Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Some basic skills with engineering workshop hand tools is desirable
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	KC Wong, kc.wong@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Online Knowledge Quizzes in class Multiple Quizzes with MCQ, short answers, and worked solutions. You must complete at least one quiz to pass this unit.	30%	Multiple weeks	Multiple with <= 50 minutes each	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Homework tasks Building knowledge in support of developing learning outcomes	5%	Multiple weeks	Multiple tasks of varying duration each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Assessment Task Quiz Early Assessment Task week 3 #earlyfeedbacktask	2%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Aug 2025	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Log book progress #1 Regular checks on progress of practical tasks completed.	2%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Aug 2025	>2 pages per week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Log book Progress #2 Regular checks on progress of practical tasks completed.	3%	Week 06 Due date: 14 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Sep 2025	>2 pages per week.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	AERO1400 Assignment 1 Intro to Aircraft Regulations & Construction Intro to Aircraft Regulations & Construction Report+responses to questions	7%	Week 06 Due date: 14 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Sep 2025	5p Techn Report + responses to questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	AERO1400 Aircraft Design Tasks - interim report Acceptable progress on Aircraft Geometry development & VSPaero analysis.	0%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Oct 2025	2p+associated appendices	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Log Book Progress #3 Regular checks on progress of practical tasks completed.	5%	Week 09 Due date: 12 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Oct 2025	>2 pages per week.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	AERO1400 Assignment 2 - Aircraft Design for Performance Evaluation of Aircraft Design - performance analysis	10%	Week 11 Due date: 26 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Oct 2025	5p technical report + appendices	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	AERO1400 Aircraft Design Tasks - Final Report Report on the process to achieve Aircraft Geometry development, analysis, and fabrication of 3D printed model of aircraft.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	~5p Technical Report+appendices	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Complete Log book final Provide a record of practical task completed, including work from whole semester.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	>2 pages per week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Design Assignment - 3D printed aircraft model 3D printed aircraft model of selected aircraft.	3%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2025 at 10:00 Closing date: 06 Nov 2025	3d Model submission	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Workshop Participation and Engagement Active Engagement with Experiential Learning Opportunities. You must actively participate in at least 11 of the 13 scheduled sessions to pass this unit.	13%	Weekly	3 hours per week throughout the semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Workshop participation: Punctuality, engagement with, and completion of practical exercises will be assessed.
Project report – homework tasks: Brief discussions on given papers and/or references are required.
Log book: : Log books are updated after each practical session to sketch (freehand) and describe in detail all work undertaken. Schedule of compulsory (hurdle tasks) regular submissions described on Canvas, with final submission to include work for the whole semester.
Assignments: Students will complete practical assignments and submit various products for marking:
- Assignment 1a & 1b: CAD geometry files, CFD analysis, 3D printed model and comments on the processes. Assignment 1a is an interim progress report on Aircraft Geometry development & analysis task is a compulsory hurdle task which feeds into final assessment of assignment.
- Assignment 2: technical report on relevant aviation regulations.
- Assignment 3: spreadsheet, sample hand calculation verifying the spreadsheet, and a technical report on aircraft design for flight performance.
Quizzes: Students will complete multiple in-class quizzes that test knowledge of elements of aircraft design and analysis covered in lectures and practical sessions. Schedules and details on Canvas.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Background research, working on assignments and preparation for classes and assessments	Independent study (85 hr)
Week 01	Enhancing the aeronautical engineering learning experience	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the aircraft construction project, workshop safety and facilities, and supervising staff	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Enhancing the aeronautical engineering learning experience; introduction to aircraft design - design methodology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to aircraft design - design phases	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to aircraft design - aerodynamic forces	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to aircraft design - design information retrieval	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Introduction to aircraft design - design to requirements	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to aircraft design - configuration options	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to aircraft design - case study	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to aircraft design - design evaluations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to aircraft design - design technologies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to aircraft design - weight and balance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Aircraft construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to Aircraft Design - Stability and Control	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Aircraft Construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Introduction to aircraft design - summary and design challenges	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion of aircraft construction project	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are required to attend and engage in all practical sessions; attendance and active participation will be noted. It is essential that PPE requirements are fully complied with.

Hurdle Tasks:

You must actively participate in at least 11 of the 13 scheduled Prac Classes, ie you can Fail this unit if you do not actively participate in at least 11 of the 13 scheduled Prac Classes.
You must complete at least one of the in-class quizzes to pass this unit.

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

References:

FAA-H-8083-31B_Aviation_Maintenance_Technician_Handbook.pdf

Beginners Guide to Aeronautics | Glenn Research Center | NASA

Fundamentals Of Aircraft Design | Aerotoolbox | AeroToolbox

OpenVSP

Introduction to SOLIDWORKS - 2025 - SOLIDWORKS Connected Tutorials

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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.

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Updated for 2025. Modified Learning Outcomes for better clarity. Added hurdle task of minimum attendance number of Practical Lab sessions and in-class quizzes.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for participating in learning activities in lab/workshop essential from Week 1.

NOTE: Wearing of Face Masks is strongly encouraged as part of PPE if you have symptoms of coughs/colds.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes:

Hair restraints – If your long hair cannot otherwise be restrained you must wear a hair net, beret or cap worn backwards.
Safety glasses conforming to Australian Standard AS1337
Boots or shoes with an enclosed leather upper and steel toe caps to Australian Standard AS2210
Dust coat (lab coat) with long trousers, or overalls:

Knitted woollen jumpers can become entangled in machines, as can lose or poorly-fitting clothing. Neither are suitable, even under your lab coat.
Jewellery such as rings, bracelets and necklaces must not be worn in workshops.
Short-legged pants and jeans with holes are not acceptable as trousers.

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

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AERO1400: Intro to Aircraft Construction and Design

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links