FEATI News

Metro Aviation Students Converge at FEATI for ASRAD-Hosted Aircraft and Powerplant Seminar

FEATI University’s Aviation Society for Research and Development (ASRAD), under the tutelage of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering and Aircraft Maintenance Technology (Aero-AMT Dept.) sponsored a whole day seminar entitled “Aircraft Manual and Powerplant Familiarization” on October 7 at the FEATI 5th Floor Activity Center.

Two hundred and eighty Aeronautical Engineering and Aircraft Maintenance Technology students, from FEATI and various aviation schools in the metro participated in the said event.

The seminar fee already took care of the lunch and snacks, seminar shirt, CD and two certificates of attendance.

In the morning session, Engr. Rethelje G. Palanog, a Flight Technical Engineer of Philippine Airlines, Inc. educated the participants on both the Minimum Equipment List and the Master Minimum Equipment List. These lists detail the instruments or equipment that are required for the operation of an aircraft in airworthy conditions. It is interesting to note that the Minimum Equipment List does not only point out specific instruments that are required for an aircraft to be given clearance for take-off, but more importantly, it also serves as the basis as to whether a certain inoperative equipment or instrument would put an aircraft in a “Go” or “No Go” situation.

In the afternoon session, Engr. Noriel A. Obusan, a Philippine Airlines, Inc. Aircraft Technical Specialist in Powerplant and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), made sure that participants resisted the urge to take a siesta as he discussed the technical description and details of the CFM56, a high bypass turbofan engine rated at 18,500 to 34,000 pounds of thrust. The product of a 50-50 partnership between SNECMA of France and GE Aviation of USA, the CFM56 dates back to the 70’s and is now the most sought after engine for the Boeing 737-300 jetliner. A position that the engine maintains to the present, as it still is the preferred engine for newer variants of the Boeing 737, specifically the -900ER and -700ER models. In the 1980’s due to the 27% fuel savings it represented, the CFM56 also served as replacement for the Pratt & Whitney JT3D engines of the KC-135 Stratotanker of the US Air Force. In addition the CFM56 is also being used for many models of the Airbus A320 family. In fact it is the only engine intended for the A340-200 and -300 series.
“The speakers were good – really. I wish they could also teach us everyday in the classroom. Also, the seminar was a great way for me to be updated on the technological trends concerning my chosen field,” said Noriel Purigay, a third year B.S. Aeronautical Engineering student.

On the other hand, ASRAD Adviser Mr. Brian E. Nolasco expressed his pride in the student organization as he said “I am very proud of a job well done, and prouder that even typhoons did not hinder the organization from delivering results. Considering also, the time constraints, I am also very gratified that so many students attended and were able to bond with each other as the program went smoothly.”
Engr. Edryan H. Acosta, Aero-AMT Department Chair adds, “I would like to congratulate the officers of the organization for a job well done. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to all the students who supported the event with much enthusiasm. Hats off to the organization’s Adviser, Mr. Brian E. Nolasco for a great job in guiding the officers to plan and organize this successful seminar. To the resource speakers, Engr. Palanag and Engr. Obusan, I would like to thank them for taking time to share their knowledge to the students.”

For this immensely successful day, credit is due to Neil Bryant C. Siy, ASRAD President; Maria Katrina M. Cazeñas, Vice-President; Matthew Rainier S. Yu, Treasurer; Renz Tendrick L. Tan, Auditor; Sherwin G. Parocha, Secretary; Rei Marie M. Frani, P.R.O. and Business Manager; Melvin P. Bello and Adrian T. Sevilla, Sergeants-at-Arms; Arvin Brian S. Zapanta, Departmental Student Council Representative; the First to Fourth Year AMT Representatives--Mark Dylan I. Lafuente, Allan Constantine S. Villareal, Reimbertt D. Dichoso, and Sam Malagueño; and the First to Fifth Year Aeronautical Engineering Representatives--Joshua A. Sarsua, John Gabriel G. Decena, Ma. Elaine I. Elago, Jerold Christian T. Aguilar, and Niño John Alexis C. Quioco. Student may also check for pictures and posts online at the organization’s Facebook account: featiasrad (DEPJ)