3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Credit By ExaminationDepartmental CreditLower Division
This course is an introduction to theory of flight, aircraft nomenclature, aircraft configurations, high speed flight, and helicopter configurations and rotor dynamics. Covers lift/drag and concepts for flight at an engineering technology level beyond that of flight ground school. Federal regulatory systems for aircraft design and persons other than flight personnel and associated technical documents are covered. Introduces center of gravity theory, defines how to locate centers of gravity, and introduces weight and balance procedures.
Learning Outcomes1Identify the major components of an aircraft, know the proper names of these components, and be able to explain the fundamentals of why aircraft are configured as they are.
2Calculate the lift and drag of an airfoil and be able to explain the effects of atmospheric conditions on the airfoil.
3Identify the associated shock waves and be able to describe the characteristics and effects of these shock waves.
4Explain helicopter rotor aerodynamics.
5Define the proper conditions for weighing an aircraft, understand the proper technical documents needed and be able to calculate an aircraft's weight and balance.
6Demonstrate on time performance of required activities.
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.