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AEROSPACE COMPETENCY MODEL Tier 1: Personal Effectiveness Competencies Interpersonal Skills Displaying skills to work with others from diverse backgrounds. Integrity Displaying accepted social and work behaviors. Professionalism Maintaining a professional demeanor at work. Initiative Demonstrating a willingness to work. Dependability & Reliability Displaying responsible behaviors at work. Lifelong Learning Displaying a willingness to learn and apply new knowledge and skills. Tier 2: Academic Competencies Reading Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. Writing Using standard English to compile information and prepare written reports. Mathematics Using principles of mathematics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to solve problems. Science Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Communication Giving full attention to what others are saying and speaking in English well Listening & Speaking enough to be understood by others. Critical & Analytical Using logic, reasoning, and analysis to address work-related problems. Thinking Basic Computer Skills Using a computer and related applications to input and retrieve information. Tier 3: Workplace Competencies Teamwork Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. Planning & Organizing Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. Creative Thinking Generating innovative solutions. Problem Solving & Applying critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, Decision Making evaluating, and implementing solutions. Working with Tools and Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to facilitate work Technology activity. Checking, Examining, & Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in Recording written or electronic/magnetic format. Business Fundamentals Knowledge of basic business principles, trends, and economics. Tier 4: Industry-Wide Technical Competencies Principles of Aerospace Knowledge of the aerospace industry, its key sectors, and relevant laws and regulations. Design & Development Application of engineering and mathematical principles to design aerospace components. Product & Parts Assembly, installation, inspection, and repair of aerospace components. Manufacturing Aviation Maintenance Inspection, servicing, and repair aircraft components and systems. Health & Safety Practices and procedures necessary to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. 2
Tier 1 Personal Effectiveness Competencies 1. Interpersonal Skills: Displaying skills to work with others from diverse backgrounds. Respect the opinions, perspectives, customs, and individual differences of others Interact appropriately and respectfully with supervisors and coworkers Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow 2. Integrity: Displaying accepted social and work behaviors. Treat others with honesty, fairness, and respect Comply with ethical standards for your field Take responsibility for accomplishing work goals within accepted timeframes Accept responsibility for one s decisions and actions 3. Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor at work. Demonstrate self-control by maintaining composure and dealing calmly with stressful situations Accept criticism and attempt to learn from mistakes Demonstrate positive attitude towards work Dress appropriately for occupation and maintain appropriate personal hygiene Refrain from substance abuse 4. Initiative: Demonstrating a willingness to work. Pursue work with energy, drive, and effort to accomplish tasks Persist at a task despite interruptions, obstacles, or setbacks Take initiative in seeking out new responsibilities and work challenges Establish and maintain personally challenging, but realistic work goals Strive to exceed standards and expectations 5. Dependability & Reliability: Displaying responsible behaviors at work. Behave consistently, predictably, and reliably Fulfill obligations, complete assignments, and meet deadlines Follow written and verbal directions Comply with organizational rules, policies, and procedures 6. Lifelong Learning: Displaying a willingness to learn and apply new knowledge and skills. Demonstrate an interest in personal and professional lifelong learning and development Treat unexpected circumstances as opportunities to learn and adopt new techniques Seek feedback, and modify behavior for improvement Broaden knowledge and skills through science fairs, reading publications, job shadowing, and continuing education Use newly learned knowledge and skills to complete specific tasks Take charge of personal career development by identifying personal interests and career pathways 3
Tier 2 Academic Competencies 1. Reading: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. Locate, understand, and interpret written technical and non-technical information in documents such as manuals, reports, memos, graphs, charts, tables, schedules, and signs Identify relevant details, facts, specifications, and main ideas Understand the essential message and purpose of written materials Infer or locate meaning of unknown or technical vocabulary 2. Writing: Using standard English to compile information and prepare written reports. Use correct English spelling, grammar, and punctuation to produce logical and accurate written correspondence, instructions, and documentation Communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages, which may contain technical material, in a logical, organized, and coherent manner Create documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts Write words, numbers, sentences, reports, and data using technical terminology and notations 3. Mathematics: Using principles of mathematics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to solve problems. Know and apply mathematical principles: Number Systems and Relationships - whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and percentages Number Operations, Computation and Estimation - addition, subtraction, multiplication and division Measurement and Estimation - measurement of time, temperature, distances, length, width, height, perimeter, area, volume, weight, velocity, and speed. Conversion from one measurement to another (e.g., from English to metric) Mathematical Notation - the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving inductive and deductive reasoning, conjectures, arguments, strategies, and interpretation of results Statistics and Data Analysis collection, reporting and analysis of data Probability and Predictions calculating probability to make predictions Algebra and Functions - equations, patterns, and functions Geometry shapes and using geometric principles to solve problems Trigonometry triangles and trigonometric functions Calculus concepts of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, vectors, complex numbers, conic sections, and analytic geometry 4. Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Understand the scientific method (identify problems, collect information, form opinions, draw conclusions) and apply basic scientific research Identify relevant chemical, mechanical, biological, electrical, and physical properties of materials Know and apply scientific principles: Scientific Inquiry - Scientific Method (identify problems, collect information, form opinions, 4
draw conclusions) and apply basic scientific research Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics) - properties of matter, structure of atoms, energy, motion and forces Earth and Space Science origin and evolution of the universe and earth systems, geology, meteorology, hydrology, and oceanography 5. Communication Listening & Speaking: Giving full attention to what others are saying and speaking in English well enough to be understood by others. Listening Receive, attend to, interpret, understand, and respond to verbal messages and other cues Apply active listening skills using reflection, restatement, questioning, and clarification Pick out important information in verbal messages Understand complex instructions Speaking/Presenting Speak clearly and confidently using common English conventions including proper grammar, tone, and pace Express information to individuals or groups taking into account the audience and the nature of the information (e.g., explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences) Present ideas in a persuasive manner 6. Critical & Analytical Thinking: Using logic, reasoning, and analysis to address problems. Use inductive and deductive reasoning to analyze, synthesize, compare, and interpret information Draw conclusions from relevant or missing information Understand the underlying relationship among facts and connections between issues Organize problems into manageable parts 7. Basic Computer Skills: Using a computer and related applications to input and retrieve information. Basic Computer Knowledge Understand and efficiently use basic computer hardware (e.g. PCs, printers) and software (e.g. word processing software, spreadsheet software) to perform tasks Understand common computer terminology (e.g., program, operating system) and is familiar with the fundamental capabilities of computers Applications Use word processing programs to compose, organize, and edit simple documents and other business communications Use electronic mail to communicate and Internet applications to search for information Use spreadsheet, database, and presentation software Enter data and type materials quickly and accurately and Double check work carefully and identify/correct typographical errors Manage file storage: use functions to store, retrieve, and sort detailed records 5
Tier 3 Workplace Competencies 1. Teamwork: Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. Accept membership in and identify with the goals of a team Work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams Identify roles of team members and effectively communicate with all members of the team Collaborate with others to formulate team objectives and develop consensus for best outcome Use teamwork skills to achieve goals, solve problems, and manage conflict Give and receive feedback constructively Be open to considering new ways of doing things and the merits of new approaches to work 2. Planning & Organizing: Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. Planning & Organizing Approach work in a methodical manner Apply effective organizational skills Develop and implement a plan for a project Keep track of details to ensure work is performed accurately and completely Find new ways of organizing or planning work to accomplish tasks more efficiently Adaptability/Flexibility Change gears in response to unpredictable or unexpected events, pressures, situations, and job demands Effectively change plans, goals, actions, or priorities to deal with changing situations Time Management Develop a timeline for sequencing the activities of a project Establish specific goals to accomplish work in a timely manner Prioritize various competing tasks and perform them efficiently according to their urgency Ensure that others receive needed materials in time Stay on schedule Keep all parties informed of progress and all relevant changes to project timelines 3. Creative Thinking: Generating innovative solutions. Employ unique analyses and generate new, innovative ideas in complex areas Reframe problems in a different light to find fresh approaches Entertain wide-ranging possibilities to develop unique approaches and useful solutions Understand the pieces of a system as a whole and possess a big picture view of the situation Integrate seemingly unrelated information to develop creative solutions Develop innovative methods of obtaining or using resources when insufficient resources are available 6
4. Problem Solving & Decision Making: Applying critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions. Identify the Problem Anticipate or recognize the existence of a problem Identify the nature of the problem by analyzing its component parts and defining critical issues Locate, obtain, and review information relevant to the problem Generate Alternatives Generate a variety of approaches to the problem Think creatively to develop new ideas for and answers to work related problems Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems Apply concepts of probability to help make decisions Choose and Implement a Solution Decisively choose the best solution after contemplating available approaches to the problem Commit to a solution in a timely manner Use strategies, tools, resources, and equipment to implement the solution Observe and evaluate the outcomes of implementing the solution to assess the need for alternative approaches and to identify lessons learned 5. Working with Tools and Technology: Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to facilitate work activity. Selection & Application Identify, select, and apply tools or technological solutions appropriate to the task at hand (e.g., use statistical tools to show reliability of data, use probes and sensors to collect data) Identify potential hazards related to the use of tools and equipment Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures and safety standards Use information technology and computer applications as it supports the gathering, storage, manipulation, and transfer of data and information Keeping Current Demonstrate an interest in learning about new and emerging tools and technologies Identify sources of information concerning state-of-the-art tools, equipment, materials, technologies and methodologies Seek out opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity Maintenance Perform routine maintenance on tools, technology, and equipment Determine causes of operating errors and decide what to do about it Troubleshoot maintenance problems in accordance with established procedures 7
6. Checking, Examining, & Recording: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic format. Apply techniques for observing and gathering data Record data with the correct number of significant figures Detect and correct errors or inconsistencies, even under time pressure Organize records and files to maintain data Complete required maintenance forms, records, and inspection reports 7. Business Fundamentals: Knowledge of basic business principles, trends, and economics. Situational Awareness Understand trends in the industry and the company s position in the market Recognize one s role in the functioning of the company and understand the potential impact one s own performance can have on the success of the organization Stay current on organizational strategies to maintain competitiveness Business Ethics Act in the best interest of the company, the community, and the environment Comply with applicable laws and rules governing work and report loss, waste, or theft of company property to appropriate personnel Tier 4 Industry-Wide Technical Competencies 1. Principles of Aerospace: Knowledge of the aerospace industry, its key sectors, and relevant laws and regulations. Critical Work Functions Technical Content Areas Identify key differences and similarities among aerospace industry sectors Locate relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations that impact the industry Review procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements Aerospace Sectors Product and Parts Manufacturing Engineering Services Testing Laboratories Space Research and Technology National Defense Areas of Specialization Avionics Aerodynamics Aeronautics Celestial Mechanics 8
Propulsion Thermodynamics Laws & Regulations Know and comply with technical information prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance specifications, American Transport Association (ATA) codes, Minimum Equipment Lists, Data sheets, publications, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs), Airworthiness Directives, Advisory Circulars Understand roles of various agencies involved in the aerospace industry: FAA / National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) / International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) / National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Recognize responsibility, liability, and potential consequences of violating FARs and other aviation regulations 2. Design & Development: Application of engineering and mathematical principles to design aerospace components. Critical Work Functions Technical Content Areas Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, and completion dates Evaluate product data and design from inspections and reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, and quality standards Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design Analyze project requests and proposals and engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, and production time of aerospace or aeronautical product Develop prototypes of aerospace components Develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration, often specializing in areas such as structural design, guidance, navigation and control, instrumentation and communication, or production methods Plan and conduct experimental, environmental, operational, and stress tests on models and prototypes of aircraft and aerospace systems and equipment Conduct tests to determine whether equipment, software, or procedures are operating as expected Tools and Technology Computer-aided design (CAD) software Robotics Lasers Advanced electronic optics Mathematical models Engineering & Design Know and apply engineering principles, techniques, and procedures associated with designing and manufacturing aerospace components 9
Know and apply physical principles, laws, and their interrelationships, and their application to fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes Understand basic principles of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software as applied to the aerospace sector Use basic design techniques, tools, and principles to produce precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models 3. Product & Parts Manufacturing: Assembly, installation, inspection, and repair of aerospace components. Critical Work Functions Manage raw materials/consumables Operate and control production/lab equipment Perform manufacturing process applications and operations Use state-of-the-art tools and assembly techniques to create and assemble aerospace products and parts Monitor production for product and process quality Employ inspections to maintain the quality and continuous improvement process Alter/modify the production process to meet quality standards Technical Content Areas Processes Manufacturing complete aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles Manufacturing aerospace engines, propulsion units, auxiliary equipment or parts Aircraft conversion (i.e., major modifications to systems) Complete aircraft or propulsion system overhaul and rebuilding Assembly and Installation Interpret schematic drawings, diagrams, blueprints, specifications, work orders, and reports in order to determine materials requirements and assembly instructions Carry out aerospace component assembly procedures Employ processes such as laser materials processing, friction stir processing, high speed machining, abrasive slurry cutting, composites manufacturing, and electronics material processing Carry out procedures for installing aerospace components, units, subassemblies, wiring, and assembly casings, using specialized rivets, bolts, soldering and microwelding equipment 4. Aviation Maintenance: Inspection, servicing, and repair aircraft components and systems. Critical Work Functions Identify general types of aircraft, engines, propellers, and rotors Use aircraft drawings, symbols, and system schematics Identify and select appropriate nondestructive testing methods Recognize, detect, and classify defects using common techniques 10
Communicate to appropriate personnel possible discrepancies and defects that could affect airworthiness of aircraft Write descriptions of work performed including aircraft discrepancies and corrective actions using typical aircraft maintenance records Know and apply inspection procedures involved in testing aircraft and missile systems under simulated operational conditions Perform systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms to diagnose malfunctions Technical Content Areas Airframe Structures, Systems, & Components Wood structures Aircraft covering Aircraft finishes Sheet metal and non-metallic structures Aircraft landing gear systems Hydraulic and pneumatic power systems Cabin atmosphere control systems Aircraft instrument systems Communication and navigation systems Aircraft fuel systems Aircraft electrical system Position and warning systems Ice and rain control systems Fire protection systems Powerplant Systems & Components Engine instrument systems Engine fire protection systems Engine electrical systems Lubrication systems Ignition and starting systems Fuel metering systems Engine fuel systems Induction and engine airflow systems Engine cooling systems Engine exhaust and reverser systems Propellers Turbine powered auxiliary power units 11
5. Health & Safety: Practices and procedures necessary to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Critical Work Functions Technical Content Areas Participate in safety training and emergency drills Identify unsafe conditions and take appropriate action Report unsafe conditions or accidents Properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials Personal Safety Observe rules and regulations to comply with personal and jobsite safety standards Identify, select, and use personal protective equipment appropriate to a given task Operate safely on the shop and/or hangar floor Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements Waste Management Know and comply with regulations in protection of natural resources by properly managing commercial and industrial waste and/or hazardous material (e.g., Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act) Know and comply with federal handling, storage, and shipping requirements Material Safety Data Sheets Know and comply with federal and state laws related to emissions (e.g., National Emissions Standards for Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework Facilities) 12