knowledge and be aware of the human factors.
“Human Factors is a core course in the Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. We teach the impacts of environmental stimulants on the human workforce,” said Nilai University Department of Aircraft Maintenance programme co-ordinator, Dr Louie Longasa Timajo.
“Human factors are closely monitored and managed in the airlines. Our body temperature is at its lowest in the wee hours of 4am to 6am. Concentration is also at its lowest.
“As such, lighter tasks will be assigned,” said senior instructor Selvarajah Chelliah, quoting the Circadian Theory.
“The human body has its limits. We teach students to recognise fatigue and stress, and to discretely take necessary precautions at work,” added Ramanathan Meyyappan, a lecturer at the university.
“There are nine topics covered under the Human Factors course, including social psychology, the physical environment and communication,” explained Suresh Kumar Subramaniam, another lecturer.
According to Dr Louie, the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering incorporates the syllabus of the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa).
Students will have the option of specialising in Category B1.1 (Aeroplane Turbine) or B2 (Avionics). Under the B1.1 category of the Easa syllabus, there are 13 modules for students to complete and an additional five modules for the B2 category basic licence.
Five core technical courses
The five fundamental technical courses which form the basis for the overall programme are:
1) Basic Aerodynamics
2) Mathematics
3) Physics
4) Electronics and Electrical Fundamentals
5) Maintenance Practices Students from both science and nonscience backgrounds can enrol in the Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme. In the first semester of their first year, they will learn basic concepts and theories of aerodynamics.
Basic Aerodynamics
In this course, students will learn about the four forces of flight and several types of drags.
According to Ramanathan, students who are able to comprehend these concepts and methods will be aware of the causes and consequences.
Mathematics and Physics
The second and third courses in the Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering are Mathematics and Physics.
According to Suresh, these two courses are basic, so students without a science background will be able to cope easily with the syllabus. The Mathematics curriculum will cover necessary conversion calculations such as kilometres to metres and pounds to litres.
Electronics and Electrical Fundamentals
Students pursuing the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering will also learn about Electronics and Electrical Fundamentals.
These skills and knowledge in electronics and electrical fundamentals are essential as aircraft are powered by batteries, inverters, ground power unit and generators. In the future, students will apply this knowledge when they undergo a specified manufacturer’s course to become a qualified type-rated engineer.
Maintenance Practices
Under this course, the syllabus will include the basic tools: hand and machine tools. In the workshops at Nilai University, students will have hands-on experience in using these tools.
In the final year, students will also undergo on-the-job training with AirAsia and AirAsia X for six months. Upon receiving the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, students will have the option to work as an aircraft maintenance technician or progress to the Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology and BEng (Hons) in Aircraft Engineering awarded by Kingston University in the UK.
The Advanced Diploma and Honours Degree can be completed in just one year.
Nilai University offers seven types of partial and full scholarships to well-deserving students. Nilai University’s education counsellors and experienced lecturers will guide you in applying for a scholarship.
Nilai University is open daily except on public holidays. For an appointment, call 06-850 2308, log on to www.nilai.edu.my or visit the campus in Nilai.