Associate Degree in Aeronautics and Aerospace Technology

101 Pages·2014·1.2 MB·English

by  Edma Baez

University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla
Department of Electronics, Physics and Quality Control

Proposal for the establishment of an

Associate Degree in
Aeronautics and Aerospace Technology
Program
in the Department of Electronics, Physics and Quality Control at
the University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla

UPR-Aguadilla Academic Senate Certification Number 2014-15-16
UPR-Aguadilla Administrative Board Certification Number 2014-15-50
Table of Content

I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
II. Professional Accreditation and Requirements for Professional Practice .................................................. 4
III. Program Justification ..................................................................................................................................... 6
IV. Program relationship with institutional mission and planning ............................................................... 12
V. Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................................................ 15
VI. Curricular Design .......................................................................................................................................... 23
VII. Admissions, enrollment and graduation .................................................................................................. 43
VIII. Faculty ......................................................................................................................................................... 46
IX. Program Administration .............................................................................................................................. 54
X. Information Resources ................................................................................................................................. 56
XI. Learning, Investigation and Service Infrastructure ................................................................................... 57
XII. Student Services .......................................................................................................................................... 71
XIII. Catalog and Advertising ............................................................................................................................ 75
XIV. Program Budget ........................................................................................................................................ 75
XV. Continuous Improvement Plan ................................................................................................................. 82
XVI. Development Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 94
XVII. References ................................................................................................................................................ 97
Appendix A. Course Syllabi ........................................................................................................... 98
Appendix B. Faculty Curriculum Vitae ........................................................................................ 209
Appendix C. Organizational Charts ............................................................................................ 231
Appendix D. Information Resources ........................................................................................... 234
Appendix E. Information to be Included in Catalog .................................................................... 256
Appendix F. Program Advertising Brochure ............................................................................... 261

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List of Tables and Figures

Table IV.1. Program Relationship with Institutional Mission and Planning ................................. 13
Table V.1. Program Graduate Competencies ............................................................................... 18
Table V.2. Relationship between Program Goals and Objectives ................................................ 21
Table VI.1. General Education Course Distribution ...................................................................... 23
Table VI.2. Core Courses Distribution ........................................................................................... 23
Table VI.3. Required Course Descriptions .................................................................................... 24
Table VI.4. Recommended Electives Course Descriptions............................................................ 28
Table VI.5. Proposed course sequence ......................................................................................... 29
Table VI.6. Relationship between Graduate Competencies and the Proposed Curriculum ........ 31
Table VII.1. Student Enrollment Projection ................................................................................. 45
Table VIII.1. Academic Credentials of Faculty .............................................................................. 48
Table VIII.1. Faculty Professional Development Plan ................................................................... 52
Table XI.1 Space Distribution of Facilities ..................................................................................... 58
Table XI.2 Space Distribution of Offices ........................................................................................ 59
Table XI.3 Space Distribution of Classrooms ................................................................................ 60
Table XI.4.Space Distribution of Laboratories .............................................................................. 61
Table XI.5 Laboratory Educational Equipment ............................................................................. 62
Figure XI.1. Ground Level Facilities Plan ....................................................................................... 64
Figure XI.2. Second Level Facilities Plan ....................................................................................... 65
Figure XI.3. Hangar Ground and Second ....................................................................................... 65
Table XI.6 Laboratory Educational Equipment ............................................................................. 66
Table XIV.1. UPR Institutional Funds ............................................................................................ 77
Table XIV.2. External Funds (AAIPR) ............................................................................................. 79
Table XIV.3. Income Estimate ....................................................................................................... 80
Figure XV.1.Goals Pyramid ............................................................................................................ 82
Figure XV.2. Continuous Improvement Process ........................................................................... 84
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Table XV.1. Frequency of Data Collection and Review Process for the Program Goals ............... 86
Table XV.2. Level of Attainment of the Program Goals ................................................................ 86
Table XV.3. Assessment Strategies ............................................................................................... 88
Table XV.4. Data Collection Schedule ........................................................................................... 90
Figure XV.3.Evaluation Process ..................................................................................................... 92
Figure XV.4. Program Improvements Process .............................................................................. 93
Table XVI.1. Development Plan..................................................................................................... 95
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I. Introduction
A. Program Name and Proposed Degree
The proposed program name and degree is an Associate Degree in Aeronautics and Aerospace
Technology.
B. Program Description
The academic program presented in this proposal is at the associate degree level in Aeronautics
and Aerospace Technology. This program will prepare graduates with knowledge, problem
solving ability, and hands-on skills to enter careers in the installation, manufacturing, testing,
evaluation, technical sales, or maintenance of aeronautical/aerospace systems. Prospective
students should have an aptitude for mathematics and science and should be detailed oriented
and good at working with their hands. Areas of coursework include: mathematics, physics,
electricity fundamentals, electronics, aerodynamics, material science, aircraft structures and
systems, engines, human behavior, computer aided graphics and aviation regulations.
The Associate Degree in Aeronautics and Aerospace Technology that will be granted by the
UPR Aguadilla was designed to prepare the students with the necessary skills and knowledge
such as aircraft/spacecraft systems technology, inspection and maintenance procedures of
aircraft and space vehicles, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance,
and report preparation to perform in industries related to the aerospace/aeronautical
technology at a non-engineering technical level.
The program courses and curriculum have been designed to consider the hands-on experience
required in this type of industry. Therefore most of the core courses incorporate laboratory
practices and experiences as part of the main course credit hours. The proposed degree
comprises current technology knowledge areas and extends to areas of further development in
the industry sector in the next years such as avionics and composites. The program is
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committed to keep updating its academic content to reflect changes in the industry, the
discipline and requirements of the regulatory agencies that may apply.
This program is creating a workforce with a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge required to
support the growth and development of the aeronautical and aerospace technology businesses
focused in repair, maintenance and overhaul operations, as well as businesses focused on
design, development, testing and calibration of this new technology in the island. Some of the
common job titles for the aeronautical and aerospace technicians are: instrumentation
technician, systems test technician, avionics technician, test technician, systems test technician
and avionics test technician. Their responsibilities may include: test aircraft systems under
simulated operational conditions, diagnose, maintain, inspect and operate test setups and
equipment to detect malfunctions, develop cost estimates, assist engineers with product
design, prepare drawings and scale models, help prepare plans for the manufacturing of
equipment, perform laboratory tests, inspect products and processes and analyze and interpret
test information.
This program is the first in its class in the UPR System in two ways:
 It is the first program in the UPR system and in the island offering a degree focused
completely in the aeronautical/aerospace industry therefore becoming part of a
comprehensive academic structure/ecosystem to support a socioeconomic strategy.
 It will be the first academic degree in the island at the higher education level that will
start the academic affiliation concept of the newly created entity known as the
Aeronautical and Aerospace Institute of Puerto Rico (AAIPR).
This unique program gives the UPR and UPR Aguadilla students the capabilities to support
current Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations
and prepares the workforce with skills and knowledge required by other industries that may
become part of the developing aeronautical and aerospace cluster in the northwestern area.
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Two target markets of potential student populations have been identified; the regular on and
off island student population and the specialized, on the job, student/participant already in
other MRO’s or related service companies.
The Associate Degree in Aeronautics and Aerospace Technology is designed to be completed in
two years in a full time basis. Students must complete the 72 credit program of study within a
maximum of three years after admission.

Suggested IPEDS Classification Code 15.0801
Title: Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
Definition: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and
technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing,
manufacturing and testing aircraft, spacecraft and their systems. Includes instruction in
aircraft/spacecraft systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and
operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test
equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
C. Non Traditional Delivery Models
Traditional lecture/laboratory courses will be offered.
D. Starting Date
The proposed program will start in August, 2015.
E. Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Associate Degree in Aeronautics and Aerospace Technology is designed to be completed in
two years in a full time basis. Students must complete the program of study within a maximum of
three years after admission.

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II. Professional Accreditation and Requirements
for Professional Practice
A. Professional Accreditation
The Associate Degree in Aeronautics and Aerospace Technology program is designed to comply
with the criteria and will abide with policies, and procedures upon which an ABET review is based. ABET
is an accrediting agency for academic programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing,
engineering, and engineering technology. ABET provides accreditation for programs at various
levels through its four accreditation commissions. Engineering Technology Accreditation
Commission (ETAC) accredits engineering technology programs at the associate's or bachelor's
degree levels. Program criteria for Aeronautical Engineering Technology and similarly named
programs apply to engineering technology programs that include aeronautical or similar
modifiers in their titles.
There are two distinct phases in the ABET accreditation process: assessment processes,
which must be in place before a program’s formal submission of a Request for Evaluation (RFE)
and the 18-month accreditation process itself, which begins with a RFE submission. The
Development Plan in section XVI incorporate objectives and activities to complete the ABET
accreditation process. Activities include: the development of performance criteria to measure
the objectives (December 2015), the preparation of rubrics and questionnaires (May 2016), the
implementation of the continuous improvement plan (May 2019), the preparation of the self-
study (January 2020). The Department will be ready to submit de RFE in January 2020. In
summary, the program's formal request for an ABET review is the starting point of the process
itself, that requires at least 18 months.
B. Requirements for Professional Practice
The associate degree graduate will not have special requirements to go into professional
practice. The associate degree provides instruction in aircraft/spacecraft systems technology,
design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and
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maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance,
and report preparation.
An aeronautical and aerospace technician utilizes communications systems and computers to
record and interpret data. Some technicians assist in design work. They trouble shoot
equipment problems. After the manufacturing process is completed, aeronautical and
aerospace technicians may inspect aircraft and aircraft structures and help with their
maintenance and repair. Some of the common job titles are instrumentation technician,
systems test technician, avionics technician, test technician, systems test technician and
avionics test technician.
Responsibilities of aeronautical and aerospace technicians may include: test aircraft systems
under simulated operational conditions, diagnose, maintain, inspect and operate test setups
and equipment to detect malfunctions, develop cost estimates, assist engineers with product
design, prepare drawings and scale models, help prepare plans for the manufacturing of
equipment, perform laboratory tests, Inspect products and processes and analyze and interpret
test information.
Graduates may elect to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified aircraft
mechanic. To do so he/she needs to comply with specific requirements for the certification.
There are two basic types of certifications available: Airframe, and Power plant, or a combined
certificate (A&P).
To obtain the certification, aircraft mechanics are required to be at least 18 years of age and, if
working in the United States, able to speak, read and write fluently in English. Candidates must
have at least 18 months of practical experience gained on-the-job, through military experience
with aircrafts or by graduating from an FAA-approved technician school. Applicants have to
pass three types of exams – written, oral and practical that cover 43 technical subjects.

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III. Program Justification
General Overview
The aeronautical/aerospace industry encompasses all the processes related to manufacturing,
testing, inspection, repair and operation of vessels that normally operate inside the Earth
atmosphere as well as vessels that normally operate outside the atmosphere and in outer
space. These two types of vessels and their operational environment are what make the
fundamental difference between aeronautics and aerospace technology. Basically two major
classical divisions exists in the industry; the commercial and defense sectors. With the inclusion
of the unmanned aircraft technology we are seeing the development of a new two major
divisions; manned and unmanned aircraft vehicles with both commercial and defense
applications.
Aeronautical and aerospace technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge such as
aircraft/spacecraft systems technology, inspection and maintenance procedures of aircraft and
space vehicles, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report
preparation to perform in industries related to the aerospace/aeronautical technology at a non-
engineering technical level. They can work on missiles, rockets, airplanes and helicopters.
Aeronautical and aerospace technicians work in all the phases of the industry including
production, research and development, and sales. Technicians perform a lot of the routine
work which allows engineers and scientists to focus on tasks in which they can utilize their
advanced training.
Aeronautical and aerospace technicians with an associate’s degree in engineering technology
increasingly are being preferred by employers over aircraft mechanics. The proposed associate
degree program in Aeronautics and Aerospace Technology is aimed to satisfy current industry
needs as well as to provide a continuous supply of technicians to fill the future needs of the
aeronautical and aerospace industry cluster in Puerto Rico. This program is creating a workforce
with a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge required to support the growth and
development of the aeronautical and aerospace technology businesses focused in repair,
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