Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

AVIATION SPECTRUM – AV05
The Aviation Spectrum course provides students with a comprehensive and inclusive introduction to a career in aviation; completing 450 clock hours in their junior year of high school. This course allows participants to prepare for careers including air traffic control; unmanned aircraft systems operations; aircraft maintenance; and airport management. Embedded throughout the course objectives is a heavy and thorough emphasis on mathematics. Topics taught include the physics of flight; electrical components; aerospace navigation; calibration of equipment and airplanes; meteorology; flight planning; weight and balance theory; and airport operations. Some of the hands-on mathematics activities our students perform include analyzing the physics of aerodynamics in our wind tunnel; plan a flight taking into consideration the various weights of an aircraft as well as distances traveled; calibrating and correcting airline equipment; and determining how temperature and precipitation can affect a flight plan. In fact; our course is so comprehensive that it is accepted by Arizona State University as Dual Enrollment Courses (AMT 280 and AMT 287); as well as Chandler-Gilbert Community College; and the University of North Dakota. We believe that our Aviation Spectrum course is a fantastic way for our students to put into practice the knowledge that they have learned in their math classes; and continue to use that knowledge to develop further understanding of how mathematics applies to aviation careers. We are asking for acknowledgement of our Aviation Spectrum course as 1 credit of mathematics for ASU course equivalency.

Course Description:
This course will focus on the historical development of aviation; foundational elements of the airline industry; vocational opportunities in the aviation industry and basic aerodynamics and rocket theory. It will also give the student both academics and “hands-on” experience in Aircraft mechanical systems and Air Traffic Control. In addition to the academics; the aviation occupational mind-set; personal dedication; responsibility and professionalism will also be stressed.
Course Objectives:
1. To introduce students to the history of the aircraft and the aviation industry.
2. To acquaint the student with the early aviation pioneers and world-wide events which were responsible for the rapid growth of the aviation industry.
3. To familiarize the student with the vocational opportunities in the aviation industry.
4. To introduce students to the aviation infrastructure requirements as they affect the air transportation system.
5. To familiarize students with the historical; technical; administrative; economic; political and regulatory factors that influence the use and design of the aircraft and the world-wide aviation industry.
6. To provide the student with a basic understanding of aerodynamics.
7. To provide the student “hands-on” experience in the aircraft mechanic and air traffic controller career fields.

Course Outline:
Semester 1
Week 1 Aviation: Early History & The Golden Years
Topics include: Birth of Flight; Aviation’s early pioneers; factors affecting aviation’s rapid growth. Evolution and use of the airplane as an instrument of commerce and warfare.
Week 2 Historical Perspective
Topics include: The birth of the Airmail System and the airline industry. Government Regulation; the federal agencies and the federal legislation; evolving airlines and GA; including the federal legislation that has affected their growth and development.
Week 3 Basic Aerodynamics (Algebra II; Physics)
Topics include: Intro to aerodynamics; including the physics of lift and other forces of flight. Basic principles of flight and aircraft flight control surfaces relating to airplanes and rotorcraft.
Week 4 Helicopter Aero & Rocketry (Algebra I; Geometry)
Topics include: Helicopter design and development. Rotorwing aerodynamics and basic rocket theory and design.
Week 5-8 Power Plant Systems (Alg I; Alg II)
Topics include: Power plants; flight / engine instruments; hydraulics; electrical; pneumatics; prop/rotor. Students will be introduced to care and use of tools. Theory of operation and also Hydraulic and will be discussed in each of these systems. Lab work will consist of small groups performing the disassembly; repair; and reassembly of a piston aircraft engine while learning about each subsystem.
Week 9-11 Airframe Structures; Repair and Systems (Alg I; Alg; II; Geometry)
Topics include: Aircraft structure theory and types of construction. Students will be introduced to various aircraft construction materials; aircraft design and fabrication techniques. Fabrication and material fastening processes will also be practiced.
Week 12-14 Introduction to the US Air Traffic Control (ATC) System (Alg I; Alg II; Geometry)
Topics include: Introduction to the Air Traffic Control System; its history; functional components and vocational opportunities within the career field.
Week 15-18 Air Traffic Operations (Alg I; Alg II; Geometry; Physics)
Topics include: ATC Terminology; RADAR; tower and ground Tower control procedures; weather observation and documentation procedures; dead reckoning navigation and tower and ground traffic spacing requirements.

Semester 2
Week 19 VFR Navigation (Alg I; Alg II; Geometry)
Topics Include: Use of navigational charts and plotter. Plot and fly courses on FTD (Flight Training Device) utilizing Pilotage and Dead Reckoning methods.
Week 20 Manual Flight Computer (Alg I; Alg II)
Topics Include: Solve various flight problems concerning time; fuel consumption; wind correction and speed.
Week 21 Manual Flight Log (Alg I; Alg II)
Topics include: Previous material is now combined to plan and document the entire cross country flight. Log will be utilized while students fly their planned route on the FTD.
Week 22 Advanced Navigation techniques (Alg I; Alg II)
Topics include: Theory and use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Computer simulators will be utilized to learn switch ology; plan flights; navigate and execute changes. Use of current flight planning software using I-pads.
Week 23 Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
Topics Include: Introduction to the basic rules governed by the FAA that regulate pilots; technicians and aircraft. Emphasis will be placed on researching how to locate guidelines rather than memorizing rules.
Week 24 Instrument Flight: History; Instruments and Attitude Flying (Alg I; Alg II; Geometry)
Topics include: Early pioneers of “blind flight”; instrumentation invention; gyroscopes; navigational aids/systems and performance and control instrument used for “Attitude Flying”. Week 25 Regulations and Introduction to the IFR System (Alg II; Geometry)
Topics include: Federal Aviation Regulation for IMC operations. Weather and approach criteria; TERPS criteria; airport obstacle clearance and operational IMC procedures.
Week 26 Flying the system; Airways; Course Intercepts and Holding (Geometry)
Topics include: SIDS; STARS; Airways; Jet Routes; IFR Charts; Legends; VFR-IFR Chart differences; the ATC Structure; course intercepts communication and introduction to approaches.
Week 27 Precision and Non-Precision Approaches (Alg I; Alg II; Geometry)
Topics include: Approach plate review; approach briefing; holding procedures; descent rate requirements and computations; timing; visual descent point computations and missed approach procedures.
Week 28 Operational Effectiveness in the IFR System (Alg II)
Topics Include: Holding entries; timing and speed limitations. The entire IFR sequence from SIDS; Route Segments holding; STARS; Precision and Non-Precision Approaches.
Week 29 Aircraft Airworthiness (Alg I; Geometry)
Topics include: Determination of aircraft airworthiness and weight and balance calculations. Begin construction of sheet metal airfoil for use in wind tunnel testing.
Week 30 Propeller operation and various types (Alg II)
Topics Include: Different types of propellers found on single and twin engine aircraft. Left turning tendencies associated with propellers. Students will be assigned final presentation project
Week 31 Advanced aircraft systems (Alg I)
Topics Include: Aircraft pressurization; air conditioning; and de-ice systems
Week 32 Career Development
Topics Include: Resume writing and interviewing techniques. Guest speakers will address with students. Students will conduct final presentation
Week 33 Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Alg I)
Topics Include: History of flight with UAS emphasis; early UAVs; early pioneers and their inventions. Modern day aerial vehicles; their missions and cost-effectiveness; manned vs. unmanned operator requirements.
Week 34 UAS Systems and their Operational Requirements (Alg I; Alg II; Geometry)
Topics include: Definition of the complete UAS system. System segments; their operation; administrative sorting procedures; requirements definition and activation.
Week 35 Aerodynamics; Fabrication Command and Control Systems (Alg II)
Topics Include: Fabrication techniques; Flight Navigation and Payload Control Loops; Radio Control transfer theory; control module interfaces; radio to motion interfaces autopilot theory and component functions.
Week 36 Flight Operations; Structures; Stability and Control (Alg I; Alg II)
Topics Include: UAV mission specific flight control; knowledge and performance transfer from simulation to assisted 3-channel training vehicle; to 5 channel complex first person view (FPV) systems to GPS data linked rotorcraft.

Ground School FINAL
NAME ______________________________ DATE ___________________
NOTE: Use 0 deviation for situation question 1. Tolerance as follows for all questions; + or – 2deg; 2nm; 1min; .5gal; 2kts; .2”; 2lbs. You are a private pilot flying an airplane unless otherwise specified.
1. Fly direct from airport located at 35degrees 15’ N Latitude; 113degrees 56’ W Longitude to Love Field; Prescott (PRC). Plan your flight at 12000’; utilize winds aloft forecast at end of this test for en route. Also see attached METAR at PRC for landing information. Your CAS is 125kts. Fuel burn rate is 13gph. Unless otherwise specified; this is a daytime VFR flight.
a. What is the MC? _____
b. What is your WCA? _______
c. What frequency would you call on departure to open up your flight plan? (Assuming you filed one) _________
d. What is your GS? _______
e. What is your ETE? (From Departure to Destination) ______
f. What is distance in NM? ______
g. How much fuel would you need if burning 13GPH for just the flight? (cruise) _______
h. As you complete your preflight; you notice that the last Annual inspection on this aircraft was completed May 7; 2014. Are you legal to fly this aircraft? (Use today’s date to determine) __________
i. If you needed to climb to 14000’MSL en route for weather; would you need to have supplemental oxygen for your passenger? ________
j. Does the departure airport have a control tower? _______
k. What runway would you plan to use for landing at destination according to the METAR. __________
l. What frequency would you use if attempting to obtain radar service approaching your destination? ________
m. As you approach your destination; you want to get landing weather information; what frequency would you use? _______
n. What altitude should you be at in the traffic pattern at destination if flying a light aircraft? _________
o. What class airspace will you be in if your traffic pattern (regarding above question) was conducted at 1400L on Tuesday? ________
p. Can I fly this flight during the day as a student pilot without passengers? ______
q. If you did this flight under IFR conditions; how much fuel in gallons would you need for reserve? ________
r. Under normal circumstances; do I need to have the anti-collision light on for this flight? _______
2. The weight and balance situation and questions below apply to the flight in question 1. Load all the fuel you can on takeoff; but never exceed the max weights. Fuel for flight should be computed with just the cruise (en route) data. Use attached worksheet.
1. BEW is 1570.5 lbs with Arm of 87.2
2. Pilot weighs 205lbs
3. F. Pass weighs 185 lbs
4. Rear seat passenger weighs 250 lbs
5. 85 lbs of baggage
a. How much total fuel in GAL can you take ______
b. What will your take off C/G; (ARM) be? __________
c. What will your landing weight be? __________
d. What will your landing C/G be? __________
e. Is the takeoff C/G within limits? __________ (Y or N)
f. Will we have enough fuel for this flight under VRF conditions (including our reserve)? _______
g. Will the c/g move forward or aft as we burn fuel? __________
h. What document (s); are not needed for this flight?
i. Aircraft Registration
ii. Pilots logbook
iii. FCC radio license
iv. Airworthiness certificate

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Approved

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• MTH1
• 4 years of Math

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Online / Virtual