Introduction to Aviation

Course Overview:

Introduction to Aviation will give students a broad overview of the knowledge required for pilots.  We will learn about weather, aerodynamics, maps/charts/navigation, engines and mechanical components, radio communications, and more. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the course material by creating videos, presentations, discussions and completing test questions from the written Private Pilots Knowledge Test by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In our weather unit, students will learn how to interpret weather data from METARS, other online sources, and visual data. In our aerodynamics unit, students will experiment with different designs of paper airplanes and optimize their designs for distance and other flight maneuvers. In our navigation unit, students will create and share flight plans, taking into account current weather, fuel and gross weight of the aircraft, and other relevant information found on aeronautical charts. Students will also be asked to plan for diversions and calculate dead reckoning during their presentation of their flight plans. In our aircraft systems unit, students will identify and explain the function of various aircraft components including internal combustion engines, carburetors, and electrical systems. In our communications unit, students will learn how to use radios for communication by analyzing live air traffic conversations and practicing in class.