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 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Major knowledge Quizzes Three secure in-class quizzes on lecture, practical and design concepts. All completed quizzes count. Students must complete at least 2 of 3.	25%	Multiple weeks	3 Quizzes with <= 50 minutes each	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Post-lecture concept checks Short secure checks reinforcing key lecture concepts. The best 12 post-lecture concept checks will count towards the final mark.	5%	Multiple weeks	Multiple short checks, typically 5–8 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Homework discussion tasks Short Ed posts and responses on aircraft design topics.	5%	Multiple weeks	Multiple short tasks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Post-practical learning checks Short checks on practical learning and workshop concepts.	6%	Multiple weeks	Multiple short checks, 5–8 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Assessment Task Quiz Early Assessment Task week 3. Early quiz on foundational AERO1400 concepts and expectations.	2%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Aug 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	First logbook check Early feedback on logbook quality and reflection.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Aug 2026	One selected logbook entry	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Assignment 1: Regulations and AI-supported learning Structured Cogniti-supported task on regulation and construction.	7%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Sep 2026	Structured worksheet, approx. 800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Digital geometry progress check Hurdle check on aircraft choice, 3-view and geometry progress.	0%	Week 08 Due date: 27 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Oct 2026	2-page progress evidence	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Assignment 2: Lift and design feasibility Lift-equation analysis of an individual aircraft design case.	10%	Week 11 Due date: 25 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Oct 2026	Worksheet + graph + 500-word memo	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Digital aircraft geometry portfolio Checklist portfolio on OpenVSP, VSPAero, STL and 3D print.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Nov 2026	Structured portfolio + required files	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Practical learning logbook portfolio Logbook evidence of practical learning and reflection.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Nov 2026	Weekly records+selected assessed entries	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	3D printed aircraft model 3D printed model from student-created aircraft geometry.	5%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 05 Nov 2026	Physical labelled 3D model	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Workshop participation and engagement Active and safe engagement in aircraft construction practicals. Students must actively participate in at least 11 of the 13 scheduled practical sessions to pass the unit.	10%	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, Cogniti-supported learning, assignment preparation, OpenVSP/SolidWorks/VSPAero work, post-practical learning checks, logbook completion, 3D print preparation and assessment preparation	Self-directed learning (85 hr)
Week 01	AERO1400 orientation: learning by doing, aircraft construction, design thinking, AI literacy and Cogniti Aircraft Design Mentor	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Workshop induction: safety, PPE, facilities, supervision, aircraft projects, logbook expectations and practical learning evidence	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Why aircraft look the way they do: design requirements, fixed-wing and rotorcraft configurations, constraints and design methodology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	The lift equation as an aircraft design tool: weight, density, speed, wing area and lift coefficient	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Wing loading, stall speed and take-off speed: how design decisions affect aircraft feasibility	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Regulations, certification and airworthiness: how aviation rules shape design, construction and modification	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Digital aircraft geometry: three-view drawings, OpenVSP and simplified modelling assumptions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to helicopters: rotor lift, hover, control, configuration and design trade-offs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Preliminary aerodynamic analysis: VSPAero, lift/drag trends, limitations and interpretation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Design technologies: SolidWorks, STL preparation, 3D printing and manufacturability	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Design to requirements: trade-offs between performance, safety, construction, cost and operation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Weight, balance and configuration implications for aircraft design and performance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Stability and control: fixed-wing and helicopter perspectives, control surfaces, rotor control and configuration effects	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Rotating aircraft construction practical: students undertake scheduled practical exercises from the AERO1400 aircraft construction rotation. Activities may include T-tail sheet-metal fabrication and assembly, Jabiru fixed-wing aircraft assembly, RotorWay helicopter systems and assembly, and supporting skill-building exercises. Students develop practical familiarity with aircraft structures, components, drawings, fabrication processes, assembly, inspection, documentation and safety culture.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Integrated aircraft design review: regulations, construction, performance, rotorcraft, digital tools, AI literacy and design challenges	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion of aircraft construction project: final inspection, reflection, logbook consolidation and practical learning synthesis	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 two 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 2026. Significant changes to assessment weightings after student feedback and UoS review assessment..

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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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, 2026 [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