Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Aircraft Systems (Online)

AVTN 1420-30I

Course: AVTN 1420-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: AVTN
CRN: 31860

Course Description

This course provides a study of the design, construction, and theory of operation of basic systems common to fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft such as: power plants, ignition systems, propellers, rotors, flight controls, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, lubrication, environmental and oxygen systems, pressurization, landing gear systems, brake systems, ice and rain detection/protection systems, and fire detection and extinguishing systems. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25C. This is available from the FAA's website here: PHAK LinkLinks to an external site. Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Airframe, FAA-H-8083-31B. This is available from the FAA's website here: AMTALinks to an external site. Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Powerplant, FAA-H-8083-32B. This is available from the FAA's website here: AMTPLinks to an external site. Helicopter Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21B. This is available from the FAA's website here: HFH LinkLinks to an external site.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the basic design and operation of:

1. Aircraft Structures
2. Flight Control Systems
3. Aircraft De-ice and Anti-ice systems
4. Aircraft Power Plants - Reciprocating and Turbine
5. Engine Instruments
6. Fire Protection
7. Rotors, Propellers and governors
8. Flight Instruments
9. Aircraft Maintenance Requirements
10. Lubrication Systems
11. Fuel and Fuel Systems
12. Hydraulic Systems
13. Pneumatic Systems
14. Electrical Systems
15. Environmental Systems
16. Pressurization Systems
17. Landing Gear and Brake Systems
18. Forced Induction Systems
19. ADS-B

Course Requirements

Course activities will be due each week during the semester. Activities for this course are normally due each week by 11:59 pm on Sunday. All course activities must be submitted on time. Late submissions will only be accepted up to two weeks after their due dates. Activity submissions will not be accepted after the two week grace period. Students may work ahead and submit course activities anytime before their due dates.

Course Outline

Week one
Week one introduces the student to the instructor and to the syllabus for the course. The students are introduced to the various reading materials that will be needed. The student is also introduced to the library resources available to them.

Week two
Week two overview: The first area we will cover in this class is the Airframe. Your biggest interaction with the airframe comes with your preflight inspection before every flight. You may find after MANY uneventful preflight inspections that you aren't paying as much attention as you should. It is important to approach every preflight with the same focus.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.

What to do for this week:

  • Complete reading assignments, take notes as needed.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete the weekly project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about general airframe information that you read about.

Week three
This week we will be learning about the control surfaces that maneuver aircraft in flight. We will also cover how ice can affect those surfaces and what systems prevent that from happening.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.

What to do for this week:

  • Complete reading assignment, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoint presentations.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Take the Quiz at the end of this module.
  • Complete the weekly project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about general flight controls that you read about.

Week four
This week we are learning about reciprocating engines and their ignition systems and how they work.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoint presentations under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos above about reciprocating engines and ignition.
  • Complete the review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete quiz at the end of this module.
  • Complete the weekly project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about reciprocating engines that you read about.

Week five
This week we will be covering Engine Instrumentation, Fire Protection, and Propellors and Governors.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignments above, take notes as needed.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below. (ungraded)
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about Engine Instrumentation, Fire Protection, and Propellors and Governors that you read about.

Week six
This week we will be covering Helicopter Rotor Systems and also different types of Flight Instruments.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about Helicopter Rotor Systems and also different types of Flight Instruments that you read about.

Week seven
This week we will be covering basic aircraft maintenance and associated responsibilities of the Pilot in Command. We also be learning about aircraft lubricating systems.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about basic aircraft maintenance and associated responsibilities of the Pilot in Command. You will also be tested about aircraft lubricating systems that you read about.

Week eight
This week we will be covering electrical systems. We will be learning some basic electrical fundamentals as well as applying them to aircraft. This will also include looking at some basic electrical diagrams and learning some of the symbols used. Every airplane you learn to fly throughout your career will require a thorough understanding of its electrical system.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of an aircraft electrical system.
  • Identify the main components of electrical systems.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common electrical principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft electrical system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about basic aircraft electrical systems that you read about.

Week nine
This week we will be covering the different types of fuels and the fuel systems used in aircraft. We will also be learning about Hydraulic Systems and how the different types function.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about basic aircraft Hydraulic Systems that you read about.

Week 10
This week's topics are environmental, pressurization and pneumatic systems. It sounds like a lot to cover, but all three are somewhat related.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about basic aircraft environmental, pressurization and pneumatic systems that you read about.

Week 11
This week we will be covering aircraft landing gear and associated systems including brakes and suspension.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about basic aircraft landing gear and associated systems including brakes and suspension systems that you read about.

Week 12
This week we will be covering superchargers and turbochargers and how they work to improve engine performance.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Choose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about basic aircraft superchargers and turbochargers and their systems that you read about.

Week 13
This week we will be learning about turbine engines.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Explain the function & operation of each system.
  • Identify the main components of each system.
  • Explain the purpose of each component.
  • Intelligibly discuss common system principles.
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft system knowledge.
  • What to do for this week:
  • Complete reading assignment above, take notes as needed.
  • Read through the PowerPoints under reading assignments above.
  • Watch the videos.
  • Complete the 5 review questions below.
  • Participate in the required discussion assignment.
  • This discussion’s purpose engaged the student in proactive dialogue about the information that was presented in this module.
  • Complete project assignment for this module.
  • Chose a topic you found interesting from this week’s reading, videos, or discussion to create a project.
  • Choose ONE from the following for your project:
  • Write a 1–2-page paper about your chosen topic (Double Spaced).
  • Build a PowerPoint slide presentation (at least 5 slides) about your chosen topic.
  • Record a 3-minute video explaining your chosen topic and how important it is.
    • NOTE: Spelling and grammar will be considered where applicable so take your time and proofread.
  • Complete the 10-question quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge about basic aircraft superchargers and Turbine engines and their systems that you read about.

Week 14
Final study quiz

The final study quiz is designed to familiarize you with the questions that may or may not be asked on the final exam. This will help you prepare for the final exam. The quiz consists of 50 questions with a 60-minute time limit. This is an open book quiz, but you may take it only once. This quiz is worth 25 points.
Aircraft systems final exam

The final exam will consist of 71 multiple-choice questions and one essay question which is an extra credit question. The final exam is an open book exam, but you may only take it once. There is no time limit on this final. Please take your time.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late submission of course activities are strongly discouraged and acceptance of late work will be at the discretion of the instructor. Late work will only be accepted up to two weeks after the original due date, or the last day of classes, whichever comes first. Late work may be docked as much as 50% of the assignment grade.

Makeup work will be considered late work and will be subject to the stipulations of the Late Assignments section.

Attendance Policy

Each student must participate in course activities in Canvas as necessary to complete course requirements.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.