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Unit outline_

AERO2703: Aircraft Performance and Operations

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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
? 
{(MATH1X61 or MATH1971) or [(MATH1X21 or MATH1931) and MATH1X02]} and [(MATH1X62 or MATH1972) or (MATH1X23 or MATH1933)] and (ENGG1801 or ENGG1810) and AMME1802 and AERO1400
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 Nicholas Lawson, nicholas.lawson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Nicholas Lawson, nicholas.lawson@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Nishanth Menakath, nishanth.menakath@sydney.edu.au
Darren Rajeepan, darren.rajeepan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Tutorial participation
Small continuous assessment on delivered materials.
10% Multiple weeks 1-2 pages of workings
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO4
Online task Quiz 1
Online quiz for all material assessed in Assignment 1 as scheduled.
12.5% Week 04
Due date: 19 Aug 2024 at 15:00
answer 2 questions
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO7
Assignment Assignment 1
Take-off, climb, cruise and landing performance.
15% Week 05
Due date: 01 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Sep 2024
Report length: maximum 10 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO7
Assignment Assignment 2
Manoeuvring performance and weight & balance.
15% Week 07
Due date: 15 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 20 Sep 2024
Report length: maximum 10 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7
Online task Quiz 2
Online quiz for all material assessed in Assignment 2 as scheduled.
12.5% Week 08
Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 15:00
answer 2 questions
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Project
Group project of aircraft performance and mission optimisation.
25% Week 12
Due date: 27 Oct 2024 at 23:59
Report length: maximum 20 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Presentation
Group presentation on group project.
10% Week 13
Due date: 30 Oct 2024 at 18:00
5-10 min presentation plus Q&As
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
group assignment = 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. The group assignment will have weighted marks for individuals based on a SparkPlus survey. Any student that does not submit a survey may receive a zero mark. Poor student group  participation may affect their overall weighting.
  • 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 and presentation slides must be submitted an hour after presentations finish. Non-attendence may result in a zero mark.
  • 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Independent Study. Prepare for classes and to work on assignments Independent study (68 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 01 Introduction to aircraft performance Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Basic aerodynamics and propulsion concepts Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 02 1. Cruise performance; 2. Range and endurance, landing Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 03 1. Take-Off Performance; 2. Climb performance; 3. Assignment briefing Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 1. Manouevres I & II Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 1. Weight + balance; 2. V-n diagram; 3. Assignment briefing; Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 06 1. Weight & balance; 2. Cockpit I & II Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 07 1. Flight envelope 2. Sim sessions Lecture and tutorial (16 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Assignment briefing Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 1. Aviation legislative requirements; 2. Noise, economics, costs Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 10 1. Flight path optimisation: 2. Operations I Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 11 1. Operations II Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 13 Presentation Group Research Project Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Lectures : On average, 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:

 

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 to demonstrate an understanding of aircraft operations
  • 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, turning, descent, and landing performance, with supporting aerodynamics
  • 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
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.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
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.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
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.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
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.
LO6
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
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.
LO7
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
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.

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.

SparkPlus Survey: All students must complete the SparkPlus survey for the group report. These results are used to weight the individual contribution and mark from the group report, along with consideration of the survey results from the other group members. Students that do not submit a survey may get a zero mark. Groups are typically 5 - 7 students in size. A statement of contribution may also be required for the report from individual group members, at the discretion of the UoS coordinator.

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.