National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Level 4)
The National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering with strands in Aeronautical Non Destructive Testing, Armament, Avionic Electrical Repair, Avionic Instrument Repair, Avionic Maintenance, Avionic Radio Repair, Aircraft Mechanical, Aircraft Powerplant, Rotorcraft, and Aircraft Structures is designed for people working in the aeronautical engineering industry.
The qualification recognises the skills required to carry out maintenance, overhauls and repairs to aircraft, aircraft systems and aircraft components or equipment in accordance with the requirements of Part 43 and/or Part 145 of the Civil Aviation Rules 1990, and is recognised as the predominant trades level qualification for the industry. The certificate is structured to ensure that holders have a concentration of specialist skills in one of ten Aeronautical Engineering strands, supported by a range of skills and knowledge across the whole Aeronautical Engineering subfield.
The certificate is flexible in that it enables candidates to structure the qualification to suit their chosen career path or an employer's requirements. Candidates complete core compulsory unit standards then select a strand in the discipline of their choice, and choose options from the whole Aeronautical Engineering subfield to support the strand.
This qualification incorporates eight compulsory core unit standards common to the award of the National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Specialist Support) with optional strands in Aeronautical Composites, Aeronautical Electroplating, Aeronautical Machining, Aeronautical Non Destructive Testing, Aircraft Furnishings and Equipment, Aircraft Mechanical, Aircraft Painting, Aircraft Powerplant, Aircraft Structures, Armament, Avionics, and Rotorcraf, the National Certificate in Aircraft Servicing, and the National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Related Technology), and is another step on the pathway for people interested in a career in aeronautical engineering.
This qualification can be used to build on skills and knowledge from the National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Related Technology). Candidates may progress towards the National Diploma in Aeronautical Maintenance Certification with strands in Aeroplane, Rotorcraft, and Powerplant to gain the privileges of certifying the release to service of aircraft components following maintenance as required for the issue of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence (AMEL) (issued under Part 66 of the Civil Aviation Rules 1990).
Available strands are:
Aeronautical Non Destructive Testing: magnetic particle, fluorescent penetrant, ultrasonic, eddy current and radiography
Armament: specific to military
Avionics: radio communications, navigation, electrics and instruments
Aircraft Mechanical: flight controls, fuel storage and distribution, landing gear, hydraulic, air conditioning, pneumatic systems and components
Aircraft Powerplant: powerplant maintenance and powerplant repair and overhaul
Rotorcraft: maintenance, overhaul and repair of helicopter systems and components
Aircraft Structures: sheet metal work, structural repairs and modifications.
