Equipment Condition’s Effect on Student Perceived Workload and Efficiency of Problem Based Projects in an Aeronautical Engineering Technology Program

Aeronautical Engineering Technology (AET) of Purdue University's School of Aviation and Transportation Technology offers its students a comprehensive and holistic approach to engineering in an applied fashion. Students' learning outcome includes an application of technical knowledge and hands-on skills in areas of aerospace design, operations, and manufacturing. The curriculum of the program includes a course in which students must learn advanced maintenance concepts and practices including the overhaul of reciprocating engines. This study examined the relationship between engine operational vs. non-operational statuses, time spent to finish a task, and student perceived workloads regarding the maintenance procedures. The tests followed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for the practical test questions from the Airframe and Powerplant Certificate (A&P) Exam. Students were also required to fill out a task perceived load index developed and used by NASA.