Course Title: Apply basic aircraft design characteristics

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: AERO6078C

Course Title: Apply basic aircraft design characteristics

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

School: 520T Future Technologies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6187 - Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)

Course Contact: Amita Iyer

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99258311

Course Contact Email: amita.iyer@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Yadana Wai

Tel: 9925 4461

E: yadana.wai@rmit.edu.au

Program Manager: Amita Iyer
Tel: 9925 8311
E: Amita.Iyer@rmit.edu.au

Appointments via email

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

MEA107 Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications

MEA154 Apply work health and safety practices in aviation maintenance

MEA158 Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research, evaluate and apply basic knowledge of aerodynamic shape and structural methods to inform design for aeroplanes and rotary wing aircraft.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MEAMEC0032 Apply basic aircraft design characteristics

Element:

1. Research and evaluate aeroplane aerodynamic shape

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify common wing plan forms and evaluate relative advantages and disadvantages for aerodynamic design

1.2 Identify common wing configurations and evaluate relative advantages and disadvantages for aerodynamic design

1.3 Discuss aerofoil characteristics in terms of aircraft performance with design project team

1.4 Discuss aeroplane stability and control in terms of aerodynamic design with design project team

1.5 Identify types of primary and secondary flight control surfaces and discuss control balancing with design project team

1.6 Identify and compare types of lift augmentation device for meeting aerodynamic design requirements

1.7 Identify and show consideration for factors that affect an aircraft in subsonic and high-speed flight as part of design

Element:

2. Research and evaluate rotary wing aerodynamic design

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify common rotor configurations and discuss their aerodynamic characteristics with design project team

2.2 Discuss rotary wing aircraft control and stability with design project team

Element:

3. Research and evaluate basic aircraft structural design

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify and show consideration for loads acting on an aircraft structure

3.2 Identify and compare methods of construction of airframes and power plant support structures in meeting aerodynamic design requirements

3.3 Identify materials of construction commonly used in aircraft structures and identify their relative advantages and disadvantages in meeting aerodynamic design requirements

3.4 Identify and discuss fabrication methods commonly used in aircraft structure with design project team

3.5 Identify maintenance requirements for aircraft structure to assist in effective decision-making

Element:

4. Research and evaluate basic landing gear design and construction

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify and discuss configurations of landing gear in terms of relative advantages and disadvantages with design project team

4.2 Identify and discuss the relative benefits of fixed and retractable landing gear with design project team

4.3 Identify and discuss construction materials used in landing gear components with design project team

Element:

5. Apply basic aircraft design characteristics

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Determine an appropriate aerodynamic shape, given required aircraft use and performance characteristics, to meet aerodynamic design requirements

5.2 Propose appropriate method of construction, materials of construction and fabrication method to meet aerodynamic design requirements

5.3 Propose appropriate landing gear configuration to meet aerodynamic design requirements

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the elements of this unit of competency.


Details of Learning Activities

You will be involved in the following learning activities to meet requirements for the two clustered competencies (AERO5819C and AERO5952C ) and stage 1 competencies for Engineering Associates:

  • Lecture
  • Tutorial
  • Quiz and test
  • Assignment and project
Cluster Information:This course is delivered in a cluster in conjunction with BUSM6691C. You must enroll in both courses delivered in this cluster. All the learning and assessment activities will include the components of all competencies AERO6078C and BUSM6691C.Elements and Performance Criteria for (AERO6078C) MEAMEC0032

Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research and evaluate aeroplane aerodynamic shape

1.1 Identify common wing plan forms and evaluate relative advantages and disadvantages for aerodynamic design

1.2 Identify common wing configurations and evaluate relative advantages and disadvantages for aerodynamic design

1.3 Discuss aerofoil characteristics in terms of aircraft performance with design project team

1.4 Discuss aeroplane stability and control in terms of aerodynamic design with design project team

1.5 Identify types of primary and secondary flight control surfaces and discuss control balancing with design project team

1.6 Identify and compare types of lift augmentation device for meeting aerodynamic design requirements

1.7 Identify and show consideration for factors that affect an aircraft in subsonic and high-speed flight as part of design

2. Research and evaluate rotary wing aerodynamic design

2.1 Identify common rotor configurations and discuss their aerodynamic characteristics with design project team

2.2 Discuss rotary wing aircraft control and stability with design project team

3. Research and evaluate basic aircraft structural design

3.1 Identify and show consideration for loads acting on an aircraft structure

3.2 Identify and compare methods of construction of airframes and power plant support structures in meeting aerodynamic design requirements

3.3 Identify materials of construction commonly used in aircraft structures and identify their relative advantages and disadvantages in meeting aerodynamic design requirements

3.4 Identify and discuss fabrication methods commonly used in aircraft structure with design project team

3.5 Identify maintenance requirements for aircraft structure to assist in effective decision-making

4. Research and evaluate basic landing gear design and construction

4.1 Identify and discuss configurations of landing gear in terms of relative advantages and disadvantages with design project team

4.2 Identify and discuss the relative benefits of fixed and retractable landing gear with design project team

4.3 Identify and discuss construction materials used in landing gear components with design project team

5. Apply basic aircraft design characteristics

5.1 Determine an appropriate aerodynamic shape, given required aircraft use and performance characteristics, to meet aerodynamic design requirements

5.2 Propose appropriate method of construction, materials of construction and fabrication method to meet aerodynamic design requirements

5.3 Propose appropriate landing gear configuration to meet aerodynamic design requirements
Elements and Performance Criteria for (BUSM6691C) MEM22013A

Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Review and confirm parameters of delegated project

1.1

Review designs, drawings, standards and established implementation plan and schedule to establish scope of the engineering project

1.2

Review budget and control measures for delegated project

1.3

Review project management structure, functional team relationships, communications and reporting lines

1.4

Review materials, logistics and services procurement requirements

1.5

Review the need for appropriate technical and professional assistance

1.6

Review physical resources requirements

1.7

Review human resources and skills development requirements

1.8

Review compliance requirements for project, including WHS requirements, codes of practice, regulations, standards, legal and other regulatory requirements, and enterprise procedures

2

Coordinate implementation of delegated project

2.1

Assign and obtain team agreement to plans, communication arrangements, responsibilities, schedules and requirements

2.2

Establish liaison arrangements with other functional groups

2.3

Ensure efficient and documented arrangements for requests for further information (RFIs) from designers and other experts

2.4

Confirm internal and external reporting requirements, including content, schedule and sign-off arrangements

2.5

Confirm suppliers, contractors and delivery schedules, and any installation requirements

2.6

Coordinate actions to overcome constraints and contingencies, including coordination with stakeholders and adjustments, if necessary, to plans and schedules

2.7

Coordinate and monitor specialist and technical support services to meet schedules, budgets and performance requirements

2.8

Maintain and monitor records of project tasks for accountability against objectives, schedule and budget

2.9

Apply principles of continuous improvement to implementation

2.10

Implement project management, resources control and budgeting software, when required

3

Report on outcomes

3.1

Record progress in accordance with procedures

3.2

Supervise the completion of project, including sign-off and completion of required documentation of the project

Engineers Australia Mapping Information:

This course is mapped against stage 1 competencies for Engineering Associates developed by Engineers Australia as detailed below:

EA 1. Knowledge and Skill Base
EA1.1. Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to engineering.
EA1.2. Conceptual understanding of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
EA1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
EA1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
EA1.5. Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
EA1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.

EA2. Engineering Application Ability
EA2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
EA2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
EA2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
EA2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

EA3. Professional and Personal Attributes
EA3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
EA3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
EA3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanor.
EA3.4. Professional use and management of information.
EA3.5. Orderly management of self and professional conduct.
EA3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies are mapped with competency MEA341A in the Assessment Matrix.


Teaching Schedule

Proposed teaching schedule

Week Topics Delivered
1

Introduction to the course, Anatomy of the aircraft components,

Introduction to UAV project
2 Wing and Aerofoil
Plan and Design UAV Project
3

Wing and Aerofoil
Plan and Design UAV Project

4

Wing and Aerofoil
Plan and Design UAV Project

5

Wing and Aerfoil, Flight Control Surfaces
Plan and Design UAV Project
6 Flight Control Balancing Methods, Aircraft Stability and Control
Plan and Design UAV Project
7 Aircraft Stability and Control
Plan, Design and Build UAV Project
The UAV Project Conceptual Design Report is due
8

High-Speed Flight

Plan, Design and Build UAV Project
Test 1
9

Rotatory Wing Aerodynamics & Design

Plan, Design and Build UAV Project
10

Rotatory Wing Aerodynamics & Design

Plan, Design and Build UAV Project
11

Basic aircraft structural design

Plan, Design and Build UAV Project
12

Basic aircraft structural design

Plan, Design and Build UAV Project
13

Basic aircraft structural design

Plan, Design and Build UAV Project
14

Landing Gear Design Configuration

Aircraft Maintenance Requirements

Plan, Design, and Build UAV Project

Assignment is due
15

Test 2

Plan, Design, and Build UAV Project
16 UAV Project Flight Testing
17 The UAV Project Final Design Report is due
18 Student Feedback


Student directed hours involve completing activities such as reading online resources, assignment, individual student-teacher course related consultation. Students are required to self-study the learning materials and complete the assigned out of class activities for the scheduled non-teaching hours. The estimated time is minimum 30 hours outside the class time.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Aircraft Design: A Systems Engineering Approach, Mohammad H. Sadraey

ISBN: 978-1-119-95340-1

References


Other Resources

1. Anderson, D.F., “Understanding Flight”, McGraw-Hill, 2001.
2. Burton, M., “Principles of Flight”, Airlife Publishing Ltd., 1997.
3. Carpenter, C.”Flightwisw Volume 1: Principles of Aircraft Flight“, Airlife Publishing Ltd., 1997.
4. Carpenter, C.”Flightwisw Volume 2: Aircraft Stability and Control“, Airlife Publishing Ltd., 1997.
5. Talay, Theodore A., "Introduction to Aerodynamics of Flight", NASA-Sp-367, 1975
6. Airfarme and Powerplant Mechanics. Airframe Handbook. EA-AC65-15A, Federal Aviation Administration Publishing, Washington DC, USA.
7. Airfarme and Powerplant Mechanics. General Handbook. EA-AC65-9A, Federal Aviation Administration Publishing, Washington DC, USA.
8. Crane, D. Airframe section Textbook. EA-ITP-AB, Aviation Maintenance Publishers, Basin, Wyoming, 1995.
9. Delp, Bent & Mckinley. "Aircraft Maintenance and Repair". 5th Edition, McGraw Hill, New York, 1987.
10. Foye, J. "Aircraft Technical Dictionary". 3rd Edition, Casper, Wyoming, 1990.

Students will be able to access information and learning materials through myRMIT and may be provided with additional materials in class. List of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content are assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.

This unit is clustered with MEM22013 - Coordinate engineering projects. Please enrol in both the units.


Assessment Tasks

You are required to complete the following assessment tasks:

Assessment 1: Knowledge Questions

Assessment 2: Practical Assessment (Project task 1)

Assessment 3: Practical Assessment (Project task 2)

Assessment 4: Assignment

Assessment 5: Tests

This course is assessed as Competent or Not Yet Competent.

The candidates who are attained competency in ALL performance criteria, then, will be graded according to their performance on assessment tasks.

You will be assessed in various ways to ensure you meet the requirements of the course. Assessment tasks consist of quizzes, one assignment, one project and two written tests.

All assessment tasks need to be successfully completed to demonstrate competence.


Assessment Matrix

Assessment vs MEAMEC0032 Elements & Performance Criteria

MEAMEC0032 Elements & Performance Criteria
Assessments 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 2.1 2.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 5.3

Assessment 1:

Assessment 2:

Assessment 3:

X X X X X X

Assessment 4:

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Assessment 5:

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Assessment vs Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

EA1.1
EA1.2 EA1.3
EA1.4 EA1.5 EA1.6
EA2.1 EA2.2 EA2.3
 EA2.4 EA3.1
EA3.2 EA3.3 EA3.4
 EA3.5
EA3.6
Assessment 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Assessment 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Assessment 3 X X X X X X X X X X X
Assessment 4 X X X X X X X X X X X
Assessment 5 X X X X
All
Assessments
MEAMEC0032		 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 2
0 (Blank) Graduate attribute is not assessed.
1 Graduate attribute is assessed in at least one, but less than one-third, of the Element
2 Graduate attribute is assessed in at least one third, but less than two-thirds, of the Element
3 Graduate attribute is assessed in more than two-thirds of the Element


Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

  • Relevant
  • Current
  • Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.

Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you.
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:

assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
maths and science developmental support and advice
English language development

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission:

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted.
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date.

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.


Special consideration:

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism.

Other Information:

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview