Outline

Overview

This unit aims to develop in students an understanding of the fundamental concepts involved in the operation and performance of aircraft. The students will acquire an ability to make accurate and meaningful measurements of take-off, climb, cruise, turn, descent and landing performance; to perform weight and balance calculations; to understand the use of aerodynamic derivatives and their impact on aircraft performance. Students will be shown methods to optimise performance for specific missions. It will also cover modern issues such as airport congestion, noise restrictions, aviation certification requirements for the use of different aircraft categories and novel methods solving these problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(MATH1001 OR MATH1021 OR MATH1901 OR MATH1921 OR MATH1906 OR MATH1931) AND (MATH1002 OR MATH1902) AND (MATH1003 OR MATH1023 OR MATH1903 OR MATH1923) AND ENGG1801
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	AERO1560 or ENGG1800, Familiarity with fundamental Aerospace concepts.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gareth Vio, gareth.vio@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gareth Vio, gareth.vio@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Tutorial participation Small continuous assessment on delivered materials.	10%	Multiple weeks	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Take-off, climb, cruise and landing performance.	15%	Week 05 Due date: 25 Sep 2020 at 23:59	4 weeks (approx 6 hours per week).
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 1 Online quiz for all material assessed in Assignment 1 as scheduled.	12.5%	Week 06 Due date: 28 Sep 2020 at 11:00	1 hr + upload time
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Manoeuvring performance and weight & balance.	15%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Oct 2020 at 23:59	4 weeks (approx 6 hours per week).
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 2 Online quiz for all material assessed in Assignment 2 as scheduled.	12.5%	Week 09 Due date: 26 Oct 2020 at 11:00	1 hr + upload time.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project Group project of performance and mission optimisation.	25%	Week 12 Due date: 16 Nov 2020 at 23:59	4 weeks (approx 6 hours per week).
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Presentation Group presentation on group project.	10%	Week 12 Due date: 20 Nov 2020 at 23:59	4 weeks (approx 6 hours per week).
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignments: Assignment problems cover take-off, climb, cruise, turn, descent, landing performance, weight and balance, aerodynamic derivatives, aircraft/airline operations, and maintenance scheduling.
Project and presentation: Team based mission optimisation of a specific aircraft problem. A team presentation of the findings of this project is part of the assessment. All students must attend these presentations as these will be peer reviewed. Peer assessment will be used to determine each student`s final mark in the group assignments.
Quizzes: Online quizes for all material assessed in Assignment 1 and 2 as scheduled
Coninuous Assessment: Small continuous assessment on delivered materials.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The penalty for lateness is 5% per day. The penalty would apply from the next calendar day after the deadline. The penalty is a percentage of the available mark and is applied to the mark gained after the submitted work is marked (e.g., an assignment worth 100 marks is 1 day late. The content is given a mark of 75. With the 5% penalty, the final mark is 70).

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to aircraft performance	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 02	Basic aerodynamics and propulsion concepts	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	1. Take-Off Performance; 2. Climb performance	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	1. Cruise performance; 2. Range and endurance	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	1. Manoeuvres; 2. Performance limits	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 06	1. Descent and landing; 2. The V-n diagram	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	Weight and balance	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 08	1. Cockpit ergonomics; 2. Trim and control	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 09	Performance optimisation	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 10	1. Aviation legislative requirements: 2. Safe operating procedures	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 11	Economical operations and management considerations	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 12	Review of all concepts	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures : Two 1 hour lectures per week.
Tutorial: Descriptive tutorials with examples, project work on open ended problems to encourage innovation in the area of aircraft operations. Session duration is 3 hours.
Independent Study: In order to complete assignments and to understand the concepts and applications presented, students will be required to engage in self-study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All compulsory readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

Recommended texts and resources:

Auld & Srinivas, Aerodynamics for Students. Self-published. http://www.aerodynamics4students.com/aircraft-performance/
John D Anderson, Aircraft Performance and Design. McGraw-Hill

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. investigate available literature in order to build up background information on set problems
LO2. report and present project outcomes to a group of colleagues
LO3. work as a team to efficiently manage a project, and produce an acceptable result that meets set deadlines
LO4. understand the professional standards set under aviation legislative requirements
LO5. complete a simple project based on current aircraft performance methodology
LO6. understand concepts of take-off, climb, cruise, turn, descent, and landing performance
LO7. apply scientific principles to a particular situation in order to obtain a numerical solution to an engineering problem.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation. 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation. 3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities. 3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance. 4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements. 4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials. 5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;. 5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Additional worked examples and tutorial exercises have been developed for the unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

AERO2703: Aircraft Performance and Operations

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect