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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Summer Semester 2026

Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe (AMTA) 3

AMTA 1300-01

Course: AMTA 1300-01
Credits: 4
Term: Summer Semester 2026
Department: AVTN
CRN: 20092

Course Description


This Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 147 and reflects the competency-based framework established by the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.  The curriculum is aligned with the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and is not based on prescribed seat-time or minimum hour requirements.  Students progress by demonstrating proficiency in required knowledge and practical skills across the General, Airframe, and Powerplant subject areas.  Program completion qualifies students to pursue FAA mechanic certification through required knowledge, oral, and practical examinations. A minimum score of 70% is required on all FAA knowledge tests.

This course is one of a group of Six Airframe courses that are designed to meet the regulatory and content requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR 147 for the Airframe portion of the A&P license.


Summary of Course Content:

Rotorcraft theory, aerodynamics, and helicopter fundamentals; rotorcraft structures; main rotor systems, including rigid, semi-rigid, and fully articulated systems; anti-torque systems; masts, transmissions, and drive systems; flight controls, assembly, rigging, and adjustment; helicopter stabilizing systems; vibration analysis, troubleshooting, and corrective procedures; blade tracking and helicopter track and balance; rotorcraft inspection procedures; scheduled and unscheduled maintenance; and maintenance practices related to airworthiness and continued operational safety. 


Required Texts


Handbook #1 (Handbook Purchase):  Avotek Helicopter Maintenance Textbook; ISBN 13: 978-1-933189-73-4

Reference #1 (Handbook Purchase): FAA-H-8083-31B FAA Airframe Handbook; ISBN-13: 978-1644253588 
Reference #1 (Free Online): Navigate to the FAA's Aviation Handbooks and Manuals page.  Select appropriate manual for class "FAA-H-8083-31B

Reference #2 (Handbook Purchase):  Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - ISBN 9798325579974
Reference #2 (Free Online): Navigate to FAA's Advisory Circular (ACs) webpage.  In search prompt input "AC 43.13-1B" then select product

Reference #3 (Handbook Purchase): Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Book; ISBN 978-1-64425-504-9
Reference #3: (Free Online):  Navigate to ecfr.gov to find entire list of Code of Federal Regulations online in searchable format 

Learning Outcomes

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 rotorcraft ground operations and maintenance procedures.  Inspection Techniques: Students will effectively perform inspections of helicopter structures, components, rotor blades, and associated systems.  Rigging Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to rig helicopter flight controls and adjust blade angles for optimal performance.  Static/Dynamic Balancing Proficiency: Students will execute static/dynamic balancing procedures for helicopter systems and understand the theory of operation.  Vibration Analysis: Students will apply hardware and software tools to analyze rotor/fan 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.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite(s):

  • Courses: AMTG 1200 and AMTG 1300 and AMTG 1400
  • Grade/GPA Requirement:  Prerequisite Min. Grade: C (70%)

Final grades assigned for this course will be based on the percentage of total points earned and are assigned as follows:Assignment Group | Percentage of Final GradeQuizzes | 30% Labs | 30% Midterm & Final | 30% Attendance | 10% Quizzes/Assignments |


Performance Indicators:
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

Course Outline


Week 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.
  • Measurement:  Rotorcraft Lab 1, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 1

 
Week 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
  • Measurement:  Rotorcraft Lab 2, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 2

 
Week 3 | Helicopter Principles of Flight - Continued

  • Measurement:  Rotorcraft Lab 3, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 3

 
Week 4 | 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
  • Measurement:  Rotorcraft Lab 4, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 4

 
Week 5 | Helicopter Maintenance Fundamentals – Demonstrates understanding of: Ground handling procedures, including safe movement, mooring, and securing of rotorcraft, along with the use of protective covers and preservation methods.  Covers lifting and leveling procedures, as well as the fundamentals of bearing and gear design, function, and inspection. Emphasizes how these elements impact maintenance practices, component longevity, and overall aircraft safety.

  • Demonstrates ability to: Apply proper ground handling and securing techniques, perform lifting and leveling operations, and identify and inspect bearings and gears in accordance with approved maintenance practices.
  • Measurement: Rotorcraft Lab 5, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 5.

                                                                                                                        
Week 6 | Main Rotor Systems -  Demonstrates understanding of:  Primary functions of the main rotor system in producing lift and controlling flight.  Key components, design, & types of main rotor head assemblies & blades.  How rotor system design affects flight performance, vibration characteristics, and maintenance intervals.

  • Demonstrates ability: Identify components and apply proper maintenance practices to ensure safe and reliable operation of Main Rotor Systems and Blades. and system support tasks
  • Measurement:  Rotorcraft Lab 6, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 6 

 
Week 7 | Midterm Exam Week - Review of Chapters 1-6 and Midterm Exam

  • Measurement: Midterm Summative Assessment

 
Week 8 | Flex Week – For use each semester during Thanksgiving Break (Fall Break), Spring Break, or Summer Break 

  • Measurement:  Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 7 

 
Week 9 | Mast & Flight Controls – Demonstrates understanding of: The mast as the critical structural link between the transmission and rotor system, including its function, loads, and inspection requirements. Covers primary and secondary flight control systems, including collective, cyclic, and anti-torque inputs, along with the mechanical linkages, push-pull tubes, bellcranks, and swashplate assemblies that transmit pilot input. Emphasizes how control system design affects responsiveness, safety, and maintenance requirements.

  • Demonstrates ability to:  Identify mast and flight control components and apply proper inspection, rigging awareness, and maintenance practices to ensure safe and reliable rotorcraft operation.
  • Measurement: Rotorcraft Lab 7, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 8.

 
Week 10 | Main Rotor Transmissions – Demonstrates understanding of: The function of the main rotor transmissions in transferring engine power to the rotor system while reducing RPM and increasing torque.  Covers gearbox design, gear trains, bearings, lubrication systems, and accessory drives, along with how loads and heat affect transmission performance and reliability.  Emphasizes inspection requirements, common wear points, and how transmission design influences maintenance intervals and operational safety.

  • Demonstrates ability to: Identify main rotor transmission components and apply proper inspection, servicing, and maintenance practices to ensure safe and reliable power transfer in rotorcraft systems.
  • Measurement: Rotorcraft Lab 8, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 9.

 
Week 11 | Tail Rotor Systems – Demonstrates understanding of: The function of the tail rotor system in counteracting main rotor torque and providing directional (yaw) control. Covers tail rotor configurations, blade design, gearboxes, drive systems (including drive shafts and hanger bearings), and pitch change mechanisms.  Emphasizes how tail rotor design influences performance, control authority, and maintenance requirements.

  • Demonstrates ability to: Identify tail rotor system components and apply proper inspection, servicing, and maintenance practices to ensure safe and reliable anti-torque and directional control operation.
  • Measurement: Rotorcraft Lab 9, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 10.

 
Week 12 | Airframes & Related Systems – Demonstrates understanding of: Helicopter airframe structures and the major systems integrated into the airframe, including structural design concepts, load paths, and materials used in construction. Covers landing gear configurations, fuselage sections, rotor pylon support structures, doors, windows, and basic environmental and utility systems as they relate to the airframe. Emphasizes how airframe design supports flight loads, system integration, and maintainability.

  • Demonstrates ability to: Identify airframe components and related systems, and apply proper inspection and maintenance practices to ensure structural integrity and safe operation of the helicopter.
  • Measurement: Rotorcraft Lab 10, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 11.

 
Week 13 | Rotorcraft Track & Balance (Static/Dynamic – Ground Operations) – Demonstrates understanding of: Principles of rotorcraft track and balance, including static and dynamic balancing theory and its effect on vibration, performance, and component life. Covers static balancing of tail rotor or main rotor systems and introduction to dynamic balancing methods using specialized balancing equipment and software.  Emphasizes setup procedures, data interpretation, and corrective actions for imbalance conditions.

  • Demonstrates ability to: Perform static balancing on tail rotor and/or main rotor assemblies and utilize balancing equipment and software to conduct basic dynamic balancing of rotor systems, ensuring acceptable vibration levels and operational smoothness.
  • Measurement: Rotorcraft Lab 11, Track & Balance Practical Assessment 1, Helicopter Maintenance Quiz 12 

 
Week 14 | Rotorcraft Track & Balance (Flight Evaluation, Troubleshooting & Operational Coordination) – Demonstrates understanding of:  Advanced rotorcraft track and balance principles in operational flight conditions, including aerodynamic influences, system dynamics, and how vibration and tracking discrepancies present in real time. Covers coordination between maintenance personnel and flight operations (pilots) during inflight track and balance procedures, including communication protocols and procedural safety considerations.


Also emphasizes discrepancy reporting, troubleshooting methodology, and structured debriefing techniques used to accurately capture pilot feedback, isolate faults, and identify root causes to prevent repeat and recurring issues. Focuses on effective maintenance–pilot communication, systematic problem interrogation, and disciplined debrief practices to ensure accurate fault resolution and improved long-term reliability.

  • Demonstrates ability to:  Work directly with flight operations personnel to conduct inflight track and balance procedures, interpret flight-reported discrepancies, perform structured debriefs, and apply troubleshooting logic to isolate and correct rotor system issues while reducing repeat and recurring maintenance events.
  • Measurement: Rotorcraft Lab 12, Inflight Track & Balance Evaluation, Operational Debriefing Exercise

 
Week 15 | Final Exam Week - Review of Chapters 1-10, Rotorcraft Track & Balance Theory and Final Exam

  • Measurement: Final Summative Assessment


Important Notes: Due to equipment, aircraft availability, and weather learning modules may change or rearrange throughout the semester.  The terms “Rotorcraft” "Rotorwing" "Aircraft” and “Helicopter” will be used interchangeably in this course as there is little distinction between the terms.  

Please 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.

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

ALL COURSE WORK MUST BE COMPLETED.

Late submissions are strongly discouraged and must still be completed if missed. Assignments submitted after the due date will receive a 5% deduction per day late. After three weeks (21 days), the maximum possible score that may be earned on the assignment is 70% of the total available points. Any assignment not submitted by the due date may automatically receive a grade of zero in the Canvas gradebook until the work is submitted and graded.

Grades for all assessed activities will be recorded in the Canvas gradebook. To view your current score, select Grades from the Course Navigation menu on the left side of the screen. Final course grades are determined by the total percentage of points earned across all graded assignments and are assigned according to the established grading scale.

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.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all lectures and labs, with up to three absences permitted. Any missed instruction or lab time must be made up before the end of the semester to receive course credit; exceeding the absence limit or failing to complete make-up work will require retaking the course.  All assignments must be submitted to earn credit, and submissions are due by the stated deadlines in Canvas unless prior approval is granted.  Late work may impact your grade, and discussion assignments must be completed on time.

At the same time, unforeseen circumstances do arise—timely communication with the instructor is essential to work through those situations and determine appropriate options.

*Being more than 15 minutes late will count as an absence.

Course Fees

Please see Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Program Pricing website located here: https://www.suu.edu/aviation/amt-pricing.html

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.