Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Aircraft Maintenance Technician - General 1 (Face-to-Face)

AMTG 1300-03

Course: AMTG 1300-03
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Aviation Sciences
CRN: 34081

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: Aircraft materials, hardware, and processes, inspection concepts and techniques, fluid lines & fittings, ground operations & servicing, and cleaning & corrosion control. (Fall - 1st Session, Fall - 2nd Session, Spring - 1st Session, Spring - 2nd Session, Summer - 1st Session, Summer - 2nd Session, Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): AMTG 1200 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Prerequisite Can Be Concurrent? Yes

Instructor Information

  • Instructor: Brian Nagler
  • Teacher’s Assistant: TBD
  • Office: 2460 W 400 North Suite 100 Room 119
  • Office Hours: 10:00AM – 4:00PM (I'm often at other locations teaching so if I'm not in the office just message me)
  • Office Phone: 435-865-8768
  • E-mail: briannagler@suu.edu

Required Texts

Text can be obtained at no cost to students at the links provided. Print copies are also available from the SUU bookstore or other commercial sources. 

Required Text:
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—specifically covering General Sections:
  • D (Fluid Lines and Fittings)
  • E (Materials, Hardware, and Processes)
  • F (Ground Operations and Servicing)
  • G (Cleaning and Corrosion Control)
  • K (Inspection Concepts and Techniques)
Knowledge: Students will examine flightline and shop safety, ground handling, fire protection, and aircraft servicing/refueling (Section F); properties of metallic and nonmetallic materials, heat-treatment, hardware, and fasteners (Section E); corrosion theory, prevention, and control methods (Section G); rigid line and flexible hose fabrication, fittings, and installation requirements (Section D); and aircraft inspection programs, NDT methods, basic tools, oxygen systems, and required Inspection Items (Section K).

Risk Management: Students will evaluate hazards and mitigate risks associated with ground operations, fueling, high-pressure servicing, improper fluid line assembly or hardware selection, undetected corrosion, hazardous chemical handling, NDT limitations, and inspection oversights to prevent maintenance-induced errors and ensure structural airworthiness.

Skills: Students will perform ground handling, tie-down, and refueling operations; identify aircraft materials, hardware, and safetying methods; execute cleaning, corrosion removal, and surface treatment; fabricate, inspect, and install rigid fluid lines and flexible hose assemblies; and perform aircraft inspections using basic tools, NDT techniques, and technical data in accordance with FAA standards.



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

This course strictly aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Aviation Mechanics, using its framework to define the specific Knowledge, Risk Management, and Skill elements students must master.  All learning objectives, practical assessments, and course progression are derived directly from these standards to ensure students develop the exact competencies required for FAA certification and safe maintenance practices.

See the complete FAA Mechanic ACS document Here:
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/Aviation_Mechanic_Certification_Standards.pdf

Week 1:
Hand Tools, Measuring Devices, & Tool Accountability

  • Knowledge: Students will demonstrate understanding of hand tools, precision measurement instruments (calipers, micrometers, Vernier scales, dial indicators, and gauges), measuring principles, calibration standards, tool accountability systems, and the causes and effects of Foreign Object Damage (FOD).

  • Risk Management: Students will identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with improper tool handling, accurate usage and handling of precision measuring instruments, tool calibration requirements, lack of tool accountability, and personal safety hazards requiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

  • Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to select and use hand tools correctly; read and perform precision measurements using Vernier calipers, micrometers, and measuring gauges; verify tool calibration status; measure shaft concentricity; and execute foreign object damage (FOD) control and tool accountability procedures.


Week 2-3:
Aircraft Safety, Ground Operations, & Servicing

  • Knowledge: Students will demonstrate understanding of aircraft towing, securing, engine starting, ground operations, taxiing, and fire extinguishing types & uses; servicing protocols for oil, hydraulic, pneumatic, deicing, and oxygen systems; aviation fuel types, additives, fueling/defueling, and contamination checks; and hazardous materials handling, SDS (Safety Data Sheets) requirements, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

  • Risk Management: Students will identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with aircraft towing and ground movement near obstacles; ungrounded fueling/defueling and fuel contamination or misfueling; external power connections; and high-pressure oxygen system servicing.

  • Skills: Students will prepare an aircraft for towing, mooring, and securing; perform engine start/shutdown sequences using checklists; execute hand signals for aircraft movement; connect external power; handle engine induction fire procedures; identify and select approved fuel grades; prepare aircraft for fueling; and inspect fuel systems for water and foreign object debris (FOD).


Week 4-7:
Aircraft Materials, Hardware, & Fasteners

  • Knowledge: Students will demonstrate understanding of aircraft materials, hardware types, identification markings, material compatibility, heat treatment and metalworking processes, structural forces (tension, compression, torsion, bending, strain, shear), safetying requirements, and torque principles, including fastener preload and torquing procedures.

  • Risk Management: Students will identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with suspected unapproved parts (SUPs), re-used hardware, improper torque on critical fasteners, unsuited material selection for structural repairs, and hazards requiring personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Skills: Students will select, inspect, and install aircraft bolts; identify rivets, materials, and hardware using manufacturer markings; distinguish between heat-treated and non-heat-treated aluminum alloys; determine material suitability and select correct alloys for structural repairs; calculate and apply torque; identify control cable components; fabricate swaged-end cable assemblies; and install safety wire on nuts, bolts, and turnbuckles.


Week 8: Midterm Examination
  • Assessment:
    • The midterm examination will assess student knowledge and application of the material covered during Weeks 1–7, including aviation handtools and measuring devices, aircraft safety, ground operations, and servicing, and Aircraft Materials hardware and fasteners.


Week 9-10
Aircraft Cleaning & Corrosion Control

  • Knowledge: Students will demonstrate understanding of corrosion theory, causation, types, and inspection methods; corrosion removal, treatment, and preventive maintenance using CPCs, conversion coatings, and protective barriers for dissimilar metals; protective materials including primers, topcoats, and surface preparation; coating application techniques, ambient condition impacts, control surface balance after refinishing, regulatory requirements for registration markings and placards, and chemical safety practices (PPE, fire prevention, SDS, disposal).

  • Risk Management: Students will identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with health hazards, toxic exposure, and flammable chemical handling during painting, solvent use, and surface preparation; proper ventilation, SDS compliance, and PPE usage; improper material selection leading to structural damage; hazardous waste disposal; and application defects during surface cleaning and coating operations.

  • Skills: Students will perform corrosion inspections of aircraft compartments and structural components; select and apply corrosion preventive compounds, etch solutions, and conversion coatings; inspect aircraft finishes for defects; prepare metal and composite surfaces for protective coatings (layout, masking, thinning); determine compatible paint systems; identify types of protective finishes; and calculate location and size requirements for aircraft registration markings.


Week 11:
Fluid Lines & Fittings

  • Knowledge: Students will demonstrate understanding of rigid tubing and flexible hose materials, applications, sizing, and fittings; material identification standards; fabrication, installation, and inspection techniques for rigid lines and flexible hoses; and proper torquing principles, including torque wrench usage and torque seal witness marks on critical fluid fittings.

  • Risk Management: Students will identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with high-pressure fluid systems, hazardous fluids, improper system configuration prior to maintenance, twisted flexible hoses, loosened or misaligned fittings, tool slippage during torque application, and safety equipment requirements.

  • Skills: Students will fabricate rigid fluid lines involving bends, flares, and flareless-fitting-tube connections; fabricate flexible hose assemblies; identify fluid lines, pneumatic lines, and associated fittings; inspect rigid lines and flexible hoses; install rigid lines and flexible hoses; and apply proper installation, security, and torquing practices according to technical data.


Week 12-13:
Aircraft Inspection Concepts

  • Knowledge: Students will demonstrate understanding of aircraft inspection programs (progressive, 100-hour, annual, FAA-approved), nondestructive testing (NDT) procedures and methods for metallic and composite structures, inspection tools and methods, and weld inspection criteria, including soldering preparation, flux usage, weld characteristics, and weld repair procedures.

  • Risk Management: Students will identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with the selection of appropriate inspection techniques, component demagnetization following magnetic particle inspection, damage prevention to components and test equipment during electrical measurements, and evaluation of structural defects.

  • Skills: Students will perform visual, dye penetrant, weld, and composite tap-test inspections; identify appropriate NDT methods for composite, surface, and subsurface metal defects; inspect aircraft for Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance; and assess weld quality and repair suitability according to technical data.


Week 14: 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/


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:
    • Ground Operations & Servicing
    • Aircraft Materials, Hardware, & Processes
    • Fluid Lines & Fittings
    • Cleaning & Corrosion Control
    • Inspection Concepts & Techniques

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.

*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.