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Southern Utah University

Fall Semester 2025

AMT - Airframe III (Face-to-Face)

AMTA 1300-01

Course:	AMTA 1300-01
Credits:	4
Term:	Fall Semester 2025
Department:	AVTN
CRN:	31943

Course Description

The Federal Aviation Administration approved Aircraft Maintenance Technician program (14 CFR 147) requires the successful completion of a minimum of 1,900 hours of study (43 university credit hours at SUU) divided into three subject areas (General, Airframe, and Powerplant) and the successful completion of three FAA written, oral, and practical exams (General, Airframe, and Powerplant).

This course is the third of a group of six courses that have been designed to meet the regulatory and content requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR 147 for the Airframe portion of the A&P license. Course instructions identify and satisfy all current Airman Certification Standards.

Content: Rotorcraft fundamentals.

Required Texts

Handbook #1: Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Textbook; ISBN 13: 978-1-933189-73-4
Workbook #2: Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Workbook; ISBN 13: 978-1-933189-74-1
Reference #1 (Free Online): FAA-H-8083-31B FAA Handbook
Reference #2 (Free Online): Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Inspection and Repair
Reference #3 (Free Online): Federal Aviation Regulations - Parts 1, 21, 43, 65, 91,

Learning Outcomes

Students will gain an understanding of:

Understanding Rotorcraft Systems: Students will demonstrate knowledge of rotorcraft aerodynamics, flight controls, and rotor system design and operation.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Students will identify and mitigate risks associated with ground operations and maintenance procedures.
Inspection Techniques: Students will effectively perform inspections of helicopter landing gear, rotor blades, and associated components.
Rigging Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to rig helicopter flight controls and adjust blade angles for optimal performance.
Static Balancing Proficiency: Students will execute static balancing procedures for helicopter tail rotors and understand the theory of operation.
Vibration Analysis: Students will apply hardware and software tools to analyze rotor vibrations and implement corrective measures.

Ground Run Maintenance: Students will perform helicopter track and balance procedures during ground runs.
In-Flight Track & Balance Procedures: Pending aircraft availability and weather conditions, students can choose to perform helicopter track & balance procedures while in-flight.

Knowledge: flight controls, transmissions, design,, rotor blade functions and construction.

Skills: locate helicopter rotor blade track and balance procedures,
locate and explain procedures needed to rig helicopter controls, and locate and explain
procedures to track and balance a rotor system.

Demonstrates understanding of:
rotor blade functions and
construction

Ability to identify, assess, and
mitigate risks, encompassing:
improper maintenance and
inspection of rotorcraft systems and
components

Demonstrates ability to: Helicopter
rotor blade inspection, tap testing, &
repair.
Perform Helicopter skid, shoe, wheel, and/or tire replacement. Perform airframe component inspection & maintenance

Course Requirements

Points you receive for graded activities will be posted to the Canvas gradebook. Select Grades from the Course Administration menu at the top of the screen to view your points.

Final grades assigned for this course will be based on the percentage of total points earned and are assigned as follows:

Letter Grade	Percentage	Performance
A	90-100%	Excellent Work
B	80-89%	Good Work
C	70-79%	Average Work
D	60-69%	Poor Work
F	0-59%	Failing Work

Important note: For more information about grading at Southern Utah University, visit the academic and grading policies of the university catalog.

Course Outline

Important Notes:

The terms “Rotorcraft” Rotorwing Aircraft” and “Helicopter” will be used interchangeably in this course as there is little distinction between the terms.

Refer to the course calendar for specific meeting dates and times. Activity and assignment details will be explained in detail within each week's corresponding learning module. If you have any questions, please contact your instructor.

Week	Topic	Week Overview	Assignments	Tests
1	Foundations of Helicopter Design and History	Demonstrates understanding of: Rotorcraft aerodynamics, type and operation of rotor systems. Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Dangers of working around helicopter blades during ground operations, hazards associated with ground-handling procedures, and improper procedures during ground operations and functional tests. Demonstrates ability to: Locate components of a helicopter rotor system.	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 1	None
2	Helicopter Principles of Flight	Demonstrates understanding of: Basic aerodynamic principles as they apply to rotary-wing aircraft, The relationship between lift, thrust, drag, and weight in helicopter flight, How cyclic, collective, and anti-torque controls affect rotor thrust vectors. Demonstrates ability to: Identify Helicopter flight controls, Identify advancing and retreating blades, Identify of dissimilar main and tail rotor systems	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 2; Helicopter Controls & Systems Identification Lab #1
3	Documentation, Publications, and Historical Records	Demonstrates understanding of: Aircraft documentation in maintenance and airworthiness compliance. Types and uses of helicopter technical publications, including maintenance manuals, illustrated parts catalogs (IPC), and service bulletins. Demonstrates ability to: Locate and interpret helicopter-specific maintenance procedures in OEM manuals. Properly complete FAA-required maintenance logbook entries for inspections, repairs, and alterations. Reference and apply Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Service Bulletins (SBs) to specific aircraft	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 3 Helicopter Maintenance & Documentation Lab #1
4	Helicopter Fundamentals	Demonstrates understanding of: Differences between main rotor types, Fundamental aerodynamic principles specific to rotary-wing flight, How helicopter design influences performance, handling, and maintenance requirements. Demonstrates ability to: Identify major components and subsystems of the R22 and SA330J from memory and through hands-on inspection. Explain the function and interaction of main and tail rotor systems. Read and interpret helicopter component diagrams in the maintenance manual.	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 4 Helicopter Maintenance Lab #1	None
5	Helicopter Servicing Procedures and Operational Limits	Demonstrates understanding of: Identification and correct use of ground handling and servicing equipment. Procedures for fluid/nitrogen servicing (SA330J Puma & Robinson R22), Start-up and shut-down procedures & Operational limitations Demonstrates ability to: Perform helicopter servicing and system support tasks	Helicopter Servicing Lab #1	None
6	Main Rotor System	Demonstrates understanding of: Primary functions of the main rotor system in producing lift and controlling flight. Key components of the rotor head assembly. How rotor system design affects flight performance, vibration characteristics, and maintenance intervals. Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Identifying signs of fatigue, corrosion, cracking, or abnormal wear during visual inspections. Recognizing hazards from improper rotor blade handling or storage. Assessing risks related to incorrect torquing or lubrication of rotor head components. Demonstrates ability to: Perform a visual inspection of a rotor head for cracks, corrosion, wear, and play in components. Demonstrate safe rotor blade handling, securing, and tie-down procedures. Demonstrate Main Rotor Blade removal procedures.	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 5 Helicopter Maintenance Lab #2	None
7	Main Rotor System	Continued from Week 6	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 6 R22 Helicopter Rigging Lab #1	None
8	Midterm Exam Week	Review of Chapters 1-6 and Midterm Summative Assessment.	None	Midterm Exam
9	Engine & Transmissions	Demonstrates understanding of: Primary function of helicopter powerplants (piston vs. turbine) and how they drive the rotor system. Purpose and operation of the main transmission in reducing RPM and transferring power from the engine to the main rotor mast. Major transmission components: input modules, gear stages, freewheeling units, lubrication systems, seals, and chip detectors Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Identifying oil leaks, abnormal noises, vibrations, and chip detector indications. Recognizing hazards of working around running engines and turning transmissions. Assessing risks from improper torqueing, lubrication, or incorrect component installation. Demonstrates ability to: Demonstrates ability to: Identify and describe major engine and transmission components on R22 and SA330J aircraft. Service engine and transmission oil systems, including oil level checks and servicing per OEM specs.	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 7 Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 8 Helicopter Maintenance Lab #3	None
10	Tail Rotor Systems	Demonstrates understanding of: Primary function of the tail rotor in providing anti-torque and directional control. Differences in tail rotor configurations: conventional, fenestron, and NOTAR systems. Key tail rotor components: hub, blades, pitch change mechanism, gearbox, control rods, and bearings. Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Recognizing hazards from working around turning tail rotors. Identifying cracks, corrosion, delamination, or abnormal wear in tail rotor components. Assessing risks from improper blade handling, incorrect torqueing, or mis-rigging of controls. Demonstrates ability to: Demonstrate safe tail rotor blade handling and securing procedures. Perform Static Balancing of Tail Rotor.	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 9 Tail Rotor Rigging Lab #1 Tail Rotor Static Balance Lab #1	None
11	Airframes and Related Systems	Demonstrates understanding of: Primary structural components of a helicopter airframe: fuselage, tail boom, landing gear, and stabilizers. Basic inspection techniques for structural integrity and system functionality. Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Dangers of working around helicopter blades during ground operations, hazards associated with ground-handling procedures, and improper procedures during ground operations and functional tests. Demonstrates ability to: Perform ground run tail rotor track & balance maintenance procedures.	Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 10	None
12	Finals Week	Review for Final Exam.	None	Final Exam

Additional schedule items

Week	Topic	Week Overview	Assignments	Tests
9	Rotorcraft Fundamentals	Demonstrates understanding of: Helicopter track & Balance hardware/software operation for static ground run analysis Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Dangers of working around helicopter blades during ground operations, hazards associated with ground-handling procedures, and improper procedures during ground operations and functional tests. Demonstrates ability to: Perform ground run main rotor track & balance maintenance procedures.	Assignment/Lab 8	Test 4
10	BREAK	BREAK	BREAK
11	Rotorcraft Fundamentals	Demonstrates understanding of: Helicopter track & Balance hardware/software operation for hover & forward flight analysis Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing: Dangers of working around helicopter blades during ground operations, hazards associated with ground-handling procedures, and improper procedures during ground operations and functional tests. Demonstrates ability to: Perform forward flight Track & Balance maintenance procedures.	Assignment/Lab 9 Quiz 4	None
12	Finals Week	Review for Final Exam.	None	Final Exam

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

ALL COURSE WORK MUST BE COMPLETED.

Late assignments are VERY STRONGLY DISCOURAGED AND MUST BE MADE UP.

Late work may be docked as much as 50% of the assignment grade.

Attendance Policy

Participation

Students are expected to participate in all online activities as listed on the course calendar.

Attendance/Assignments

Students are expected to be present for all course lectures and labs. Students are allowed three absences per course. Students must make-up all missed instruction and/or lab time prior to the end of the semester to receive credit for the course.The instructor has the Students that exceed the three absences allowed or students who don’t make-up missed instruction must retake the course in order to receive credit. All assignments must be submitted in order to receive credit for the class. A student can not receive credit for a class to which they have missing assignments.

All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through Canvas unless otherwise instructed. Assignments must be submitted by the given deadline or special permission must be requested from the instructor before the due date. Extensions will not be given beyond the next assignment except under extreme circumstances.

All discussion assignments must be completed by the assignment due date and time. Late or missing discussion assignments will lower your grade.

Cell Phone Policy

Students are expected to maintain a level of professionalism in the classroom. Cell phones are not permitted during class hours. If a student needs to answer a phone call they must get permission from the instructor to be excused. Continued cell phone usage is a violation of the course policies and if a student continues to use their cell phone during class hours the student will be excused from class with an unexcused absence.

Course Fees

Course fees will be determined.

Build Rapport

If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the course, make sure you let your instructor know as early as possible. As you will find, building rapport and effective relationships are key to becoming an effective professional. Make sure that you are proactive in informing your instructor when difficulties arise during the semester so that we can help you find a solution.

It is the student’s responsibility to understand when they need to consider disenrolling from a course. Refer to the Course Schedule for dates and deadlines for registration. After this period, a serious and compelling reason is required to drop from the course. Serious and compelling reasons include: (1) documented and significant change in work hours, leaving students unable to attend class, or (2) documented and severe physical/mental illness/injury to the student or student’s family.

Students are expected to maintain a professional and respectful learning environment. This includes:

Giving full attention to the instructor during class.
Refraining from talking, using phones, or engaging in side conversations while the instructor or another student is speaking.
Following instructions promptly and participating appropriately in classroom discussions and activities.
Respecting the rights of classmates to learn in a focused and distraction-free environment.

Any student who harasses another student or takes away from another student’s ability to learn will be asked to leave. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the class and could impact your standing in the program.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

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