Preconditioned Air Systems, Ground Support Equipment Integration, and Asset Maintenance
This capstone-level technical course prepares technicians to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize airport preconditioned air (PCA) units and integrated ground support equipment (GSE) deployed alongside passenger boarding bridges. Learners explore the thermodynamics of vapor-compression refrigeration, psychrometrics, high-pressure air delivery ducting, and automated climate control systems tailored to wide-body and narrow-body aircraft requirements. The curriculum emphasizes preventative and corrective maintenance methodologies, regulatory ramp safety protocols, hydraulic and electromechanical subassembly diagnostics, and environmental compliance regarding refrigerant handling. Through intensive fault-simulation exercises and hands-on laboratory modules, students develop competency in reading electrical schematics, interpreting refrigeration manifold pressures, evaluating system airflow efficiency, and executing asset reliability inspections. Technicians gain comprehensive proficiency in systematic failure analysis and life-cycle maintenance management across complex ramp infrastructure, ensuring dependable, uninterrupted ground support operations.
InstructorJacob CalhounCourse outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Aircraft Preconditioned Air Systems and Thermodynamic Principles", "Week 2: Lesson 2: Refrigeration Cycles, Compressors, Condensers, and Safe Refrigerant Handling", "Week 3: Lesson 3: Blower Assemblies, Air Delivery Ducting, and Aircraft Connection Couplers", "Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Refrigeration System Diagnostic Testing and Manifold Gauge Analysis", "Week 5: Lesson 5: Electrical Controls, Variable Frequency Drives, and Temperature Regulation Circuits", "Week 6: Lesson 6: Bridge-Mounted GSE Utilities: Potable Water, Lavatory Waste, and Hose Retrievers", "Week 7: Lesson 7: Mechanical Drive Assemblies, Cable Storage Reels, and Utility Carrier Systems", "Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Airflow Measurement, Duct Static Pressure, and Blower Performance Testing", "Week 9: Lesson 9: Preventative Maintenance Strategies, Inspection Checklists, and Lubrication Standards", "Week 10: Lesson 10: Systematic Troubleshooting of PCA Heating and Multi-Stage Cooling Failures", "Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Electrical Circuit Fault Simulation, Sensor Calibration, and Control Board Testing", "Week 12: Lesson 12: Asset Reliability Management, CMMS Utilization, and Ramp Operational Safety", "Week 13: Lesson 13: Major Subsystem Overhaul Procedures and Environmental Containment Protocols", "Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Bridge Utility Inspection, Diagnostics, and Commissioning"]