The course is engineering focused towards aircraft performance, aircraft handling qualities and flight systems, together with an aviation management theme which includes a hands-on aviation operations and flight practice dimension.
The main emphasis is on the engineering issues associated with aircraft performance, handling qualities and flight systems. This is achieved through modules on flight dynamics and control, aircraft propulsion and performance, and avionics. Aviation management skills are developed through modules on aviation business enterprise, airline and airport management, airport design and aircraft maintenance.
You have the option to follow a structured pilot training programme and sit the appropriate ground school examinations needed for the award of a Private Pilot Licence.
A total of 45 flying hours are offered within the training course, at additional cost, with the twin aims of enabling you to fly solo by the end of year 1 and obtain a Private Pilot Licence by the end of year 2. Lessons are at an additional total cost of £6,500 (correct at August 2010), with flexible payment options.
You are encouraged to join the Manchester Branch of the RAes which is based in the Newton Building.
We also encourage you to take a sandwich year which can be pursued either in Europe or the UK. A year's experience in industry has a number of benefits including:
When completed you will be awarded with a Certificate of Professional Studies.
This course has been awarded accredited status by both the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for 2010 to 2014 intake cohorts and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for 2009 to 2011 intake cohorts as meeting the exemplifying academic benchmark for registration as Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
It provides external validation of the degree course content which recognises that it meets both UK and international standards required by the engineering profession.
Professional registration and Institution membership will enhance your career in the following ways:
There is a flight test course just prior to the final year, which is delivered by Cranfield University's National Flying Laboratory Centre using their specially instrumented Jetstream 31 aircraft. During the flight, the aircraft will conduct specific manoeuvres during which flight data is gathered for later analysis. This valuable experience allows you to link practical issues of aircraft behaviour to principles of flight taught in the classroom.
Year 1
Aviation Business Enterprise
This module will introduce you to the history of air transport systems leading to the current state of the aviation business. You will study topics such as the evolution of surface transportation systems – roadways, railways and waterways; the beginnings of air transport – first generation airships and winged flying machines; the development of technologies relating to improvements in civilian and military aircraft designs; passenger facility enhancements such as in-flight catering, conveniences and entertainment and the birth of the modern airliner leading to the demise of the airships and the ocean liners.
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Engineering Materials and Electrical Systems E1
In this module you will develop an understanding of the basic properties and applications of materials and of the principles of electronic and electrical engineering. This will include learning about the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of materials, mechanisms of corrosion and corrosion protection, the principles of electronic and electrical engineering, and the response of electrical elements in circuits to d.c. or a.c. supplies.
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Engineering Methodology S1
This module will help you develop the necessary mathematics for the successful study of engineering subjects and give you an appreciation of the links between mathematical analysis and engineering applications.
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Flight Mechanics
This module introduces flight mechanics through a description of the principles of aircraft flight in purely physical rather than mathematical terms. You will gain a sound foundation in aircraft propulsion, performance, stability and control, getting you ready for a more analytical approach in modules later on in your degree.
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Principles of Navigation and Meteorology for Aviation E1
In this module you will gain proficiency and knowledge in the planning of multiple leg flight plans and build awareness and experience of aviation meteorology. On completion you should have developed skills including practical knowledge of operational procedures; requirements for safe and adequate flight planning; understanding requirements for time planning; the principles of aviation meteorology; and be able to make rational assessments for flight safety by interpreting synoptic weather forecasts.
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Product Engineering, Energy and Power E1
This module will give you an insight into the complete process for the design or engineering of products and services. On completion of the module you will have basic marketing techniques and have an understanding of how to present information using both written and oral techniques. You will also be able to read and interpret engineering drawings, with particular reference to BS 308. You will also be taught skills in basic manufacturing processes and be able to create 2-dimensional orthographic engineering drawings.
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Practical Flying
For those taking the pilot studies option, you will undertake your pilot training programme.
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Year 2
Aircraft Propulsion and Performance
You will be introduced to the basic concepts of aircraft performance by modelling aerodynamic loads and propulsion system performance, leading to key results in both steady and accelerated flight. You will learn how to calculate and assimilate performance in cruise, climb and glide, and to link the predictive methods to design issues and understand how to analyse engines as used in aircraft propulsion, with an emphasis on the aero- and thermodynamic aspect influencing engine performance.
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Safety Assessment In Aviation, and Human Factors and Crew Resource Management
The aims of this module are for you to develop an in-depth knowledge of aviation safety issues; use and evaluate analysis so you can anticipate and alleviate safety risks in aviation; and develop an understanding of human factors and CRM to optimise capability to operate in a safe, efficient aviation environment.
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Airline and Airport Management
This module will teach you to appreciate the factors involving the management of operating air services and the airport infrastructure including the origins of basic airstrips, lessons learned from airfield related accidents and generation of flight rules; and the performance characteristics of transport aircraft and their operational suitability over various sectors. You will learn to assess market demands, and learn about route planning, choice of aircraft type(s) and ground support equipment. Other subjects covered include air traffic control systems to sequence approaches and departures for maximum safety and efficiency; international regulatory documentation such as ICAO Annex 14; aerodrome and air operator certification; and the handling of bird strike events, low visibility conditions, criminal behaviour and runway incursions.
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Aviation Business Enterprise
To appreciate the current state of the aviation business and appreciate the infrastructure in detail. Topics covered include sovereignty and freedoms of the air; air and surface transport network; route planning and time scheduling; ticketing methodologies and pricing; immigration, customs and excise issues; the Warsaw convention and liabilities; range-payload, costs and productivity.
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Route Planning and Navigation Systems
This module will introduce the theory of business economics in route planning. You will learn the techniques and methodologies used for navigating an aircraft using modern navigation aids.
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Flight Systems
This module covers the basic principles and theory of statics and dynamics as related to the static and dynamic behaviour of an aircraft and also the basic principles and theory of flight control as related to the dynamic behaviour of an aircraft.
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Year 3
Aircraft Systems and Flight Simulation L3
The aim of this module is for you to be able to specify and critique the design of aircraft systems and to specify the design and use of flight simulators as they may be used in the aviation industry.
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Aviation Business Enterprise
This module will help you appreciate the costing techniques in the aviation business, the invasion of new technologies and the generation of aircraft design specifications based on sustainability and market trends. Topics covered include: matching of capabilities of aircraft to existing route structures to meet travel demands; political negotiations associated with aircraft purchase and transfer of technologies; current and future environmental regulations concerning emissions and noise limits; evolution of online reservation systems combining accommodation and transfers; future of in-flight services in addition to catering, entertainment, gaming and communications; use of biometrics and intelligence gathering to improve security measures.
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Avionics
This module will give you an in depth knowledge of avionic systems currently fitted to modern aircraft, including communication, flight instruments, flight management, automatic flight, warning and recording and passenger systems.
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Final Year Project Part 1 and Part 2
The aim of the Final Year Project is to develop your ability to work with a significant degree of independence on a structured programme of activity. You should demonstrate your competency in analysing and assessing the value of information derived from this course, be able to communicate effectively (both through written reports and orally) the details of what you have learned and conclusions that can be drawn together with suggestions of further work.
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