Problem Solving Projects designed to test your ability to think.

History of Flight - Greek Mythology to the beginning of the Golden Age and the Airmail Act or Kelly Act of 1925.

• The basic parts and control surfaces

• Four forces of flight

• Basic aerodynamics

• Stability - Why that airplane handles so well

Projects: Hot Air Balloons, White Wing High Performance Gliders, Delta Dart Airplanes (Powered Flight)

The Flight Environment -

• Safety
• Airports
• Airspace
• Radio Communications

Projects: Airport layout plan - the students design an airport. RDU field trip - a tour of the RDU control tower and radar room

Aircraft Systems and Performance -

• Basic aircraft instruments and all basic flight instruments
• Aircraft Systems
• Predicting Performance
• Weight and Balance

Projects: Flight simulator training begins on the Cessna 172 and Beechcraft Bonanza Simulators. Introduction to various flight program software.

Weather -

• Basic weather theory
• Weather patterns and clouds
• Fronts
• Weather hazards
• Interpreting weather data
• Sources of weather information

Projects: Weather observation exercises.

Basic Navigation -

• Aeronautical Charts
• Basic Radio NAV
• Flight Computer
• Dead Reckoning
• Pilotage
• Cross Country Planning

Projects: X/C Flight Plan Project and Simulator Training.

Radio Navigation Systems -

• VOR Navigation
• ILS Navigation
• Simulator Training

Aviation Physiology -

• The body and the flight environment.
• Visual Illusions
• Spatial Disorientation
• Hypoxia
• Self-imposed stresses
• The "Vomit Comet"

Decision Making -

• Cockpit Resource Management
• Factors affecting decision making

History of Flight continued -

• The Golden Age 45to the present
• Prep for space section

AeroSPACE -

• The nature and characteristics of space.
• The Universe
• Rocket theory and space flight
• The Space Shuttle
• International Space Station
• Hubble Space Telescope

Projects: Build and Launch Model Rockets, Space Shuffle landing Simulation.

Careers in Aerospace