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Aircraft Systems

  • Module code: AE6101
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module is designed to give you a broad understanding of the operation of the major systems typically found on an aircraft. It will use a Systems Engineering perspective to look at the interaction of the systems. It will also review the maintenance requirements of these systems and more generally how aircraft maintenance is planned, delivered and regulated.

Aims

  • To ensure that students completing the programme have a working knowledge of all of the systems typically seen on civilian aircraft and can use terminology correctly
  • To show how the principles taught throughout the course can be applied to aircraft systems
  • To familiarise students with the requirements for maintaining airworthiness of aircraft and the licensing of maintenance personnel

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Sketch a schematic diagram of typical aircraft electrical, hydraulic, air conditioning, propulsion and control systems and explain the operation of major components.
  2. Apply the principles learned throughout the programme to evaluate the operation of aircraft systems.
  3. Explain the maintenance requirements of major aircraft systems.
  4. Describe the regulation of airworthiness and the licensing of aircraft maintenance personnel.
  5. Assess the operation of maintenance production and aircraft maintenance schedules.

Curriculum content

  • Systems engineering
  • Electrical system
  • Avionics systems
  • Hydraulic system
  • Fuel system
  • Flight control system
  • Engine control system
  • Environmental control system
  • Aircraft maintenance pllanning
  • Continuing airworthiness
  • Personnel licensing

Teaching and learning strategy

The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of: formal lectures, tutorials, and independent study. The tutorials will be conducted in the Learjet lab and the Learjet will be used wherever possible to demonstrate the typical operation of each of the systems.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Formal lectures Tutorials 80 20
Guided independent study Individual study 200
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment is through one coursework assignment, a portfolio of in-class tests and an end-of-module examination. The coursework will require students to look in depth at aircraft maintenance and inspection.

Formative assessment will be provided through mock class tests to enable students to gauge their level of understanding.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Sketch a schematic diagram of typical aircraft electrical, hydraulic, air conditioning, propulsion and control systems and explain the operation of major components. Coursework, test
2. Apply the principles learned throughout the programme to evaluate the operation of aircraft systems. Examination
3. Explain the maintenance and inspection requirements of major aircraft systems. Coursework
4. Describe the regulation of airworthiness and the licensing of aircraft maintenance personnel Examination
5. Assess the operation of maintenance production and aircraft maintenance schedules Examination

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Written exam Written exam 50%
Portfolio of in-class tests 2x 10 mark MCQ/Short answer type tests Written exam 20%
Learjet Coursework- Full lab report (2000 words) Coursework 30%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Moir, I. Seabridge, A. 2008 Aircraft Systems: Mechanical, Electrical and Avionics Subsystems Integration (Aerospace Series), Wiley

Bibliography recommended reading

  • Barnard, R.H. & Philpott, D.R., 2010. Aircraft Flight:  A Description of the Physical Principles of Aircraft Flight. 4th ed. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd.
  • Jeppesen Sanderson, 2003. A&P Technician Airframe Textbook. 3rd ed. Englewood: Jeppesen Sanderson.
  • Pallet, E.H.J. & Coyle, S., 1993. Automatic Flight Control. 4th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
  • Wild, T.W.,2008. Transport Category Aircraft Systems. 3rd edition, Jeppesen Sanderson.

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