AVIT 323 - Aerodynamics - Airplane

Course Description

  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 102

This course will provide a study of aerodynamics, performance, stability, control, weight and balance, and special flight conditions as appropriate for commercial pilots. A discussion of commercial maneuvers and flight computers is included. Students must complete the appropriate flight lessons to satisfactorily complete the course.

Additional Course Information

Student Learning Outcomes

The course objectives provide the student with the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency to earn a Commercial Pilot Certification. The student will demonstrate through classroom discussions, briefings, block examination, or other assignments deemed appropriate by the instructor, an understanding of making informed aeronautical decisions and assess risk in an effective manner, proper preflight preparation for VFR cross country planning and operations, IFR operations during attitude instrument flying, different methods of flying by instruments, the fundamental skills and the importance of resource management in the IFR environment, basic principles of operation and the practical use of radio navigation equipment, and the use and operation of technically advanced aircraft systems. These flight techniques will demonstrate the students proficiency with the Garmin G1000. Performance outcomes will enable the student to operate an airplane as an instrument rated commercial pilot. Student must complete the appropriate flight lessons to satisfactorily complete the course.

To assist students in understanding and preparing to meet the course expectations the list below includes the major objectives. These standards are measured through classroom discussions, briefings, block examinations, final examinations, spontaneous examinations, flight simulator or other assignments deemed appropriate by instructors to evaluate the necessary aeronautical knowledge. Each flight lesson has specified objectives, content requirements and completion standards. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Safely demonstrate an understanding of aerodynamic principles in regards to the creation of lift, effects of aircraft weight, the creation of drag and thrust airplane stability and control, stresses, operational limitations, stalls and spins
  • Demonstrate an understanding of airplane performance and accurately execute designated maneuvers within altitude, heading and airspeed standards
  • Satisfactorily pass the FAA Commercial Pilot - Airplane knowledge test
  • Obtain the Commercial Pilot Certificate airplane single-engine land rating as outlined in the appropriate FAA Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards and Federal Aviation Regulations

Sample Assessment and Course Tasks

To assist students in understanding and preparing to meet the course expectations the lists below include some of the course tasks for both the academic ground school and the flight training. A complete listing of course tasks are available from the Commercial Pilot Rating Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-4D, at www.faa.gov, the course syllabus or your instructor.

Academic Ground School - Aeronautical Subjects

  • Understand aerodynamic principles governing the design and operation of airplanes, the numerous aerodynamic factors affecting flight including creation of lift and the effects of aircraft weight and different types of drag and thrust
  • Identify various conditions of flight and their affect on safe airplane operations, airplane stability, control, airframe stress, operational limitations, stalls and spins
  • Explain applicable Federal Aviation Regulations that apply to commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations
  • Understand Meteorology, to include recognition of critical weather situations, windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts
  • Use of performance charts, weight and balance computations and knowledge of significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations
  • Describe procedures for operating within the National Airspace System including loss communications
  • Knowledge of accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board

Flight Training - Performance and Proficiency

  • Demonstrate safe and proficient flying by reference to instruments and navigation systems using the Garmin G1000
  • Proficient in navigation systems, enroute and instrument approach procedures
  • Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning
  • Demonstrate sound decision making and judgment and use of a checklist while conducting safe and efficient operation of aircraft during pre-flight, flight and post flight
  • Accurately perform maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the aircraft in a simulator or during flight
  • Comply with departure, enroute, approach, landing, approach, holding and go-around procedures
  • Execute precision and non-precision approaches to standards
  • Perform coordinated aeronautical maneuvers including steep spirals, lazy eights, chandelles, steep turns and eights on pylons
  • Demonstrate recovery from unusual flight attitudes
  • Perform night and high-altitude commercial maneuvers

Evaluation Standards

The student's aeronautical knowledge and understanding will be evaluated through classroom discussion, briefings, block examination both written, flight simulator and practical tests and other assignments deemed appropriate by the instructor. A passing grade of 70% on all tests and projects is required.

These standards are measured through classroom discussions, briefings, block examinations, final examinations, spontaneous examinations, or other assignments deemed appropriate by the instructors to evaluate the necessary aeronautical knowledge. The student will demonstrate an understanding of aircraft systems and as well as an understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations and publications relating to instrument flight operations and commercial pilot certification that meets or exceeds the minimum performance standards contained within the FAA Commercial Pilot Rating Practical Test Standards.