AVI150 - Basic Aircraft Systems

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2024-01-29 01:10:36.654
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:07.623


Subject Title
Basic Aircraft Systems

Subject Description
Topics include operation of both single and multi-engine aircraft, piston engines, propellers, undercarriage, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, anti and de-ice systems, aircraft structures and construction, as well as basic troubleshooting procedures. A passing grade must be obtained in this subject to be recommended to write the Transport Canada Private and Commercial Examinations.

Credit Status
One credit in the Commercial Pilot Certificate

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Display a detailed knowledge and understanding of the basic systems of typical single and multi-engine aircraft

2. Display a thorough understanding of piston engine operation, and develop a basic understanding of turbine engine theory

3. Apply the knowledge and practical techniques gained in this course toward day-to-day flight operations, including the application of basic troubleshooting techniques

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
Co-requisite
AVI 100 (Aeronautics) 

Topic Outline
Introduction / Operation of Single and Multi Engine Aircraft

  • safety and dangers around aircraft engines  
  • familiarization with engine controls  
  • familiarization with engine instruments

Aircraft Engines: Piston and Turbine
  • Piston Engines
    • the four stroke engine 
    • engine components 
    • air cooling 
    • carburetor 
    • fuel injection 
    • ignition systems 
    • exhaust system 
    • limitations
    • turbo / supercharging
  • Turbine Engines
    • dangers and warnings 
    • basic theory 
    • types: straight jet, high bypass 
    • turboprops: fixed turbine, free turbine

Propellers
  • fixed pitch 
  • variable pitch 
  • constant speed 
  • propeller governors 
  • reverse pitch props

Aircraft Structures and Construction
  • fuselage types (monocoque, semi-monocoque, truss fuselage, fabric covered, wood structures) 
  • construction (wing group, control surfaces, spars, stringers, formers, ribs)

Undercarriage and Hydraulics Systems
  • Undercarriage
    • tires, wheels, brakes, landing gear, emergency extension 
  • Hydraulics
    • basic theory, actuators, selectors, pumps, filters

Fuel Systems
  • fueling and handling 
  • contamination 
  • aircraft fuel storage 
  • types of fuels

Electrical Systems, Vacuum Systems
  • Electrical Systems
    • AC/DC basics 
    • batteries 
    • circuit protection 
    • alternators and regulators 
    • bus-bars 
    • switches 
    • solenoids and relays 
    • 12 volts vs 24 volts  
  • Vacuum Systems
    • vacuum pumps 
    • dual pumps 
    • vacuum regulator 
    • central vacuum filters 
    • indication 
    • instruments

Anti-Ice and De-Ice Systems
  • Anti-Ice Systems
    • wing anti-ice 
    • propeller anti-ice 
    • bleed air for anti-ice 
    • AC/DC for anti-ice 
    • windshield heat 
    • operation 
    • automatic systems
  • De-Ice Systems
    • wing and propeller de-ice 
    • rubber de-ice boots 
    • alcohol solution 
    • air/vacuum pumps 
    • selector and valves 
    • auto timing units 

Basic Troubleshooting Procedures
  • Troubleshooting
    • checking instruments 
    • faulty instrumentation / erroneous readings 
    • list look learn 
    • recording problems 
    • decision making 
    • following the checklist
  • Reporting Defects
    • after trouble shooting? How to report 
    • airworthiness defects 
    • non-airworthiness defects 
    • grounding an aircraft 
    • informing your AME

Mode of Instruction
Lectures, class discussions  

Prescribed Texts
From the Ground Up,  27th Edition, S.A.F. MacDonald, Aviation Publishing  

Reference Material
In-Class Handouts  

Required Supplies
None.

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+90%  to  100%
A80%  to  89%
B+75%  to  79%
B70%  to  74%
C+65%  to  69%
C60%  to  64%
D+55%  to  59%
D50%  to  54%
F0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXCExcellent
SATSatisfactory
UNSATUnsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices..


Modes of Evaluation
Since this is a professional credit subject, marking standards reinforce professional practice by demanding legible, tidy work. Assignments should be well organized and grammatically correct, with proper spelling and punctuation. Late assignments are penalized. For particulars, please obtain standards, dated, etc. from your instructor. 

While attendance and participation in class discussions are not formally part of this evaluation schedule, you should be aware that absenteeism will almost guarantee your inability to achieve satisfactory grades. Some of the progress tests and quizzes may not be announced in advance and details of assignment requirements may be explained in class. There is no formal provision for make-up tests to replace tests you miss. 

To attain a passing grade for the subject, a student must complete and obtain a passing grade on all combined assignments and tests.  For further information on evaluation and academic standing, see a copy of Academic Policy. 

Grading is based on the following marking scheme:

All assignments 30%
Midterm Test 30%
Final Examination 40%
Total: 100%




Approved by: Denis Gravelle