Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Back to Syllabus Search | Browse by Department
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Introduction to Aviation Generals (Online)

AMTG 1200-31I

Course: AMTG 1200-31I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Aviation Sciences
CRN: 32711

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 one of a group of three courses that are designed to meet the regulatory and content requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR 147 for the General portion of the A&P license. Content: Mathematics, physics for aviation, aircraft drawings, weight and balance, regulations, forms, records & publications, and human factors. (Fall, Fall - 1st Session, Fall - 2nd Session, Spring, Spring - 1st Session, Spring - 2nd Session, Summer - 1st Session, Summer - 2nd Session) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

Reference #1 (Handbook Purchase): FAA-H-8083-30B FAA General Handbook; ISBN-13: 978-1644253540 
Reference #1 (Free Online): Navigate to the FAA's Aviation Handbooks and Manuals page.  Select appropriate manual for class "FAA-H-8083-30B"

Reference #2 (Handbook Purchase):  Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - ISBN 979-8325579974
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 978-1644255049
Reference #3: (Free Online):  Navigate to ecfr.gov to find entire list of Code of Federal Regulations online in searchable format 

Learning Outcomes

This course is aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Certification Standards (ACS), FAA-S-ACS-1, and is structured to develop student competency in the areas of Knowledge, Risk Management, and Skills.

Knowledge: Students will develop an understanding of aircraft drawings and technical documentation, including the interpretation and use of aircraft maintenance drawings, schematics, symbols, and related technical information. Students will apply mathematical principles used in aviation maintenance, including algebra, geometry, measurement, and calculations. Students will study aircraft weight and balance principles, including weight terminology, center of gravity, loading, weighing procedures, and weight and balance calculations. Students will also examine the principles of physics as they apply to aviation maintenance, as well as applicable FAA regulations, maintenance forms, records, publications, and documentation requirements. Human factors principles will be explored with emphasis on how human performance, communication, situational awareness, fatigue, stress, complacency, and other factors influence aviation maintenance safety.

Risk Management: Students will identify hazards and assess risks associated with aircraft maintenance activities, including errors in drawings, calculations, weight and balance, regulatory compliance, documentation, and maintenance procedures. Emphasis is placed on recognizing human performance limitations, identifying conditions that can contribute to maintenance errors, and applying appropriate risk-management strategies to reduce the likelihood and consequences of errors. Students will also develop an understanding of the importance of accurate technical data, proper documentation, regulatory compliance, and sound decision-making in maintaining aircraft airworthiness and operational safety.

Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret and use aircraft drawings, technical data, and maintenance documentation; perform aviation-related mathematical calculations; conduct and document aircraft weight and balance calculations; apply principles of physics to aircraft maintenance tasks; complete and interpret maintenance forms and records in accordance with applicable FAA requirements; and apply human factors and risk-management principles during maintenance activities. Students will demonstrate the ability to locate, interpret, and apply applicable regulations, maintenance publications, and technical information when performing and documenting aircraft maintenance.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite(s):
  • None

Grading & 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

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

  • Percentage of Final Grades Quizzes | Labs/quizzes/Projects = 30% | Attendance = 30% | Midterm & Final Exams = 40%

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

  • AI may be used as a learning and drafting tool to brainstorm ideas, organize information, create rough drafts, or improve grammar and writing. However, students must review, verify, and revise AI-assisted work so that the final submission reflects their own knowledge and understanding.  Students may not copy and paste AI-generated content as their own work. This includes discussions, logbook entries, maintenance narratives, research, reports, and study assignments. AI-generated content must not be used to create official aircraft maintenance records or documentation.  Students are responsible for the accuracy of all information they submit.  AI does not replace the student's responsibility to use appropriate FAA regulations, approved technical data, maintenance manuals, and other authorized sources.

  • AI is prohibited during all summative tests, examinations, practical or oral examinations, and other final assessments unless specifically authorized by the instructor.

*Artificial Intelligence (AI) Definition and Disclaimer

For purposes of this course, Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers broadly to computer-based tools or systems that generate, analyze, summarize, revise, or otherwise produce content or information in response to user input.  AI may also be described using related terms such as machine intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, computational intelligence, cognitive computing, large language models (LLMs), AI assistants, or automated content-generation tools. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.  The instructor reserves the right to determine whether a particular technology falls under this policy based on how the technology is being used, rather than solely on how the technology is marketed or labeled.



Course Outline

Course Schedule and FAA Mechanic Airman Certification Requirements (ACS) Alignment

The following course schedule is designed to introduce students to the knowledge, risk-management principles, and skills identified in the FAA Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1). Course topics may be adjusted as necessary to meet instructional needs while maintaining alignment with applicable FAA standards.


Weeks 1–2: Introduction and Aviation Mathematics

  • FAA Mechanic ACS Alignment: AM.I.H – Mathematics
    • Knowledge – AM.I.H.K1–K13:
      • Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematical principles used in aviation maintenance, including whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, powers and roots, scientific notation, measurement systems and conversions, geometric calculations, algebraic operations, and the use of graphs and charts. Students will apply these mathematical concepts to common aircraft maintenance calculations and technical problems.
    • Risk Management – AM.I.H.R1–R4:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with mathematical errors, incorrect calculations, improper units of measurement, inaccurate data, and the improper application of mathematical principles during aircraft maintenance activities.
    • Skills – AM.I.H.S1–S8:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to perform aviation-related mathematical calculations accurately, apply appropriate mathematical methods and formulas, convert between measurement systems, interpret mathematical data, and verify calculations for accuracy.  Students will use appropriate tools and techniques to solve maintenance-related mathematical problems and document their results as required.


Weeks 3–4: Physics for Aviation

  • FAA Mechanic ACS Alignment: AM.I.J – Physics for Aviation
    • Knowledge – AM.I.J.K1–K13:
      • Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental physics principles applicable to aviation maintenance, including matter and energy, force and motion, work, power, mechanical advantage, heat and temperature, pressure, gas laws, fluid mechanics, sound, and related physical principles used in aircraft maintenance.
    • Risk Management – AM.I.J.R1–R4:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with changes in aircraft or component performance, improper application of physical principles, incorrect use of performance data, and errors involving units of measurement or physical calculations.
    • Skills – AM.I.J.S1–S8:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to apply physics principles and perform maintenance-related calculations involving force, pressure, temperature, density, volume, mechanical advantage, fluid flow, and power. Students will interpret physical data and apply appropriate formulas and measurement techniques to aviation maintenance problems.


Weeks 5–6: Aircraft Weight and Balance
  • FAA Mechanic ACS Alignment: AM.I.C – Weight and Balance
    • Knowledge – AM.I.C.K1–K10:
      • Students will demonstrate an understanding of aircraft weight and balance terminology, weighing procedures, center of gravity, datum, arm, moment, weight limitations, loading conditions, ballast, equipment changes, and the effects of weight distribution on aircraft performance and safety.
    • Risk Management – AM.I.C.R1–R5:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with aircraft weighing, improper loading, inaccurate weight and balance information, center-of-gravity limitations, aircraft jacking, and the use of weighing equipment.
    • Skills – AM.I.C.S1–S17:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and interpret aircraft weight and balance information, perform weight and balance calculations, determine center-of-gravity locations and limits, calculate the effects of equipment and loading changes, determine ballast requirements, and properly document weight and balance changes.


Week 7: Midterm Examination
  • Assessment:
    • The midterm examination will assess student knowledge and application of the material covered during Weeks 1–6, including aviation mathematics, physics, and aircraft weight and balance.


Weeks 8–9: Aircraft Drawings and Applied Geometry
  • FAA Mechanic ACS Alignment: AM.I.B – Aircraft Drawings
    • Knowledge – AM.I.B.K1–K4:
      Students will demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and use of aircraft drawings, blueprints, sketches, charts, graphs, schematics, symbols, lines, dimensions, and other information used to communicate aircraft design, construction, inspection, repair, and alteration requirements.
    • Risk Management – AM.I.B.R1–R4:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with using incorrect or outdated drawings, misinterpreting dimensions or tolerances, applying information to the wrong aircraft or component, and using drawings that are not applicable to the maintenance task.
    • Skills – AM.I.B.S1–S6:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret aircraft drawings and schematics, identify symbols and dimensions, interpret charts and graphs, determine applicable information from drawings, and use applied geometry to support aircraft maintenance calculations and tasks.


Weeks 10–11: Regulations, Forms, Records, and Publications
  • FAA Mechanic ACS Alignment: AM.I.I – Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
    • Knowledge – AM.I.I.K1–K23:
      • Students will demonstrate an understanding of applicable FAA regulations, the privileges and limitations of an Aviation Mechanic certificate, maintenance requirements, maintenance records, FAA forms, Airworthiness Directives, manufacturer maintenance publications, technical data, approved and acceptable data, airworthiness limitations, and other regulatory and technical information applicable to aircraft maintenance.
    • Risk Management – AM.I.I.R1–R5:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with inaccurate or incomplete maintenance documentation, use of incorrect or outdated technical information, failure to follow warnings and cautions, improper identification of applicable requirements, and failure to verify the accuracy of maintenance information.
    • Skills – AM.I.I.S1–S18:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to locate, interpret, and apply applicable regulations, maintenance publications, technical data, and FAA guidance. Students will complete and interpret maintenance forms and records, determine applicability of Airworthiness Directives and other requirements, identify appropriate maintenance data, and prepare accurate maintenance record entries.


Week 12: Flex Week/Holiday Break

This week is designated as a flexible instructional week and may be placed at any point in the course schedule as needed to accommodate semester calendars, holidays, campus closures, breaks, or other academic scheduling considerations. The placement of this week may vary between Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters and from year to year.  When used, instructional topics and assessments will be adjusted accordingly to maintain the overall course sequence and learning objectives.

Please check the SUU Academic Calendar for official schedule:  https://www.suu.edu/provost/calendar/


Weeks 13–14: Human Factors and Risk Management
  • FAA Mechanic ACS Alignment: AM.I.L – Human Factors
    • Knowledge – AM.I.L.K1–K11:
      • Students will demonstrate an understanding of human factors that influence aviation maintenance safety and performance, including human error, human limitations, communication, teamwork, fatigue, stress, situational awareness, professionalism, safety culture, shift turnover, and conditions that can contribute to maintenance errors.
    • Risk Management – AM.I.L.R1–R3:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with human performance, fatigue, fitness for duty, communication, workplace conditions, maintenance errors, and other factors that may affect aviation safety.
    • Skills – AM.I.L.S1–S3:
      • Students will demonstrate the ability to apply effective communication and teamwork practices, recognize and address maintenance hazards and human-factor risks, perform effective shift turnover, and apply strategies to reduce the likelihood of maintenance errors.


Week 15: Comprehensive Final Examination
  • FAA Mechanic ACS Alignment: AM.I – General
  • The comprehensive final examination will assess the student's understanding and application of the FAA Mechanic General ACS subjects addressed in this course, including:
    • Mathematics (AM.I.H)
    • Physics for Aviation (AM.I.J)
    • Aircraft Drawings (AM.I.B)
    • Weight and Balance (AM.I.C)
    • Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications (AM.I.I)
    • Human Factors (AM.I.L).

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 up to 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.

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.