Aviation Studies for Commercial Pilot Training BSc(Hons) top-up

Why choose this course?

This exciting top-up degree is designed to provide you with a broad base of knowledge and help you gain employment within the aviation industry and, in particular, the airline industry. It is run in association with Cabair and is based around the theoretical training undertaken by student commercial pilots. The Aviation Studies BSc(Hons) top-up year is taught at Kingston University.

For 2013 entry we also plan to run a two-year foundation degree (FdEng), which will be taught at the European Pilot Training Academy (EPTA) in Bournemouth. Please note that the FdEng is not currently scheduled to run for 2012 entry. 

To qualify for the JAR Air Transport Pilot's Licence (JAR ATPL(A)), you will need to pass the JAR theoretical knowledge exams and carry out the appropriate flight training and flight tests. This course satisfies the requirement for formal theoretical knowledge training and will prepare you for the theoretical knowledge exams. The flying training is not part of the foundation degree, but the programme is designed so that you can complete the foundation degree, flying training and flight tests within two years. Cabair offers flight training at a number of sites including Bournemouth, Cranfield, Florida and Spain.

What will you study?

The curriculum provides the educational base for the ground-school phase of a commercial pilot training programme. It covers a broad range of subjects across the areas of science, technology and professional practice – from fundamental engineering concepts to operational procedures and air law.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Please note that for 2012 entry we are only running year 3 of the modules listed below (ie the BSc top-up).  We plan to run years 1 and 2 (the FdEng) for 2013 entry.

Year 1

• Technology Mathematics
• Engineering and Aviation Science
• PPL Ground School Training
• ATPL Aircraft General Knowledge
• ATPL Operational Procedures
• ATPL Air Law
• ATPL Instrumentation and Communications

Year 2

• ATPL General Navigation
• ATPL Human Performance
• ATPL Meteorology
• ATPL Principles of Flight
• ATPL Aircraft Performance and Mass and Balance
• ATPL Flight Planning
• ATPL Radio Navigation

Year 3 (optional BSc top-up year)

• Aerospace Technology

• Aerospace Technology

  This module equips you with the knowledge you need to systematically apply important principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials science. It covers:

  • compressible flows including the effect of oblique shocks and expansion fans;
  • the effect of aircraft aerodynamic and propulsion system characteristics on aircraft performance and stability and control;
  • idealisations of typical aircraft structures; and
  • the suitability of materials for aircraft applications.
  
   
• Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics

• Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics

  This module covers the maintenance requirements, logistics and regulations needed for safe and successful operation of aerospace vehicles. It explores:

  • the regulation of airworthiness and licensing of aircraft maintenance engineering personnel;
  • the principles of airline economics and maintenance costs;
  • the operation of maintenance production and aircraft maintenance schedules;
  • the use of computers in aircraft maintenance including onboard maintenance systems and condition monitoring; and
  • the capabilities of non-destruction testing and current techniques used.
  
   
• Airline Operations and Scheduling
• Business Applications in Engineering

• Business Applications in Engineering

  This module develops the management and business competencies that you will need as a professional engineer. It aims to stimulate your interest in the business world and broaden you knowledge of how individual companies and other organisations work. You cover:

  • the business environment and the driving forces that affect the growth of businesses;
  • how businesses compete successfully, and how success is measured and performance compared;
  • profit and loss calculations, cash flows and balance sheets;
  • the need for and use of budgets;
  • the choices available in the pursuit or growth and success;
  • the concept of strategic marketing; and
  • how international trade works and the factors to be considered in 'going international'.
  
   
• Air Transport Economics
• Individual Project

• Individual Project

  This project can cover any subject area related to the programme of study. A module project supervisor will provide guidance.

  The project will develop your ability to:

  • study a topic in depth, reviewing previous work in the same or allied fields;
  • apply analytical, experimental and computing skills to the solution of engineering problems;
  • collect, interpret and use data;
  • communicate clearly and succinctly orally, graphically and in writing; and
  • work independently.
  
   
• Group Project

• Group Project

  The group project will originate from a real need - you may collaborate with a company and develop the project through group discussion with the company and an academic supervisor, for example.

  The module aims to:

  • provide experience of project management and encourage professionalism and leadership in a team activity; and
  • develop technical solutions to aircraft maintenance planning, procedural and logistic problems under pressure of time and money restraints.