School: Engineering

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Fundamentals of Flight
  • Unit Code

    SCA1125
  • Year

    2017
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Mr John MURRAY

Description

This is an introductory unit, essential to all students interested in pursuing an aviation career pathway The unit addresses major theoretical concepts relevant to both student pilots and general aviation professionals. The importance of basic aerodynamic theory for flight safety is emphasised and the peculiarities of light aircraft power plants and airframe systems are identified. The main concepts of visual air navigation, as a lead up to more sophisticated operations, are also clearly presented.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Explain the principal concepts of low speed aerodynamics and the creation, distribution and balance of aerodynamic forces in flight.
  2. Specify the differences between aircraft stability and control.
  3. Explain aerodynamic concepts associated with take-off, landing and flight manoeuvres.
  4. Describe the characteristics and operation of normally aspirated aircraft piston engines and associated systems.
  5. Explain the operation of airframe systems and basic flight instruments of a light aircraft.

Unit Content

  1. Relevant aerodynamic terminology, aerodynamic forces.
  2. Simple flight profiles and manoeuvres, static and dynamic stability, stall, spin and spiral dive.
  3. Take-off forces and moments, wind component, ground effect wing tip vortices.
  4. Aircraft piston engine design and characteristics, major engine and airframe systems.
  5. Theory of super and turbo chargers, flight instruments and basic autopilot.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestIn-semester tests20%
EssayAircraft flight10%
ExerciseTutorial exercise10%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination60%

Core Reading(s)

  • Centre., A. T. (2009). Aerodynamics for the CASA PPL/CPL day VFR syllabus. Cheltenham, Vic: Aviation Theory Centre.
  • (2009). Aircraft General Knowledge for the CASA PPL/CPL day VFR syllabus. Darra, QLD, Australia: Aviation Theory Centre.
  • Robson, D. (2009). Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK). (3rd ed.). Cheltenham, Vic: Aviation Theory Centre.
  • Centre, A. T. (2009). Navigation for the CASA PPL/CPL day VFR syllabus. Cheltenham, Vic: Aviation Theory Centre.

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCA1125|2|1

School: Engineering

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Fundamentals of Flight
  • Unit Code

    SCA1125
  • Year

    2017
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Mr John MURRAY

Description

This is an introductory unit, essential to all students interested in pursuing an aviation career pathway The unit addresses major theoretical concepts relevant to both student pilots and general aviation professionals. The importance of basic aerodynamic theory for flight safety is emphasised and the peculiarities of light aircraft power plants and airframe systems are identified. The main concepts of visual air navigation, as a lead up to more sophisticated operations, are also clearly presented.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Explain the principal concepts of low speed aerodynamics and the creation, distribution and balance of aerodynamic forces in flight.
  2. Specify the differences between aircraft stability and control.
  3. Explain aerodynamic concepts associated with take-off, landing and flight manoeuvres.
  4. Describe the characteristics and operation of normally aspirated aircraft piston engines and associated systems.
  5. Explain the operation of airframe systems and basic flight instruments of a light aircraft.

Unit Content

  1. Relevant aerodynamic terminology, aerodynamic forces.
  2. Simple flight profiles and manoeuvres, static and dynamic stability, stall, spin and spiral dive.
  3. Take-off forces and moments, wind component, ground effect wing tip vortices.
  4. Aircraft piston engine design and characteristics, major engine and airframe systems.
  5. Theory of super and turbo chargers, flight instruments and basic autopilot.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestIn-semester tests20%
EssayAircraft flight10%
ExerciseTutorial exercise10%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination60%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCA1125|2|2