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. (Learning outcomes 2 and 3)
b) Individual research into a specific aircraft component, system or feature (eg an Auxilliary Power Unit, Flight Management Computer, Ground Proximity Warning System, etc) 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. (Learning outcome 1)
c) A group investigation into a major aircrash caused by a design related failure, reconstructing the events that led to it and apportioning blame. (Learning outcome 4)

A range of subject areas specific to aeronautical technology will be covered. Innovative aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 will be studied in detail. 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.

Staffordshire Graduate attributes appropriate to Level 5 will be embedded within the module as follows:

Work ready and employable - this will be emphasised by working with Careers and Placements to highlight the attributes needed for them to become attractive employees (and placement students) for external employers.

Understanding of global issues - issues including international travel, trade, politics, aircraft purchasing policy, will be discussed in class, with particular respect to the aeronautical and airline influence and affect.

Communication skills - the module includes assessment by written report and class discussion

Presentation skills - the module includes assessment of both individual and group work by means of assessed presentations.

Skills of Teamworking - this is assessed from a group based assignment where both the group report and presentation are assessed.

Inquiry-based learning and critical analysis are included throughout the module, but particularly in the study of human factors and their influence on aircraft crashes.

The ability to interact confidently - elements such as group work, individual and class presentations, and discussions and debates in class contribute to this element.

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 2010, 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 2008, ISBN 184037330X