The aircraft is a collection of systems, a “collection” that must be successfully integrated for the aircraft to accomplish its mission. This 20 hr short course introduces the major systems—their purpose, how they operate (including theory), integration considerations, certification challenges, and industry trends (including both military and civil designs).
With clear lesson objectives and packed full of real-world examples, the course covers the following subjects and includes an air museum or major aircraft facility tour:
- The powerplant—energy source for most systems (and “customer” of some)
- Fluid-based systems—fuel, hydraulics, and pneumatics
- Environmental, pressurization, and ice protection systems
- Takeoff and landing systems
- Electrical and avionics systems
- Flight control systems
- Systems case study/group design project
This course is designed for anyone working directly or indirectly in the field of aviation including program managers, engineers, scientists, analysts, and technicians, as well as aircraft operational, test, logistical, and maintenance personnel. Since 2002, we’ve taught thousands of professionals from audiences across the Air Force, Navy, NASA, FAA, and industry. Our instructors have earned a tremendous reputation for their practical teaching style–in our classrooms, theory and practical application come alive!
Each student will be provided with a set of course notes and a copy of “Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, Volumes 1 and 2.” 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded.
Although written for a technical audience, a building-block approach is used — no prior knowledge is assumed. Here are a few comments from recent offerings:
“Great way to “connect the dots” for those working in sectors in aviation” – Columbia, South Carolina
“Good info at high level. Great course for people with no aerospace experience. Definitely recommend for new people” – North Charleston, South Carolina
“Helps me to better understand how my specific system works with other areas of aircraft and the demands it places on the system” – Ogden, Utah
“It was practical aeronautics! Simple and covered material clearly. The personal experience of the instructors added so much depth to the material” – Dayton, Ohio
COURSE DESCRIPTION and MATERIALS: Those who develop, manage, and operate air vehicles need to be familiar with
the aviation regulatory and operating environment. This 20 hr short course introduces the major issues involved—which are even more critical when the air vehicles are unmanned/remotely operated. This course covers the aviation environment, air vehicle capabilities and limitations, the fundamentals of air vehicle operations, and their certification. A group case study helps put the classroom learning in perspective. With clear learning objectives and packed full of examples, the course follows the outline below:
1st Day
- Introduction and Setting the Stage
- The National Airspace System
- Weather and its Impact on Operations
2nd Day
- Aircraft/UAS Capabilities/limitations
- Air Vehicle Systems Overview
- Flight Avionics
- Navigation/Safety Avionics
3rd Day
- Automation/Autonomy
- FAA Certification Process
- Vehicle Certification
- Operator Certification
4th Day
- Certification – Impact on Operations
- Group Case Study collaboration
- Group Case Study presentations
- Concluding Remarks
Each student is provided a set of course notes and a copy of a textbook (not yet selected). 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Anyone who can benefit from an understanding of how air vehicles operate in the airspace system – – their environment, how their systems are integrated, and how they (and their operators) are certified. Notably, a study of manned and unmanned air vehicle operations is not traditionally incorporated into university curricula–this course provides that foundational knowledge for those in government and industry. Although written for a technical audience, a building-block approach is used — no prior knowledge is assumed.
Here are a few comments from recent offerings of similar PAI courses:
“Great way to ‘connect the dots’ for those working in sectors of aviation.” – Columbia, South Carolina
“Helps me to better understand how my specific system works with the other areas of the aircraft and the demands it places on the system.” – Ogden, Utah
“It was practical aeronautics! Simple and covered material clearly. The personal experience of the instructors added so much depth to the material.” – Dayton, Ohio
“Good level of knowledge without getting bogged down with technical details, a good overview that helps understand the ‘big picture.’” – North Charleston, South Carolina
“Technical expertise and laid-back approach created a relaxed but informative environment. No complaints!” – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
COURSE DIRECTOR:
Mr Mark Jones is Practical Aeronautics’ course director and author of the Operating Manned and unmanned Aircraft in the National Airspace course. He is a 1999 Distinguished Graduate of the US Air Force Academy and 2008 graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School. He holds a BS and MS in Mathematics, plus a MS in Flight Test Engineering. Mark is an active US Air Force remotely piloted aircraft pilot with over 4,000 flying hours in over 30 aircraft types, including almost 400 combat hours in the C-17A. He is an active FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot.