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Testing installed aircraft engines

URN: SEMAE3052
Business Sectors (Suites): Aeronautical Engineering Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 2021

Overview

This standard identifies the competences you need to test installed aircraft engines, in accordance with approved procedures, and includes testing both main and auxiliary engines, as appropriate to the aircraft type. It covers both fixed wing and rotary winged aircraft. You will be required to carry out all necessary preparations to the aircraft in readiness for the tests to be carried out and these will include ensuring that the aircraft is positioned in an appropriate test area, is secured, braked and chocked, has an appropriate amount of fuel and that all cockpit/cabin controls are in the appropriate positions.

In carrying out the tests, you will be required to follow laid-down procedures, to ensure that the working area is clear, that appropriate guards and notices are displayed, that ground tests and engine runs are carried out in accordance with the appropriate schedule, monitoring procedures are complied with, analysis of results is undertaken and that test documentation is completed accurately and legibly.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the tests undertaken and to report any problems with the testing activities that you cannot personally resolve, or that are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.

Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to undertaking the engine test procedures. You will understand the engine being tested and the specific test schedule to be followed, and will know what the cabin/cockpit controls do and what the various and indicators mean, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the tests to the required specification.

You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the testing activities, in particular those involved with fuelling the aircraft and running the engines. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
  2. follow the appropriate procedures for use of tools and equipment to carry out the required tests
  3. set up and carry out the tests using the correct procedures and within agreed timescales
  4. record the results of the tests in the appropriate format
  5. review and analyse the results and carry out further tests if necessary
  6. leave the aircraft and work area in a safe and appropriate condition, free from foreign object debris on completion of the testing activities

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the specific safety practices and procedures that you need to observe when testing aircraft engines (including any specific legislation, regulations/codes of practice required for the activities, equipment or materials used)
  2. the health and safety requirements of the work area where you are carrying out the activities and the responsibility these requirements place on you
  3. the safety procedures that must be carried out before work is started on the aircraft (such as electrical bonding of the aircraft, checking that ground locks and guards are in position, checking that safety pins are in critical controls (such as ejector seats, undercarriage), erecting warning signs and ensuring that all personnel are clear of the test area)
  4. the protective clothing and equipment (PPE) to be worn
  5. the hazards associated with testing aircraft engines and how to minimise them and reduce any risks
  6. the preparations to be carried out on the aircraft prior to starting the engine tests (such as applying brakes, chocking the aircraft, anchoring the aircraft to the ground, positioning cockpit and cabin controls in the correct positions, applying electrical power to the aircraft)
  7. how to ensure the aircraft is electrically bonded prior to fuelling and de-fuelling and why this is so important
  8. how to obtain the required test schedules and specifications for the aircraft and engine type being tested and how to check their currency and validity
  9. how to read and interpret the specifications and from whom you can seek assistance if you have problems or issues regarding the test schedules or specifications
  10. the methods and procedures to be used to carry out the various engine tests
  11. the need to apply engine power in incremental stages and to check all readings, temperatures and pressures at each stage
  12. how to record the results of each individual test and the documentation that must be used

  13. why tool/equipment control is critical and what to do if a tool or piece of equipment is unaccounted for on completion of the activities

  14. from whom to seek authorisation if you need to alter or change the test procedures

  15. how to analyse the test results and make valid decisions about the acceptability of the aircraft
  16. potential problems that can occur with the testing activities and how they can be overcome
  17. the items that may cause errors or discrepancies in/with the test results, and how to avoid these
  18. any required environmental controls relating to the testing
  19. the documentation to be completed at the end of the testing activities
  20. the extent of your own responsibility and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve

Scope/range

Scope Performance

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  1. Prepare the aircraft for testing by carrying out all of the following, as applicable to the aircraft type:

    1. obtain and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, ground test schedule, test procedures, quality control documentation, history sheets, flight logbook, aircraft standards and specifications)
    2. adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, COSHH, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations and procedures to realise a safe system of work
    3. position the aircraft in an appropriate engine test bay
    4. secure the aircraft by applying brakes, chocking and/or ground anchoring
    5. ensure that all appropriate ground locks are in position and, where applicable, check that ejector seat safety pins are engaged
    6. ensure that the aircraft is electrically bonded and suitably fuelled for the tests being carried out
    7. check that all cabin/cockpit controls are set as per the test schedule
    8. check that electrical power is applied, either internally or by the use of external units
    9. obtain clearance to undertake the engine test on the aircraft
    10. ensure that safe working distance procedures are set up (with appropriate warning notices)
    11. ensure the presence of fire fighting equipment, manual or tender
    12. ensure that tests are conducted as per the test procedure for the aircraft/engine type

  2. Test both of the following, as applicable to the aircraft type:

    1. main engines 
    2. auxiliary engines (APU)

  3. Undertake engine ground runs as listed in the engine test schedule, to include seven of the following checks:

    1. the ground start mechanisms operate correctly
    2. the APU cuts out at the correct time
    3. fuel flow is operating correctly
    4. engine pressure ratios are within specification
    5. engine temperature is within specification
    6. throttle/high pressure fuel flow operates smoothly
    7. the bleed air system functions correctly
    8. hydraulic pressures are attained
    9. maximum RPM is achieved
    10. fire detection and protection equipment is functioning

  4. Deal with two of the following complexities during the engine tests:

    1. engine runs with no faults      
    2. engine runs with faults          
    3. engines with intermittent faults

  5. Review, record and analyse the results of the ground run, using four of the following:

    1. data sheets                        
    2. log cards/history sheet 
    3. fault records
    4. calibration records            
    5. engine test schedule  
    6. maintenance manuals and records
    7. other specific records

  6. Carry out tests in compliance with one of the following standards:

    1. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)/European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
    2. Ministry of Defence (MoD)                      
    3. Military Aviation Authority (MAA)
    4. Aerospace Quality Management Standards (AS)
    5. customer standards and requirements
    6. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)                 
    7. company standards and procedures
    8. BS, ISO or BSEN standards and procedures
    9. manufacturers standards and procedures

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

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You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:

  • strong work ethic
  • positive attitude
  • team player
  • dependability
  • responsibility
  • honesty
  • integrity
  • motivation
  • commitment

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Semta

Original URN

SEMAE3052

Relevant Occupations

Engineer, Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Engineering Technicians

SOC Code

5234

Keywords

engineering; aeronautical; testing; installed aircraft engine; main engine; auxiliary engines; test procedures; test schedule; specifications