Courses

Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace

Level 1 Course 

Prerequisite- None

Overview

The Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace course will provide the foundation for advanced exploration in the areas of flying, aerospace engineering, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem solving and the innovations and technological developments that have made today’s aviation and aerospace industries possible. Students will also learn about the wide variety of exciting and rewarding careers available to them. This class will inspire students to consider aviation and aerospace careers while laying the foundation for continued study in grades 10 through 12 and beyond.

Aerodynamics

Level 2 Course

Prerequisite- None

Overview

This course will introduce students to basic aircraft and UAS structures and their major components, principles of flight, and the fundamental physical laws affecting flight. Students will learn about basic aerodynamics and forces that act on aircraft in flight. This course will also introduce the main systems found on large and small airplanes and UAS. Students will learn about the different types of engines that produce thrust to propel an aircraft or UAS. They will go on to explore other key aircraft systems, including fuel, electrical, landing gear, and environment. In order to fly an aircraft safely, students must also learn about the flight instruments associated with each system and how to identify and troubleshoot common problems. This unit also covers airplane flight manuals, the pilot’s operating handbook, and required aircraft documents. Students will get hands-on experience by flying on the classroom flight simulators. Finally, students will complete a project of designing their own airplane, and will explore the benefits of mentorship and work-based learning experiences.

Aviation of UAS and Drone Technology

Level 3 Course

Prerequisite- Successful completion of Introduction to Aviation or Aerodynamics

Overview

This course will cover small unmanned aircraft performance, ethics, human factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, safety protocols, weight and balance, maintenance, aviation weather sources and effects of weather (micro-meteorology) on small unmanned aircraft performance, small unmanned aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and preflight inspection procedures. Students will examine the myriad of career options that exist within a wide range of industries for those with a UAS background. Students will have an opportunity to do a deep dive into a segment of the UAS industry that interests them, and to share their findings with the class. For students who wish to act as innovators or entrepreneurs in the world of drones, this semester will provide them with the foundational business knowledge necessary to get their venture off the ground. They will also have an opportunity to review their community’s drone rules, analyze them based on the needs of various stakeholders and groups, and make recommendations for changes or improvements. 

Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple practice examinations. Students will be prepared to complete the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test upon completion of this course. Throughout this course, students will demonstrate what has been learned by flying drones. 

Advanced Flight

Level 4 Course

Prerequisite- Successful completion of 2 of the following classes. Introduction to Aviation, Aerodynamics, or Aviation of UAS and Drone Technology 

Overview

This course is foundational for both manned and unmanned aviation, and will prepare students to take the Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Topics include: pre-flight procedures, airspace, radio communications, aviation phraseology, regulations, airport operations, aviation safety, weather, cockpit management, and emergency procedures. Students will review regulations, cross-country flight planning, weight and balance, performance and limitations, human factors, chart use, night operations, navigation systems, and aeronautical decision making. At the end of this course, students could be signed off to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot written exam. Students will apply what they have learned on the in class flight simulators.