A range of subject areas specific to aeronautical technology will be covered. Major areas covered include the following: Aircraft instruments (pressure operated and gyroscopic). Aircraft primary (ailerons, elevators, rudder) and secondary (trim systems, wing flap and slat systems, speed brakes) flying controls. Basic mechanisms of subsonic lift and drag. Propulsion systems (IC engine + variable / constant speed propeller, turbo prop engines). Gas turbine engines (basics of operation, types of compressor, types of combustion chamber, turbine, afterburner, low v. high bypass, engine gearbox and ancillaries, starting of engine, thrust reversal, use in turbo-prop and helicopter applications). Basic navigation systems (Global Positioning Systems, Non Directional Beacon, VOR beacon, Instrument Landing System). Air traffic control (Eurocontrol, slot allocation, radar and procedural control, future changes). Review of air accidents due to a variety of causes (with an emphasis on design faults). Basic rocket propulsion systems (solid, liquid, and hypergolic fuels, pulse-wave detonation engines, ramjet engines). Aircraft flight deck and passenger cabin design considerations. Human factors.

Lectures (48 hours) will form the main teaching activity. Learning will be enhanced by mini-projects which will be supported by tutorials (24 hours). Laboratory exercises will support the lectures by consolidating classroom learning.

Library, computers etc.
Technical visit to RAF Cosford Aerospace Museum
Other visits to local aerospace manufacturing companies

None

Aircraft Flight by RH Barnard and DR Philpott , Prentice Hall 2003, ISBN 0131200437
The Air Pilot's Manual - Technical Vol 4 by Trevor Thom, Air Pilot Publishing 2003, ISBN 1843360683
Aerodynamics, Engines and Systems by David Robson, Pub Crowood Press 2001, ISBN 184037330X

One 100% in-course assessment covering Learning Outcomes 1-4 comprising three parts:-
a) Answering some detailed questions on specific aspects of aircraft features and design.
b) Individual research into an specific aircraft component, system or feature (eg an APU) and the writing of a report on the features of the system, its design and use and its importance to the aircraft. There will be a presentation to the class on the feature that has been investigated.
c) A group investigation into a major aircrash caused by a design related failure, reconstructing the events that led to it and apportioning blame.