Major areas covered include advanced in-depth study of particular aspects of the most of the following, the emphasis varies year by year:-
Aircraft instruments (the Air Data Computer, advanced 'glass cockpit' instruments and the human factors related to the pilot / aircraft interface). Design features and flying control systems of helicopters. Aspects (including aerodynamic and structural consideration) of aircraft primary and secondary flying controls (including study of yaw damper and wing gust-load alleviation systems). Advanced mechanisms of subsonic lift and drag. Appreciation of transonic and supersonic flight and mechanisms of supersonic lift and drag including different types of shock wave. The study of the importance of engine inlet shock wave position control, reheat and con-di exhaust nozzles. Appreciation of Mach pitch and Centre of Gravity control. Gas turbine engines (advanced aspects, intake design considerations, fuel control systems including digital FADEC control, emissions, surge and stall, turbine blade design considerations). Hydraulic systems and fly-by-wire control of hydraulics. Navigation systems (Instrument Landing System, Microwave Landing System, Differential Global Positioning System for precision approach, comparison of Inertial Navigation System (using gyros) and Inertial Reference System (using ring laser gyros) systems and positional accuracy updates). Analysis of cockpit man-machine interface (Boeing yoke v. Airbus side-stick control philosophy, the need for multiple control-law modes with side-stick). Review of air accidents due to design faults and human-interface design problems. Aircraft flight deck and passenger cabin advanced design considerations. Helicopter and Gyrocopter aerodynamics and control systems. Detailed study of B767 systems including its fuel system, pneumatic and bleed-air, environmental control system, flight controls and hydraulic systems, electrical system, flight management computer and landing gear.

One coursework assignment weighted at 100%, assessing learning outcomes 1-4.

A series of questions to be answered covering specific aircraft features and design and engineering aspects, requiring an in-depth investigation and answers (maximum 3000 words).
Demonstrates achievement of University of Staffs learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Distance Learning using the Blackboard VLE. Use of libraries and on-line research. Learning will be supported by student centred tasks to build towards the final specification project. Links to on-line video and student research will support the materials on Blackboard VLE.

RH Barnard and DR Philpott (2010). Aircraft Flight .: PrenticeHall.
Trevor Thom (2009). The Air Pilot's Manual - Technical Vol 4 . London: Air Pilot Publishing
Robson, D (2008 ). Aerodynamics, Engines and Systems . London: Crowood Press
Anderson, JD (2006). Fundamentals of Aerodynamics. London: McGraw Hill.
Anderson, JD (2004). Introduction to Flight. London: McGraw Hill.

Blackboard VLE
Library facilities

1) Demonstrate a detailed systematic understanding of helicopter aerodynamics and control systems and to compare and contrast these with the simpler systems used on conventional aircraft. (Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Application).
2) Have a systematic understanding of the differences between subsonic and supersonic mechanisms of lift and drag and the influence of supersonic shock waves on airflow and apply these differences to the design of aerofoils. (Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Application).
3) Demonstrate detailed in-depth knowledge of the major systems on A330 and B767 aircraft and the design decisions leading to the systems being implemented in the way that they are. (Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Application).
4) Understand and apply human factors as applied to aviation, and the design of the aircraft / human interface to minimise errors. Reflection on the processes involved when the interface is imperfect and the causes of air crashes due to the same. (Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Application).