Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly
9 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AFAB 110 Introduction to Aircraft Structures, Blueprints, and Manufacturing Documentation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge of aircraft structures, shop mathematics, basic hand measuring devices and familiarization with aircraft manufacturing documentation, such as blueprints and work instructions. Instruction includes lecture and hands-on practice in reading and interpreting actual blueprints and manufacturing documentation.
AFAB 115 Aircraft Structures
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 126 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 180 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AFAB 110.
Designed to give students the necessary skills to perform journeyman aerospace structures assembly and repair. Classroom lecture and hands-on practice in step-drilling holes in aluminum alloys and composites, and the installation of rivets and special fasteners. In addition, students will demonstrate the proper preparation and application of aircraft sealants and the assembly of sheet metal and composite substrates as a final project of moderate complexity.
AFAB 120 Composites Fabrication and Repair
- Units
- 7
- Hours
- 108 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AFAB 110
This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic aircraft composite manufacturing techniques and knowledge. The content covered in this course deals with wet and prepreg layup, vacuum bagging techniques and processes, surface preparation for gap filling and back masking, and the manufacturing of composite components/parts. This course consists of both classroom lecture and hands-on practice. Students are required to interpret engineering prints, work instructions, manufacturing documentation and/or drawings.
AFAB 130 Aerospace Ethics and Issues
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Addresses the ethical responsibilities of aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs). Course will articulate an ethical framework for aircraft technicians by critically reflecting on aerospace practices and examining the ethical challenges that confront the aerospace industry, and aerospace technicians and professionals working within these organizations. Includes: social and personal responsibilities in aerospace, truth-telling and disclosure, whistle-blowing, professionalism, safety, and human factors. A detailed analysis of many case studies in industry will be reviewed.
AFAB 140 Pneudraulics
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AFAB 110 and AFAB 115.
Entry Level course designed to familiarize students with the basic principles of pneudraulics, fluid lines and fittings and the proper assembly and installation.
AFAB 150 Surface Preparation and Material Applications
- Units
- 7
- Hours
- 108 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AFAB 110, AFAB 115, and AFAB 120.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic aircraft surface preparation and material application techniques and knowledge. The content covered in this course deals with surface preparation of both metal structures and composite materials, various material applications, and masking techniques. This course consists of both classroom lecture and hands-on practice. Students are required to interpret engineering prints, work instructions, manufacturing documentation and or drawings.
AFAB 210 Aircraft Production Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture hours, 72 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AFAB 115 or AERO 230.
The course is designed to give students with basic aircraft fabrication skills the necessary knowledge and practical experience to perform effectively and grow professionally in an aircraft production organization. The course will introduce the student to the many functional groups that manage, design, plan, schedule, supply, and oversee aircraft production operations. Students will gain experience with production and quality standards, process controls, and documentation requirements through participation in hands-on laboratory fabrication projects.
AFAB 215 Advanced Aircraft Sheetmetal & Composite Structures
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 126 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 180 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AFAB 115.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the advanced aerospace structural assembly, which includes instructor-led lecture and hands-on training in shop safety and workmanship fundamentals, the use of tools and equipment, MES functions, and structures fundamentals including 5S, blueprint reading, hole prep, drilling various materials, sealing, liquid shim applications, and inspections. Students are required to interpret engineering prints, work instructions, manufacturing documentation and or drawings.
AFAB 220 Advanced Composite Fabrication, Assembly, and Repair
- Units
- 7
- Hours
- 108 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AFAB 120.
This course is designed to familiarize students with advanced aircraft composite manufacturing techniques and knowledge, which includes instructor-led lecture and hands-on training in shop safety and workmanship fundamentals, the use of tools and equipment, 5S, MES functions, and composite system fundamentals including layup, debulking, ply direction, vacuum bagging, leak detection, curing, PIs, surface prep, pinking, darting, overlapping, buttsplicing, bonding, and inspections. Students are required to interpret engineering prints, work instructions, manufacturing documentation and or drawings.