Courses

The Aviation Pathway is made up of three courses - Intro to Aviation & Aerospace, Aviation 1 & Aviation 2

 

Intro to Aviation & Aerospace

This is the initial course for the pathway. The course is part of the AOPA High School STEM Curriculum. The course will provide the foundation for advanced exploration in the areas of flying, aerospace engineering, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological developments that have made today’s aviation and aerospace industries possible.

Students will look at the problem-solving practices and innovative leaps that transformed space exploration from the unimaginable to the common in a single generation. Students will also gain historical perspective, starting from the earliest flying machines and leading to the wide variety of modern aircraft and the integral role they play in making today’s world work.

This second half of the course is designed to give students a clear understanding of career opportunities in aviation and aerospace and the critical issues affecting the aviation system.

Students will also begin to drill down into the various sectors of aviation and the elements that make up the aviation and aerospace ecosystem. They will discover how advances in aviation created a need for regulation and will learn about the promulgation of civil aviation oversight. Students will explore modern innovations and develop their own innovative ideas to address real-world challenges facing the aviation industry. They will be exposed to a variety of career options in aviation and aerospace and take an in-depth look at the opportunities available.

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Aviation 1

This is the second course in the pathway. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and maneuvering flight. Students will use simulators and drones in this course.

 

In the Aviation 1 (Introduction to Flight Course), students will take a closer look at the aircraft they may one day operate. Students will begin with an exploration of the types of aircraft in use today before going on to learn how aircraft are made and how they fly. Students will understand how aircraft are categorized, be able to identify their parts, and learn about aircraft construction techniques and materials. They will gain an in-depth understanding of the forces of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—including how to make key calculations. They will then touch on aircraft design, looking at stability, aircraft controls, and maneuvering flight. The course will conclude with a focus on career skills related to these topics.

The second half of this course will take an in-depth look at the systems that make manned and unmanned aircraft work as well as the instrumentation powered by those systems. Beginning with aircraft powerplants and fuel systems, students will learn about the different options available and how they affect aircraft design and performance. They will go on to explore other key aircraft systems, including electrical, pitot-static, and vacuum systems. Throughout, they will learn about the flight instruments associated with each system and how to identify and troubleshoot common problems. This unit also covers airplane flight manuals, the pilot's operating handbook, and required aircraft documents. Finally, students will learn about the factors that affect aircraft performance and how to determine critical operating data for aircraft.

 

Aviation 2

This is the third course in the pathway. The course is heavily focused on material required to pass the Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Students will use simulators and drones at a high level in this course.

 

This course is foundational for both manned and unmanned aviation, and will prepare students to take either of two Federal Aviation Administration tests: the Private Pilot Knowledge Test or the Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Topics include: pre-flight procedures, airspace, radio communications, aviation phraseology, regulations, airport operations, aviation safety, weather, cockpit management, and emergency procedures.

 

The second half of this course will cover remaining topics necessary for students to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Students will learn pilot and aircraft qualifications, cross-country flight planning, weight and balance, performance and limitations, human factors, chart use, night operations, navigation systems, and aeronautical decision making. Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple practice examinations. At the end of this course, a school may choose to arrange for students to be signed off to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot written exam.

 

Unmanned Aerial Systems

 

Throughout each of the above courses, students will learn the rules and regulations as well as how to pilot various types of drones. Each course in sequence will aim to prepare students to take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot written test for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems. Successful completion of the test grants students a "Commercial Drone Pilot Certificate". Possession of this certificate allows students to fly drones for hire, either from an entrepreneurial standpoint, or for companies requiring drone pilots.

Top students may be chosen to compete in the Skills USA regional Commercial Drone Competition, with an opportunity to advance to state and national competitions. Students must be 16 years of age prior to taking the Part 107 test. Testing must be done at an approved FAA testing center (not at Liberty Creek HS).

 

Check with your counselor and let him/her know your interest in being part of the Aviation pathway. If you have questions, please e-mail Mr. Peterson at christopher.peterson@sumnerschools.org