Aeroscholars Lessons

  1. Write objectives and key terms for that lesson in your binder.
  2. Read Aerospace: the Journey of Flight, pages ___ to ___ for that lesson online.
  3. Aeroscholars II only: read Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) corresponding pages.
  4. View any accompanying media.
  5. Practice applicable study questions found on the left of the page online.
  6. Make a note of any questions you have in your binder and/or utilize LiveHelp.
  7. Take the graded end of lesson quiz. Record grade in chart.

Aeroscholars I Course Schedule: Fundamentals of Aviation

Week / Lesson / Text / Points / Your Points
Policies and Syllabus / Quiz / Course, Syllabus & timeline links / 20
1 / Lesson 1: Intro to Learning Aviation Science / Quiz 1 / Pg 347-361 / 10
2 / Lesson 2: The Basics of Flight / Quiz 2 / Pg. 2-21
Pg. 173-189 / 10
3 / Lesson 3: The Aircraft / Quiz 3 / Pg. 173-189
Pg. 201-209 / 10
4 / Lesson 4: Power Plants and Engines / Quiz 4 / Pg. 194-201 / 10
5 / Lesson 5: The Science of Aircraft Systems / Quiz 5 / Pg. 207-213 / 10
Midterm 1 / 100
6 / Lesson 6: Aircraft Instruments / Quiz 6 / Pg. 213-224 / 10
7 / Lesson 7: Aerodynamic Principles / Quiz 7 / Pg. 179-193 / 10
8 / Lesson 8: Helicopters / Quiz 8 / Pg. 331-339 / 10
9 / Lesson 9: The Evolution of Flight and Design / Quiz 9 / 10
10 / Lesson 10: Modern Aircraft Design / Quiz 10 / Pg. 159-171 / 10
Midterm 2 / 100
11 / Lesson 11: Commercial Aviation / Quiz 11 / Pg. 284-312 / 10
12 / Lesson 12: Airports and Airspace / Quiz 12 / Pg. 236-239 / 10
13 / Lesson 13: Meteorology / Quiz 13 / Pg. 380-422 / 10
14 / Lesson 14: Air Traffic Control / Quiz 14 / Pg. 263-270 / 10
15 / Lesson 15: Federal Aviation Regulations / Quiz 15 /
browse Regs Part 1, 61, and 91 / 10
16 / Lesson 16: Careers in Aviation / Quiz 16 / Pg. 362-379 / 10
17 / Lesson 17: Final Review
EAA Virtual Museum Tour / 50
Airport Visit form / 50
Final / 200
Extra Credit / 0
TOTAL
End of Course Survey-emailed after completion of course

Aeroscholars II Course Schedule: Advanced Aviation Science

Week / Online Lesson
(info also in text) / Assignment / Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) / Points / Your points
Course Survey / 20
1 / Lesson 1: The private pilot certificate and your medical exam / Quiz 1 / 1-13 to 1-20
16-1 to 16-20 / 10
2 / Lesson 2: The Aerodynamics of Flight / Quiz 2 / 2-1 to 2-8
3-1 to 3-10
4-1 to 4-22 / 10
3 / Lesson 3: The Airplane / Quiz 3 / 8-1 to 8-14
4-19 to 4-23 / 10
4 / Lesson 4: The Powerplant and Propeller / Quiz 4 / 6-1 to 6-20
10-1 to 10-18 / 10
5 / Lesson 5: Flight Instruments and Systems / Quiz 5 / 7-1 to 7-26 / 10
Midterm 1 / 100
6 / Lesson 6: Weather Theory / Quiz 6 / 11-1 to 11-25 / 10
7 / Lesson 7: Weather Reports and Forecasts / Quiz 7 / 12-1 to 12-26 / 10
8 / Lesson 8: Weight and Balance / Quiz 8 / 9-1 to 9-11
4-35 to 4-46 / 10
9 / Lesson 9: Airports, Airspace and Aircraft Separation / Quiz 9 / 14-1 to 14-10
13-1 to 13-11 / 10
10 / Lesson 10: Radio Comm. and the Traffic Patterm / Quiz 10 / 13-11 to 13-18 / 10
Midterm 2 / 100
11 / Lesson 11: Aeronautical Charts and Publications / Quiz 11 / 15-1 to 15-8
15-16 to 15-20
1-9 to 1-12 / 10
12 / Lesson 12: Estimating Course, Wind, and Fuel / Quiz 12 / 15-11 to 15-20 / 10
13 / Lesson 13: Navigation / Quiz 13 / 15-21 to 15-35 / 10
14 / Lesson 14: Using the E6B Flight Computer, Performance Planning and Estimation / Quiz 14 / 10-17 to 10-28
15-11 to 15-12 / 10
15 / Lesson 15: Putting it all Together: the VFR Flight Plan / Quiz 15 / Review Ch 10 & Ch 16 / 10
16 / Lesson 16: Federal Aviation Regulations / Quiz 16 / Visit and browe Federal Aviation Regulations Part l, 61 & 91 / 10
17 / Lesson 17: Final Review
Final / 200
Cross Country Flight Plan / 100
Extra Credit / 0
TOTAL

Part 1: Fundamentals of Aviation Science

Lesson 1 “Introduction to Learning Aviation Science”
• Understand how this online course works.
• Realize how to increase your memorization and retention of aviation material.
• Understand how most of the features of this course work.
• Become aware of the ypes of resources available within the course and on the Internet.
• Realize why learning about aviation will help you become a better math and science student.
Lesson 2 “The Basics of Flight”
• Become aware of the history of early aviation and how the first flights were made possible.
• Realize how a wing produces lift.
• Understand the term airfoil.
• Know why the Wright Brothers’ achievement was so important.
• Understand the components of the lift formula and how the variables affect flight.
• Realize what happens in airplane stall and spin.
Lesson 3 “The Aircraft”
• Understand the design, shape, and components of an airfoil and apply that knowledge to your understanding of wings and flight controls.
• Memorize the anatomy of an airfoil.
• Solve problems to determine aspect ratio and understand why this term is important.
• Know the types of aircraft and the difference between the terms aircraft and airplane.
• Understand why different wing planforms alter flight performance and characteristics.
• Develop a solid understanding of airplane control surfaces and their functions.
Lesson 4 “Power Plants and Engines”
• Understand the basic operating principles of a reciprocating engine commonly found on aircraft.
• Memorize the four-stroke cycle of a reciprocating engine.
• Know the difference between lean and rich fuel mixtures.
• Understand why a carburetor can develop ice, even in warm temperatures.
• Know the difference between fixed-pitch and constant-speed propellers.
• Familiarize yourself with basic propeller safety procedures.
Lesson 5 “The Science of Aircraft systems”
• Understand the operating principles of major aircraft systems.
• Be able to describe the difference between hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Know the difference between Avgas and jet fuel.
• Understand how mechanical controls work.
• Know the difference between power, actuation, and control.
• Understand the terms volt, watt, and amp.
Lesson 6 “Aircraft Instruments”
• Know the difference between visual flight rules and instrument flight rules.
• Understand the importance of aircraft instruments.
• Know the difference between gyroscopic and pitot-static instruments.
• Understand the errors of the magnetic compass.
• Be able to describe the most important engine instruments and their importance.
• Appreciate the future importance of aircraft instrument development.
Lesson 7 “Aerodynamic Principles”
• Understand the four forces of flight and how each physical force is caused.
• Be able to visualize the three axes of the airplane: vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal.
• Know why wing dihedral is important for stability.
• Understand the principles of dynamic and static stability.
• Be able to compute aircraft load factor increase due to banking turns.
• Understand why and airplane turns.
Lesson 8 “Helicopters and Their Use”
• Understand the term rotary-wing and its aerodynamic significance.
• Know how the helicopter changes direction.
• Understand the difference between the cyclic, collective, and anti-torque controls.
• Realize the limitations of benefits of helicopter flight compared to powered airplanes.
• Be able to list important uses of helicopters.
• Understand the tilt rotor concept.
Lesson 9 “The Evolution of Flight and Design”
• Learn why the United States and the Soviet Union entered into an arms race. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Cold War through short answer questions.
• Learn and recognize the important inventions and achievements following the war, such as the first aircraft to break the sound barrier and the first successful jetliners, through short answer questions.
• Discuss the important developments in commercial aviation following the war and how the world changed its attitudes toward passenger airlines during the 1950s through a bulletin board discussion with your classmates and instructor.
• Recognize the impact of commercial aviation on traditional forms of transportation, such as ocean liners, trains, and automobiles, through short answer questions and bulletin board discussions.
Lesson 10 “Modern Aircraft Design”
• Become aware of the design process used in modern airplane construction.
• Realize how stresses like torsion, tension, compression, bending and shear affect airplane strength and design.
• Understand the certification process for new airplanes.
• Know the most important materials used in airplane construction.
• Understand the process of testing and non-destructive testing.
Lesson 11 “Commercial Aviation”
• Understand the scope of general aviation and its activities.
• Be able to describe different segments of general aviation.
• Understand the certification process for new airplanes.
• Know why there are fewer pilots flying today than 25 years ago.
• Know the difference between major, national, and regional airlines.
• Become familiar with Boeing and Airbus.
Lesson 12 “Airports and Airspace”
• Understand the difference between controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
• Know the requirements for safe minimum altitudes and right of way for landing.
• Understand the different classifications of airspace: A, B, C, D, E, and G.
• Know the different types of restricted airspace.
Lesson 13 “Weather Science (Meteorology)”
• Understand the basics of weather and forecasting as they relate to aviation.
• Understand the how solar heating drives weather patterns.
• Be able to understand and use terms like dew point, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
• Understand the cycle of water on Earth.
• Be able to describe the most important engine instruments and their importance.
• Be able to distinguish between different types of clouds and frontal systems.
Lesson 14 Air Traffic Control”
• Understand and be able to use the basic principles of radio communication used in aviation.
• Memorize and be able to use the phonetic alphabet with either the instructor or your fellow students.
• Familiarize yourself with the basic types of communication in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
• Understand the Air Traffic Control system used in the United States and how it safely controls airplanes.
• Comprehend the different levels of the controllers used during a typical flight.
Lesson 15 “Federal Aviation Regulations”
• Know the purpose of Federal Aviation Regulations.
• Understand the role of the FAA.
• Be able to identify the major parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations pertinent to pilots.
• Understand the solo and written examination process.
• Understand the Private Pilot certification process.
Lesson 16 “Careers in Aviation”
• Familiarize yourself with the wide range of careers in aviation.
• Understand the unique aspects of various aviation careers.
• Identify requirements for acceptance into aviation jobs.
• Apply your understanding of aviation careers to your personal lifetime career goals.
Lesson 17 “Final Review”

Part 2: Advanced Aviation Science - Private Pilot

Lesson 1 “The Private Pilot Certifiacte & Your Medical Exam
• Understand the differences and privileges of a variety of FAA Ratings and Certificates.
• Explain the process of obtaining an FAA Medical Certificate.
• Recognize the physiological limitations of the body as it relates to aviation.
• Discover various visual illusions and explain how they might adversely affect the pilot during flight.
Lesson 2 “The Basic Aerodynamics of Flight
• Understand why an airplane flies.
• Recognize the parts of an aircraft, especially the parts of an airfoil.
• Know how an airplane makes coordinated turns in the air.
• Understand the basic aerodynamic principles of stability.
Lesson 3 “The Airplane”
• Know the steps you can take to begin receiving flight instruction.
• Understand how costs are determined for flight instruction.
• Recognize alternatives to live flight instruction like using a flight simulator that will still help you perform well and understand this course.
• Understand the requirements for maintenance, airworthiness, seatbelts, and preflights that are required by the FAA.
• Practice basic flight maneuvers in an actual airplane or flight simulator program.
Lesson 4 “The Powerplant and Propeller”
• Understand the operation of reciprocating or piston engine aircraft.
• Know the general methods for introducing a fuel/air mixture into the engine.
• Recognize the conditions for carburetor icing and how to respond.
• Recognize different fuel types and fueling procedures.
• Know how to compute density altitude problems.
• Know how to complete takeoff and climb performance charts.
Lesson 5 “The Aerodynamics of Maneuvering Flight”
• Discover the purpose and operating principles behind basic aircraft instrumentation.
• Know the difference between pitot-static and gyroscopic aircraft instruments.
• Realize the uses and limitations of the magnetic compass.
• Understand how instrument skills are an important foundation for flight safety.
• Know how to use the various instruments for different phases of flight.
Lesson 6 “Weather Theory”
• You should understand the key variables in the Earth’s weather systems such as temperature, moisture, pressure, and wind currents.
• Know the relationship between temperature and dew point.
• Be able to identify major cloud types by high, medium, and low classifications both by description and by identifying photographs.
• Understand the danger and procedures for dealing with severe weather including thunderstorms, wind shear, fog, icing, and microbursts.
• Know the basics of flying near mountains and in turbulence.
Lesson 7 “Weather Reports”
• You should understand the difference between weather reports and forecasts.
• Explain the purpose of a variety of textual and graphical weather products.
• Be able to interpret METAR, TAF, PIREP and Winds Aloft textual weather products.
• Explain the purpose of AIRMETS and SIGMETS and their relationship to Area Forecasts.
• Identify major features of the weather depiction, surface analysis, radar summary and significant weather prognostic charts.
Lesson 8 “Weight and Balance”
• Understand why the weight and balance of an airplane are such important factors in its stability and performance.
• Know how to perform weight and balance computations using the basic table, graph, and computerized methods.
• Recognize the physical science behind levers and arms and how this science affects weight and balance.
• Understand what happens as loads shift during flight.
Lesson 9 “Airports and Airspace”
• Understand the difference between controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
• Know why pilots must see and avoid other aircraft.
• Recognize the differences between different airspace classifications and understand the requirements for specific aircraft entry.
• Memorize the established VFR cruising altitudes and cloud separation requirements.
• Understand the airport runway and taxiway marking system.
Lesson 10 “Radio Communication, Traffic Patterns, Lighting”
• Be able to identify airport environments through their lighting systems.
• Know the difference between operations at controlled and uncontrolled airports.
• Be able to identify different transponder codes used in VFR flight.
• Understand the use and requirements of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).
• Know how to see and avoid other aircraft during day and night conditions.
Lesson 11 “Aeronautical Charts”
• Discover the principal reasons for using aeronautical charts and be able to distinguish between the principal chart types.
• Be able to use and recognize important map and legend resources for sectional charts.
• Be able to use the Airport Facility Directory to obtain important airport information.
• Know how to use aeronautical charts for visual flight.
Lesson 12 “Estimating Course, Wind and Fuel”
• Recognize the difference between pilotage and dead reckoning.
• Be able to find latitude and longitude on an aeronautical chart.
• Know how to use a plotter to measure the angle of a course.
• Know how to use the plotter to measure distance.
• Be able to use the wind computer of the E-6B Flight Computer to compute wind correction angles, groundspeed, and true heading.
• Understand and be able to compute variation, deviation, and compass heading.
• Know how to use the E-6B to determine true airspeed.
Lesson 13 “Navigation”
• Memorize the five most used types of radio/area navigation including VOR, NDB, GPS, FMS (RNAV), and LORAN.
• Understand how to navigate with a variety of radio navigation devices or signals.
• Be able to use correctly set the VOR Obs setting to the correct radial for the current magnetic heading.
• Know how to use aeronautical charts to determine proper radio navigation facilities for an area of flight.
• Know how to use two VOR signals to pinpoint the aircraft’s exact position on an aeronautical chart.
Lesson 14 “Using the E-6B, Performance Planning & Estimation
• Recognize the value of the E-6B Flight Computer as a cross-country planning aid.
• Be able to use the conversion, time/speed/distance, and fuel consumption features of the E-6B.
• Know to interpolate numbers mathematically.
• Understand how to predict performance, including takeoff and landing distance.
• Be able to predict crosswind components.
• Understand the problems involved with disorientation and the solution to these problems.
Lesson 15 “Putting it all Together: the VFR Flight Plan”
• Know how to put together all of the elements of a flight plan.
• Understand problems associated with spatial distortion.
• Know how to properly fill out and file a flight plan form for a VFR cross-country flight.
• Develop an understanding of traits and attitudes you will need to use to maintain cross-country safety.
• Produce your own cross-country flight plan for use on an actual or simulated flight.
Lesson 16 “Federal Aviation Regulations”
• Memorize the difference between accidents and incidents to determine what must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board.
• Recognize dangerous attitudes that pilots have toward flying that cause accidents.
• Understand safety and risk management concepts that are applicable in general aviation as well as the airlines.
• Know the elements of safe aeronautical decision-making.
• Know the IM SAFE checklist and how to use it prior to each flight.
• Recognize additional opportunities in aviation.
Lesson 17 “Final Review”
Private Pilot Test Prep!

Flight Simulator Rubric

Flight Pattern # ______Date______

Pilot Flying______Pilot Not Flying ______

PARAMETERS

Airspeed / ±15 knots / ±10 knots / ±5 knots
Altitude / ±100 feet / ±50 feet / ±20 feet
Heading / ±10 degrees / ±5 degrees / ±2 degrees
Timing / ±5 seconds / ±3 seconds

SCORING 1:SCORING 2:

5 pointscompletion & printed5 pointscompletion & printed

7 pointsmaintain 1 parameter7 pointsmaintain 1 parameter

8 pointsmaintain 2 parameters8 pointsmaintain 2 parameters

10 pointsmaintain 3 parameters9 pointsmaintain 3 parameters

10 pointsmaintain 4 parameters

SCORE:

GRADING:

Most weeks you will get a grade for three things:

Participation—up to 10 points

Flight Simulator-- up to 10 points

Aeroscholars Quiz—up to 10 points

Other grades will include Midterms (100 points each) and a Final (200 points) as well as any other assignments given throughout the course. Any grade in Aeroscholars will also be included in infinite campus along with other grades related to our classwork or homework.