AST-211 Aircraft Systems I
Distance Education
Dr. Kurt Barnhart: visit my website at: isu.indstate.edu/kbarn (do not use Just start with isu.)
Prerequisites:AST-141 Aviation Fundamentals and AST-143 Basic Air Navigation
Credit Hours:3
Instructor/
Office Hours: Dr. Kurt Barnhart, Office- TC-216-F.Phone: 812.237.2665
Office Hours: Monday 8:30–10:30, Wednesday 8:30 – 10:30 and 1:00–2:00,
TTh 8:30 – 11:30, Thursday 1:00 – 2:00 (and by appointment)
email:
These are the times when I am most likely to be in my office. If I am not in my office you can contact me either through E-Mail, by leaving a note on my door, or by calling my voice mail and leaving a message.
Catalogue
Description:Introduction to basic aircraft systems found on modern single and multi-engine reciprocating aircraft. Topics will include piston engines, electrical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, radios and instruments, propellers, pressurization, maintenance requirements and documentation, and trouble shooting from the cockpit.
In this course you will be introduced to the systems commonly found in the training aircraft you are now flying. We will first begin by reviewing some of the common ideas and principles you should have learned in high school physics, algebra, and trigonometry. From there we will move on to aircraft systems. Here we will cover engine types and construction, engine operating theory, lubrication and cooling systems, propeller systems, fuel systems, power management, pressurization systems, electrical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, aircraft structures, weight and balance, and flight instrument systems. The aircraft systems covered in this class are typical of those found on the Cessna 152, 172, 172RG, Piper Tomahawk, Warrior, Arrow, and various other U.S. certified single engine aircraft.
CourseYou can show in your questions, quizzes, home work assignments, and tests:
Objectives:•A basic understanding of algebra, trigonometry, and physics so as to solve aircraft performance, engine operation, and flight control problems.
•A familiarity with different engine types, parts, components, and systems that make up an aircraft and how they work together to make for a safe flight.
•An understanding of small aircraft systems and procedures so that the pilot can make better go/no-go decisions.
•An understanding of engine performance parameters and what actions a pilot can take to help extend the engines life and reduce fuel and maintenance cost.
•Development of better preflight, run-up, and takeoff monitoring and decision making skills.
•An understanding of your aircraft’s systems so that when potential emergencies arise, you can make quick-safe-logical decisions.
•Development of better in-flight monitoring skills so as to help prevent accidents due to minor mechanical problems, later, developing into serious mechanical/flight control problems.
•Better awareness of how your instruments and flight controls work so that full use can be made of each device.
•Develop an understanding of high altitude flying and its effect on the body, and how different types of oxygen and pressurization systems work.
•An understanding of electricity and electronic systems and how you can perform basic trouble shooting procedures from the cockpit.
•Development of consumer awareness, so that when repairs are needed, to your aircraft or any other mechanical/electrical device, better decisions can be made about needed repairs, cost, new purchases, or replacement parts.
•And an understanding of how the FAR’s apply to you concerning maintenance, weight and balance, aircraft inspections, and pilot accomplished maintenance.
CourseBy the endof the semester we will all have a better understanding of our aircraft
Goals:systems. With continued study and practice we will make our career, in the aviation industry, a much safer and rewarding one, because of the better understanding we have about the safe and efficient operation of our aircraft. Also, successful completion of this course will prepare you for AST-311 Aircraft Systems II, where you will begin your study into advanced aircraft systems: turboprops, turbojets, electronic flight instrumentation systems, and more.
Teaching
Methods:This course is a self-study course in which it will be necessary to exercise a great deal of self-discipline to reach successful completion. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I will attempt to have an answer to your question within 1 – 2 business days.
Atmosphere:The learning process requires some participation and risk taking. Do not be afraid to ask intelligent questions or provide well thought out answers to questions.
Text:Dale De Remer, Aircraft Systems for Pilots, Jeppesen Sanderson Training Products, 1991. Check amazon.com for used texts.
This text is challenging, but very informative. The material is sometimes very technical and may require re-reading, but if you take your time, highlight important information, answer the questions in the back of each chapter, and follow through consistently, you will find that the material becomes easier and your learning experience will be rewarding. You are encouraged to work together with your 3 other distance education colleagues this semester. I will have their names and emails early in the semester so prompt me if I forget to send them out.
SupplementaryCessna 152 or 172 Information Manual, Cessna Aircraft Company:
Materials:
Everyone who flies should own a Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft they fly. When looking at your aircraft’s information manual you may think that the information is very basic and thus un-important. But, it is to your benefit to take the time to read and become familiar with the entire manual. As you advance to larger and better equipped aircraft you will find that the information needed to safely and profess-sionally fly these aircraft requires a solid understanding of the basics; which were first taught in single-engine general aviation aircraft.
Computer:You can also use the website of my colleague professor Bruce Welsh who teaches the on-campus portion of this course. We will be using his tests this semester so he is a resource as well. Here is a posting from his website:
“Miscellaneous course materials will be placed on my WWW Course Home Page. You can reach this information by connecting to: . When you select the AST-211 class, you will be asked for a username and password. The username is “211” and the password is “211”. If you have trouble getting connected or printing out the information, please feel free to contact one of the student consultants in the Student Computing Complex 24-hour lab or other classmates in the class.”
Grading:Grading will be accomplished as follows:
End of chapter questions: 100 points
Tests: 100 points
Punctuality of questions: 100 points
On Campus Final Exam: 200 points
Total: 500 points
Grading scale: 450 – 500 points- A
400 – 450 points- B
350 – 400 points- C
300 – 350 points- D
Below 300 points- F
At the end of each chapter is a series of questions relating to the information you read. One or more chapter of these questions and answers will be due by 5:00 p.m. of each Friday of the semester. Plan your work to complete the questions at the end of each chapter (1 – 17) by the end of the semester. This means that for at least 3 – 4 weeks you should turn in 2 chaptersper week. The pace will be up to you but you will be penalized for lateness if you do not turn in at least one chapter per week. All questions will be due no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday April 28, 2006.
Many questions will require you to re-read the material so that you can have a better understanding, and thus write a complete answer to the question. You can find some of the answers in the back of the text. Additional help can come from others in class or by contact your flight instructor.
These questions shall be typed complete, neat, and accurate. Missing, incomplete, or non-professionally completed assignments will result in a substantial penalty.
These questions shall be emailed as an attachment in MS word format weekly. Late homework assignments will not be accepted. Incomplete assignments will not be graded.
Tests:Tests will be given (emailed) periodically during the semester to help ensure that you are reading the chapters and not just searching for the answers to the questions at the end of each chapter. These tests will be emailed to you or made available on the aforementioned website. You may use your book to help answer the tests but I encourage you to use it only as a last resort as this will better prepare you for the final exam.
Final ExamThere will be a comprehensive final examination which will be closed book. You must make arrangements to take this exam on campus or via a designated proctor in your area during final exam week (week of April 30). Details will be announced later.
Extra Credit:I do not give extra-credit assignments.