East Coast Aero Tech
Bedford, Massachuetts
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information on Aircraft Training Progams
East Coast Aero Tech is based at Hanscom Field, which is one of
the busiest airports in New England serving both military and civilian
aviation requirements. The airport, approximately 15 miles northwest
of Boston, Massachusetts, is located in the town of Bedford which
is an attractive historic area between the towns of Lexington and
Concord, near the Minuteman National Park. Access to all major highways
is quick and direct. The school facilities are comprised of administrative
offices, classrooms, laboratories and shops that are designed to
create a pleasant environment for its student population.
SCHOOL SCHEDULE/CLASS SIZE
The total program of 300 school days (2,100 clock hours of 50 minutes
each) covers a period of approximately 15 calendar months, depending
upon holidays and breaks during the enrollment period. Each 1,050
clock hours of enrollment is defined as one academic year. The maximum
class size is 33 students, and a maximum of 25:1 student to instructor
ratio is maintained during any lab/shop component of a phase.
PHASES
East Coast Aero Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Program is
broken down into fifteen Phases. They are:
General I (140 Hours)
In this Phase, the Instructor assumes that none of the students
has had any aviation experience. The purpose is to create a foundation
so that everyone will have an even chance for success throughout
the remaining Phases. The subjects include Aircraft Drawing, Applied
Aviation Mathematics and Basic Physics as well as Mechanics’ Privileges.
General II (140 Hours)
The principal subject in this Phase is Basic Electricity, which
includes the study of Ohm’s Law and related electrical laws. Students
learn to solder safety wire, string electrical harnesses, and become
familiar with various measuring instruments. In addition, students
learn about the various Materials and Processes that are used in
aircraft construction and repair.
General III (140 Hours)
Students in this Phase learn Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). They
use dye penetrants, magnetic particle inspection, altrasonic and
eddy current inspection and boroscopes. Included in this Phase is
the subjects of Maintenance Publications as well as an Introduction
to Turbine and Reciprocating Engines.
Airframe I (140 Hours)
While in this Phase, the student learns the art of riveting, fastening,
bending, forming, cutting, welding; inspection for airworthiness
of sheet metal structures, and studies the effects of metal fatigue
and stresses.
Airframe II (140 Hours)
The Airframe II Phase includes Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems,
the construction of Fluid Lines and Fittings, and Aircraft Landing
Gear Systems. Students work on a Piper Aztec and Cessna aircraft
which demonstrates how these systems work.
Airframe III (140 Hours)
In Airframe III, students learn the theory and techniques that are
used in building and repairing Wood Structures and Aircraft Covering.
The Phase also includes Aircraft Finishes, Cleaning and Corrosion
protection and repair, Nonmetallic structures such as Carbon Fibre,
Kevlar and other exotic materials. The student will use these materials
to construct and repair aircraft components.
Airframe IV (140 Hours)
This Phase includes Airframe Assembly, Rigging, Fuel Systems, and
Weight and Balance. Students work with an array of special tools
and training aids including a single engine airplane and helicopter
to complete the instruction.
Airframe V (140 Hours)
The subjects that are taught in this Phase include Maintenance Forms
and Records, Airframe Inspection, Cabin Atmosphere and Ice and Rain
Control. Students will perform 100 hour inspections on one of the
school’s various single or multi-engine aircraft.
Electrical I (140 Hours)
This Phase expands on the Basic Electricity that was learned in
the General II Phase. It includes Aircraft AC and DC power distribution
systems, lighting systems and position and warning systems. The
Phase emphasizes on electrical troubleshooting using live electrical
system mockups.
Electrical II (140 Hours)
Electrical II further develops the disciplines that were learned
in Electrical I. The Phase concentrates on Navigation systems and
Equipment, Communications Systems and Aircraft Instruments.
Powerplant I (140 Hours)
In Powerplant I, the student analyzes, troubleshoots and repairs
Ignition and Starting Systems for both reciprocating and turbine
powered aircraft engines.
Powerplant II (140 Hours)
In this Phase, the students learn Fuel Metering Systems, Engine
Fuel Systems, Induction and Air Flow Systems for turbine and reciprocating
engines.
Powerplant III (140 Hours)
During this Phase, students remove, repair and install Propellers
and Propeller control systems. Additional subject covered in the
Phase are Engine Instrument Systems and Engine Fire Protection Systems.
Powerplant IV (140 Hours)
In this Phase we teach Reciprocating Engines, Engine Inspection,
Lubrication Systems, Engine Cooling and Exhaust Systems and Ground
Equipment. During Aircraft Operations, students operate aircraft
engines and learn to taxi aircraft.
Powerplant V (140 Hours)
This Phase is the 15th and final Phase. The Phase includes Turbine
Engine theory, construction and operation. The student will operate
a turbine powered airplane or helicopter. Additionally, the student
will remove, inspect and install a turbine engine on an aircraft.
Other subjects include auxiliary power units, engine exhaust, thrust-reverser
actuation systems and unducted fans.
FINANCIAL AID AND OTHER SERVICES
Most students today lack the necessary resources to finance their
continued education and need assistance from one or more Federal
or State financial aid programs. East Coast Aero Tech is an eligible
institution administering several programs including:
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Federal PLUS Loan (for parents)
Massachusetts Scholarship Program
The school is approved for the training of eligible Veterans under
various laws. Assistance can be obtained through regular educational
benefits or through the VA Rehabilitation Program.
East Coast Aero Tech provides full financial planning assistance
with your tuition, fees and other associated costs, such as transportation,
housing, books, tools and supplies. A financial aid specialist will
determine your particular eligibility, develop a workable individual
financial plan, and assist you completing the appropriate forms
to apply for financial aid. The school also will assist you in finding
local housing accommodations, car-pooling arrangements and part-time
employment while attending school.
