Aviation Academy

Through the support of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Pequannock High School offers a series of courses that will expose students to the aviation and aerospace community. The courses will align with state standards. Students who successfully complete the four-year sequence will be eligible for certifications in their choice of manned flight, such as airplanes, or unmanned flight, such as drones. 

For more information on the Aviation Academy, visit the Aviation Academy website by clicking here:  PTHS Aviation Academy 

FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING - ACADEMY

Grade: 9

Credits: 2.5

Prerequisites: Course exclusively offered to students enrolled in Aviation Academy

The goal of this course is to give students the skills they need to succeed in STEM fields.   These skills include, but are not limited to: utilizing and applying the engineering problem solving model, developing an understanding of weights and measurements, acquire skills in orthographic and isometric drawing, developing an understanding of aerodynamics, electrical circuits, structural engineering, mastery of group dynamics, problem identification, brainstorming, critical thinking, long-term planning, and reflection.   Most class periods will be spent in group work on projects, involving each step of the scientific and engineering method.  Some periods will be student-generated discussion about the relevant scientific and engineering concepts behind the projects.  This class will allow students to experience school and the classroom in ways, which reflect industry practices and models.   (This course is paired with Introduction to Aerospace-Flying Machines) 

INTRODUCTION TO AEROSPACE-FLYING MACHINES - ACADEMY

Grade: 9

Credits: 2.5

Prerequisites: Course exclusively offered to students enrolled in Aviation Academy

In this hands-on course, students will explore the evolution of man’s attempts to conquer the skies.  Projects require students to design, build, and test: parachutes, balloons, paper gliders, balsa gliders, launch gliders, propeller airplanes, and small rockets.  Students will build airfoils and test them in wind tunnels, calculate the four forces of flight, and understand Bernouli’s Principle.  (This course is paired with Fundamentals of Engineering.) 

INTRODUCTION TO FLIGHT

Grade: 10

Credits 2.5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Introduction to Aerospace - Flying Machines

In the Introduction to Flight Course, students pursuing the pilot and UAS tracks will take a closer look at the aircraft they may one day operate. Students will begin with an exploration of the types of aircraft in use today before going on to learn how aircraft are made and how they fly. Students will understand how aircraft are categorized, be able to identify their parts, and learn about aircraft construction techniques and materials. They will gain an in-depth understanding of the forces of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—including how to make key calculations. They will then touch on aircraft design, looking at stability, aircraft controls, and maneuvering flight. The course will conclude with a focus on career skills related to these topics.

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS & PERFORMANCE 

Grade: 10

Credits 2.5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Introduction to Flight

In the Aircraft Systems and Performance course, students in the UAS and Pilot tracks will take an in-depth look at the systems that make manned and unmanned aircraft work as well as the instrumentation powered by those systems. Beginning with aircraft powerplants and fuel systems, students will learn about the different options available and how they affect aircraft design and performance. They will go on to explore other key aircraft systems, including electrical, pitot-static, and vacuum systems. Throughout, they will learn about the flight instruments associated with each system and how to identify and troubleshoot common problems. This unit also covers airplane flight manuals, the pilot's operating handbook, and required aircraft documents. Finally, students will learn about the factors that affect aircraft performance and how to determine critical operating data for aircraft.

THE FLYING ENVIRONMENT

Grade: 11

Credits 2.5

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Year 1 and 2 courses of study in Aviation Academy

This course is foundational for both manned and unmanned aviation, and will prepare students to take either of two Federal Aviation Administration tests: The Private Pilot Knowledge Test or the Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Topics include: pre-flight procedures, airspace, radio communications, aviation phraseology, regulations, airport operations, aviation safety, weather, cockpit management, and emergency procedures.

FLIGHT PLANNING AND UAS OPERATIONS

Grade: 11

Credits 2.5

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of The Flying Environment Course

This course is separated into two sections.  The Flight Planning section will cover remaining topics necessary for students to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Students will learn pilot and aircraft qualifications, cross-country flight planning, weight and balance, performance and limitations, human factors, chart use, night operations, navigation systems, and aeronautical decision making. Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple practice examinations. At the end of this course, a school may choose to arrange for students to be signed off to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Private Pilot written exam.

The UAS Operations section will cover small unmanned aircraft performance, ethics, human factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, safety protocols, weight and balance, maintenance, aviation weather sources and effects of weather (micro-meteorology) on small unmanned aircraft performance, small unmanned aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and preflight inspection procedures. Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple 

practice examinations. Students will be prepared to complete the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test.

PREFLIGHT YOUR CAREER

Grade: 12

Credits 2.5

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Grade 11 Aviation Courses

Students will examine advanced aviation topics and career options after preparing for the Private Pilot Knowledge Test or Part 107 Remote Pilot Test in the previous year. Instrument flight, commercial aviation, and advanced aircraft systems begin the semester. Looking into the future, students will then explore new horizons in the aerospace industry. What might aviation look like five, ten, or twenty years into the future? The focus then turns to business development opportunities in aviation. Finally, students will learn about and conduct different types of research in preparation for their capstone project in the second semester.

THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

Grade: 12

Credits 2.5

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of PreFlight Your Career Course

The capstone course is the culmination of the student learning experience. The students will work individually or in small groups to study and report on an aviation topic of their choosing. The goal of this capstone course is to allow students to demonstrate an understanding of a contemporary topic in aviation. The curriculum will include presentations and activities to help guide student research and project development.