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Unit of study_
AERO1400: Intro to Aircraft Construction and Design
2026 unit information
The study towards BE(Aeronautical) involves learning about the Design, Analysis, Flight, and Operation of Aircraft and other Flight Platforms. This unit facilitates the training towards becoming professional aeronautical engineers through a globally-unique experiential-learning opportunity to provide a strong background familiarity with aircraft hardware. This unit is designed to educate and facilitate the learning of aircraft design, basic aircraft construction techniques, the operation of light aircraft and the registration and regulations relating to light aircraft. In addition to hands-on skills on the construction phase, this unit facilitates learning in motivations for unique aircraft design, aircraft aerodynamics, flight mechanics, structural aspects and other design-related issues. Teamwork plays a very important role in this unit; the ability to work with peers and supervising staff is an invaluable skill sought after by employers of engineers. Throughout the semester, students will be actively participating in the construction of a light aircraft, and of aircraft structural components. The aircraft is to be constructed under current Australian Civil Aviation Regulations so that students will gain an insight into all aspects of the process. By being a part of the construction team, students will also experience the organisational requirements necessary to successfully complete a complex engineering project. The aircraft construction workshop component is complemented with lectures, homework, research and assignments to further enhance the learning experience on aircraft. The final outcome will be that students gain a good foundation of: aircraft design and analyses methods; innovative methods of construction; techniques for selecting, sizing and stressing components; regulatory requirements for certification; off-design requirements; construction tolerances; and team-work requirements in undertaking complex engineering projects.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Some basic skills with engineering workshop hand tools is desirable |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Aircraft Construction & Hands-On Skills - Demonstrate basic aircraft construction techniques through active participation in building light aircraft. - Apply construction tolerances and off-design requirements in manufacturing and assembling aircraft components. - Identify and use appropriate tools and materials for aircraft structural fabrication. - Follow Australian Civil Aviation Regulations during aircraft construction to ensure compliance and safety. - Maintain a clear record of practical work completed through freehand sketches and descriptions in a logbook
- LO2. Aircraft Design & Analysis - Explain the fundamental principles of aircraft design, including aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and structural integrity. - Apply basic design and analysis methods to evaluate aircraft performance and structural requirements. - Select, size, and stress aircraft components using introductory engineering techniques. - Recognise motivations for unique aircraft designs and assess their feasibility and innovation.
- LO3. Regulatory & Operational Knowledge - Describe the registration and certification process for light aircraft under Australian aviation regulations. - Understand the operational requirements for light aircraft, including safety, maintenance, and flight readiness.
- LO4. Teamwork & Project Management - Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to complete complex engineering tasks. - Demonstrate organisational and communication skills necessary for managing a large-scale engineering project. - Reflect on team dynamics and leadership roles in the context of engineering project execution.
- LO5. Research & Academic Skills - Conduct research on aircraft technologies and design trends to support project and assignment work. - Use digital tools and resources to create, analyse, and fabricate aircraft design geometry - Complete written assignments and reports that communicate technical findings clearly and professionally. - Engage with lectures and homework to reinforce theoretical understanding and practical application.
- LO6. Digital Tools & Engineering Technologies - Utilise digital engineering tools including OpenVSP, VSPaero, SolidWorks, Cogniti, and 3D printing technologies to support aircraft design, visualisation, and prototyping.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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