AVIATION PROGRAM

PURPOSE:

To introduce young Cadets to the fields of Manned and Unmanned Aviation, the industry’s qualifications, and jobs available in the industry; all the while, gaining college credit, industry certifications and having FUN!!

GOALS:

To spark an interest in some of this Nation’s fastest growing industries, the Manned and Unmanned Aircraft Industries. To instill qualities of integrity, loyalty, dedication, a sense of citizenship, personal responsibility, to promote high school completion, higher learning, community service, to develop respect for constructed authority, a high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, individual discipline, and leadership.

BENEFITS:

Affiliation with WPHS’s largest program, Navy JROTC (275+ Cadets). Classes that are weighted on a 6.0 scale (all ERAU dual-enrollment courses). The opportunity to earn up to 20 semester hours of regionally accredited college credits, at no cost to you. A value of over $20,000. Four nationally recognized industry certifications (explained later).

PROCESS:

Freshman year is dedicated to introducing the Cadet to the Navy JROTC Program and laying the foundation of Aeronautical Science. Class – AERO SCIENCE 1 (4.0 weighted, standard class)

Sophomore year is dedicated to completing the program’s pre-requisites. Classes – Principles of Aeronautical Science AS-120 and Unmanned Aircraft Systems AS-220. (6.0 weighted, dual-enrollment classes)

Junior year is dedicated to completing the Unmanned program’s core courses or the Manned Aviation program core course. Classes – Unmanned Aircraft Systems Security AS-222 and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation and Cross-Country Data Entry AS-235. Or AS 121 Private Pilot Operations. (6.0 weighted, dual-enrollment classes). A Cadet could be enrolled in both programs, simultaneously, but this would require 2 separate class periods.

Senior year is dedicated to honing the UAS pilot’s skills and gaining FAA UAS licensure. Classes – Unmanned Aircraft Systems Aerial Photography AS-237 and FAA Part 107 Prep Course. (only the AS-237 course is 6.0 weighted, dual-enrollment class)

Industry Certifications gained: Unmanned Safety Institute’s (USI) - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Ground certification (sUASSG) and Visual Line-of-Sight Systems Operator certification (VSO). Both USI certifications are FL CAPE funded and yields the school additional school grade points and funding, for each Cadet that achieves a passing score. As well, they can earn the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107, Remote Pilot’s License and the Private Pilot’s Ground Certification with a satisfactory score on the certification exam.

Course Descriptions

AS 120 - Principles of Aeronautical Science - 3 Credits

An introductory course in Aeronautical Science designed to provide the student with a broad-based aviation orientation in flight-related areas appropriate to all non-Aeronautical Science degree programs. Subjects include historical developments in aviation and the airline industry; theory of flight; airport operations; aircraft systems and performance; elements of air navigation; basic meteorology theory; air traffic principles; flight physiology; and aviation regulations and safety.

AS 220 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems - 3 Credits

This course is a survey of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), emphasizing the military and commercial history, growth, and application of UASs. The course will include basic acquisition, use, and operation of UASs with an emphasis on operations.

AS 121 Private Pilot Operations – 5 credits – YEAR LONG COURSE

This course develops the aeronautical knowledge required for certification as a Private Pilot with an Airplane Single Engine Land rating. Topics include: regulations, safety, pre-solo operations, cross-country planning, airspace, chart use, communications, weather, performance, weight and balance, aerodynamics, and decision-making.

AS 222 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Security - 3 Credits

Unmanned Aircraft System Security is a sophomore level seminar course focused on the concepts of UAS security and protection. Through a combination of instructor lead discussion, assigned readings, and projects students will examine the concepts of security engineering, vulnerability, and malicious attack. Students will formulate opinions and strategies for protecting systems and assets from danger while understanding the implications of ignoring security concerns.

Prerequisites: AS 220.

AS 235 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation and Cross-Country Data Entry - 3 Credits

This course provides an understanding of the core technologies of unmanned aircraft systems. It will include examinations of the design concepts, powerplants, control systems, and communication technologies utilized in current unmanned aircraft systems and/or likely to be used in the next few years. Particular attention will be given to the technical capabilities, best applications, and operational best practices of cross-country flight planning for today's UASs. Proof of US citizenship is required for DB students.

Prerequisites: AS 220

***AS 237 - UAS Applications in Aerial Photography - 3 Credits***

This course will familiarize the student with guidelines, regulatory standards, and practical operational considerations for aerial photography and videography techniques specific to the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Current procedures and relevant practical application methods will provide a basis for commercial applications that leverage future UAS technologies.

***Course should be available by the 2019-2020 School Year.