Aerospace Engineering is the study of the engineering discipline which develops new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration. The course explores the evolution of flight, fundamentals of flight, navigation and control, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, orbital mechanics, ergonomics, remotely operated systems and related careers. In addition the course presents alternative applications for aerospace engineering concepts.

Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology Capstone is a year long course required of all seniors in the AEAT program. Students will work with a mentor in the career field of their choice to develop a culminating projec and produce a paper presenting their research, procedures, findings, and conclusions.

Aerospace Technology is an exploration into flight, space travel, and supporting technologies. Students will use a hands-on approach to study concepts including the history of aviation, aerodynamics, aircraft components, flight conditions, airport and flight operations, space, rocketry, and the aviation and space industries. The course is competency-based and utilizes Design Processes and Software, 3D Printers, Wind Tunnels and Flight Simulators to prepare students for advanced courses.

In the Aircraft Systems and Performance course, students will take an in-depth look at the systems that make manned and unmanned aircraft work. Beginning with aircraft propulsion, students will learn about the different types of engines that produce thrust to propel an aircraft or UAS. They will go on to explore other key aircraft systems, including fuel, electrical, landing gear, and environmental. In order to fly an aircraft safely, students must also 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.

History of Aviation and Development of Flight is an introductory course and customized textbook that focuses on the history of aviation and flight. It introduces students to how airplanes fly, how weather conditions affect on flight, the human body and flight, and flight navigation. The course is designed to complement materials taught in math, physics, and other science-related courses and is aligned with the National Science Education Standards, the Math Standards and Expectations, and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards for students.

Aviation Management is a holistic view of management requirements and techniques applicable to the aviation industry; problems, current issues and future trends related to aviation operations. The course includes management and organizational styles as applied to the industry, changes in the National Airspace System, managerial problems unique to the industry, and proposed acquisition of equipment under NEXGEN innovations.

The Flight Planning 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.

The UAS Operations course will cover small unmanned aircraft performance, ethics, human factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, safety protocols, weight and balance, maintenance, aviation weather sources and effects of weather (micro-meteorology) on small unmanned aircraft performance, small unmanned aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and preflight inspection procedures. Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple practice examinations. Students will be prepared to complete the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test upon completion of this course.

Fundamentals of Aerospace is a project-based Engineering course, focusing on Aerospace and Aeronautical topics. This course utilizes hands-on activities to reinforce students’ grasp of STEM concepts critical to the understanding of the principles of engineering. This course will allow students to practice critical problem-solving skills through projects and investigations. The primary objective of this course is to provide students with adequate skill framework for success in the subsequent courses in the Aerospace program. Topics will include: Engineering Principles & Problem Solving; Engineering Design & CAD; Aerospace Engineering; and Aeronautical Engineering.

The course of study includes demonstration of student mastery of the following topics: Basic Safety, Introduction to Construction Math, Introduction to Hand Tools, Introduction to Power Tools, and Introduction to Blueprints. Shows the parts of blueprint in detail including symbols, title block, and gridlines. Basic Rigging covers the slings, hardware hoists and hitches used in rigging operations, critical safety issues, and accepted rigging techniques and practices. Hands On Experiences provide hands on experiences in each of the trades areas Carpentry Masonry Construction Electricity and or HVAC so that students can gain a working knowledge of the construction industry.

In the Introduction to Flight Course, students pursuing the pilot and UAS tracks 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

This course explores how weather conditions affect flight. The course allow students to analyze Earth’s atmosphere, atmospheric motion, cloud types and how they form, and how the atmospheric layers impact flight. Students examine air masses and fronts, high-and low pressure systems, and terrain factors that affect weather.