Aeronautical Engineering
About our programmes
Aeronautical Engineering students have the opportunity to achieve a range of academic and vocational qualifications recognised locally and internationally within both the commercial and military aviation environments.
Aeronautical Engineering academic programs offerd:
– Advanced Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
– BSc Hons in Aeronautical Engineering
The Department of Aeronautical Engineering offers two pathways that correspond to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) license programmes: mechanical engineering (EASA B1.1 and B1.3) and avionics (EASA B2).
The academic and EASA programmes are supported by a strong focus on Training Needs Analysis (TNA) as defined in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) competencies. The MoD competencies are highly valued by The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) and are the framework to continue developing the skills and knowledge required to work as successful RAFO technicians and engineers.
The Department of Aeronautical Engineering is a Part-147 organisation under the approval of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Oman.
Accreditation
All of MTC’s Advanced Diploma/DipHE and BEng programmes in Aeronautical Engineering are accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
Advanced Diploma/DipHE and BEng programmes in Avionics are also accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Advanced Diploma/DipHE and BEng programmes in Mechanical Engineering are also accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (iMechE).
Awards
Students are awarded an Advanced Diploma on successful completion of Level 7 of the Oman Qualifications Framework (OQF) and a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours on successful completion of Level 8.
Students are also awarded a Diploma of Higher Education and/or Bachelor’s Degree with Honours from the University of Portsmouth on completion of the equivalent Levels 3, 4 and 5 (DipHE) and Level 6 (Bachelor’s Degree) of the UK Framework of Higher Education Qualifications (UK FHEQ).
Students also receive a Certificate of Completion of Training Needs Analysis on successful completion of all TNA requirements.
EASA and CAA Standards and Recognition
The EASA Part 66 (Licensing of Aircraft Engineers) standard is an international standard and in order to achieve recognition, all students must meet certain requirements in Assessment, Competence and Attendance. The EASA and CAA programmes are fully integrated into the Aeronautical programmes. Module content fulfils academic, TNA and EASA requirements, however there are some differences in how assessment and practical tasks are conducted in order to assess different depths of knowledge. Students are fully briefed on each module’s assessment requirements at the beginning of each module.
Students who meet all the required standards will be awarded a ‘Full Training Certificate’. Students who do not meet all the criteria will only receive a certificate recognising their assessment successes. The CAA requires the same standards to be met.
Delivery and Assessment
Courses are delivered through a variety of methods on- and off-campus, including lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and simulations, case studies, practical work (fieldwork, workshop, laboratory activities) and project development. Students are expected to work individually, in groups and to undertake self-study.
Course assessment is structured around reports, essays, portfolios, presentations and examinations.
A key element of each programme is the development and assessment of Training Needs Analysis (TNA) competencies. TNA training may be delivered and assessed in academic modules, individual modules or during Department Specific Activities (DSA).
Graduate Destinations
MTC, in coordination with the beneficiaries, ensures that its graduates have career opportunities after graduation in accordance with the accepted programme and the regulations.
Aeronautical Engineering Foundation Year
The Aeronautical Engineering Foundation Year consists of 6 common modules that are designed to give students the best possible preparation for success on the diploma and degree programmes. Introductory subjects aim to develop knowledge of fundamental engineering principles and equip students with the skills necessary to meet TNA requirements. A significant amount of time will be spent in practical laboratories and workshops to reinforce the theory delivered in each module. Students will also receive additional English language support to prepare them for communication in a professional engineering environment. Students are required to pass both academic and TNA, as well as EASA subjects, in order to progress to the Advanced Diploma/DipHE programme.
Avionics
Avionics is a core discipline within the aviation industry. Avionics technicians and engineers focus on the electrical and electronic systems of aircraft with responsibilities including design, programming and testing of systems, routine maintenance and repair to the highest international standard and quality. Specialists in avionics must be able to demonstrate high levels of technical precision and commitment to quality on the job as their work is critical to meeting stringent safety regulations. In addition to strong engineering, computer and technical knowledge and knowhow, practitioners must also be skilled in working as team members to analyse requirements, implement ideas and troubleshoot problems arising.
On the Avionics pathway students will:
- develop knowledge of essential engineering technology and avionics principles
- study the fundamentals of aircraft instrumentation, electrical and electronic systems such as flight and engine control, autopilot and communication systems
- attain practical skills in industry-standard and highly-regulated facilities to help meet TNA-defined competencies and the requirements for EASA B2 certification
Programmes offered in Avionics Engineering are
Avionics – Aeronautical Defence Systems Engineering
Aeronautical Defence Systems Engineering is a sub-specialization of the Avionics pathway. Aeronautical Defence Systems technicians and engineers focus on the aeronautical defence systems of aircraft and their responsibilities range from designing, programming and testing these systems, to routine maintenance and repair. Aeronautical Defence System technicians and engineers must also be skilled in working with members of a team to analyse needs, implement ideas and troubleshoot problems in aircraft, on the ground, in hangars and workshops.
On the Aeronautical Defence Systems Engineering specialised pathway, students will:
- develop knowledge and confidence in fundamental operations and techniques for the resolution of complex engineering problems relevant to aeronautical defence systems
- study the fundamentals of aircraft instrumentation, electrical and electronic systems including communication and navigation systems
- learn the basic principles of design, construction, operation, performance and maintenance of aeronautical defence systems
- develop skills to maintain and operate aeronautical defence systems equipment and acquire the competencies related to the avionics specialization
Programmes offered in Avionics Engineering are
Avionics – Aeronautical Life Support Engineering
Aeronautical Life Support Engineering is a sub-specialisation of Avionics. Aeronautical Life Support technicians and engineers focus on the life support systems of aircraft with responsibilities including design, programming and testing of systems, and routine maintenance and repair. Specialists in this field must be able to demonstrate high levels of technical precision and commitment to quality on the job, as their work in critical to meeting stringent safety regulations and to the lifesaving and preservation of aircrew. These technicians and engineers must also be skilled in working with other members of a team to analyse needs, implement ideas and troubleshoot problems in an aircraft whilst on the ground, in hangars and workshops.
On the Aeronautical Life Support Engineering specialised pathway students will:
- develop knowledge of essential engineering technologies and gain understanding of the principles of human biology, physiology of flight and circadian rhythm to enable them to pursue a career as a life support equipment specialist
- learn basic principles of design, construction, operation, performance and maintenance of aeronautical life support engineering systems
- develop skills to maintain and operate aeronautical life support equipment and competencies related to the avionics specialization
Programmes offered in Avionics Engineering are
Avionics – Aircraft Simulator Systems Engineering
Aircraft Simulator Systems Engineering is a sub-specialisation of the Avionics pathway. Aircraft Simulator Systems technicians and engineers focus on the aircraft simulators and their responsibilities range from operating, programming and testing these systems, to routine maintenance and repair. Aircraft Simulator Systems technicians and engineers must also be skilled in working with members of a team to analyse needs, implement ideas and troubleshoot problems in simulator installations. This sub-specialisation is distinguished by the required TNA modules and is available at the Advanced Diploma level only.
On the Aircraft Simulator Systems Engineering specialised pathway, students will:
- study software modelling to simulate and reproduce the handling, performance and systems operation of a particular aircraft type or class
- operate the software models typically run in ‘real time’ and normally integrated with a simulation of the real-world environment and a functioning reproduction of the aircraft flight deck
- develop knowledge and confidence in fundamental operations and techniques for the resolution of complex engineering problems relevant to simulator systems
- study the fundamentals of aircraft instrumentation, electrical and electronic systems including communication and navigation systems
Programmes offered in Avionics Engineering are
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a sub-discipline of aeronautical engineering that relates to the mechanical systems of aircraft. Mechanical technicians and engineers are responsible for the efficient performance and safe operation of aircraft components, which includes diagnostics and dealing with failures, managing and following up on repairs and upgrades to a high standard and quality. They must attain manual, technical and mechanical aptitude and be capable of working with a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that safety regulations are adhered to. Their work is usually carried out in teams or maintenance squadrons on the ground, in hangars and in workshops.
On the Mechanical Engineering pathway students will:
- gain essential knowledge and skills in engineering mathematics and design
- learn about aircraft components, mechanical systems, and maintenance and repair techniques
- undergo practical, hands on training that will help them meet TNA competencies and the requirements for EASA B1.1 and 1.3 certification
Programmes offered in Mechanical Engineering are