Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Flight Management Systems (Online)

AVTN 1620-31I

Course: AVTN 1620-31I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: AVTN
CRN: 31865

Course Description

This course familiarizes students with popular flight management systems in use in aircraft today and introduces flight management systems that may still be in various stages of development. The more common flight management systems will be covered in greater detail and on operational levels necessary for pilots to safely and successfully utilize those systems in flight. Much of this course is focused on the concepts of human factors related to the operation of these flight management systems. Onboard aviation weather equipment is included in the flight management systems discussed. This course includes both in-class instruction and hands-on experience. Hands-on experience is provided by means of various flight management systems simulators, emulators, software, and other such devices. (Fall, Spring, Summer [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

Lutat, C.J., Swah, R.H. (2013). Automation Airmanship. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-181586-4

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will demonstrate an understanding of the planning and execution of flight plans, utilizing various navigation systems while applying best practices of airmanship as exemplified by the Lutat text. Students will gain knowledge of the components of flight management systems; flight management system functions, and effects of CRM practices through class discussion and practice, in addition to examination of relevant aircraft accident reports.

Course Requirements

Student performance in the course will be measured by course activities, discussion case studies, multiple projects, quizzes, and a final exam.

GRADING:
Discussions                  20%
Group Assignment        10%
Projects                        30%
Quizzes / Exams           30%
Final Exam.                  10%
Total                            100%

Letter grades will be calculated as follows:

93.5% - 100.0% = A
89.5% - 93.5%  = A-
86.5% - 89.5%  = B+
82.5% - 86.5%  = B
79.5% - 82.5%  = B-
76.5% - 79.5% = C+
72.5% - 76.5%  = C
69.5% - 72.5%  = C-
66.5% - 69.5%  = D+
below 60%  = F


Academic Integrity:
 
With the increased presence of Artificial Intelligence in the educational community, and an uptick in its use among students, I have elected to start using Copyleaks to filter any AI or non-original work.   If your assignment is flagged I will contact you directly to discuss a resolution.

Copyleaks will also flag any plagiarized work, including work from previous or current students.  PLEASE make sure you are submitting your own original work per the SUU Academic Integrity Policies.

Course Outline

  • Week 1 – Introduction to the Course
    • Commenced Attendance Quiz
    • Introduction Discussion
  • Week 2 – The Evolution of Flight Management Systems
    • Discussion – Case Study #1
    • Quiz on Chapter 1 & 2
  • Week 3 – Fundamentals of Modern Aircraft Automation
    • Discussion – Case Study #2
    • GNS 430 FMS Project
    • Quiz on Chapter 3
  • Week 4 – Planning / Briefing and Debriefing
    • Discussion – Case Study #3
    • G1000 FMS First Project
    • Quiz on Chapter 4 & 5
  • Week 5 – Data Entry
    • Discussion – Case Study #4
    • G1000 FMS Second Project
    • Memory Test Project
  • Week 6 – Communication
    • Discussion – Case Study #5
    • Quiz on Chapter 6 & 7
  • Week 7 – Monitoring
    • Discussion – Case Study #6
    • G1000 FMS Third Project
    • Stepping Down Project
  • Week 8 – Situational and Mode Awareness
    • Discussion – Case Study #7
    • Quiz on Chapter 8 & 9
  • Week 9 – Workload Management
    • Discussion – Case Study #8
    • GTN750 FMS First Project
    • CRM Concept Map Project
  • Week 10 – Positive Flight Path Control
    • Discussion – Case Study #9
    • Quiz on Chapter 10 & 11
  • Week 11 – Logic Knowledge
    • Discussion – Case Study #10
    • GTN750 FMS Second Project
  • Week 12 – Performance Benchmarks
    • Discussion – Case Study #11
    • Weather Radar Project
    • Extra Credit Review Quiz
  • Week 13 – Making Sense of the Technology
    • Discussion – Case Study #12
    • Quiz on Chapter 12 & 14
  • Week 14 – Airbus A320 FMS / Collins Pro-Line FMS / Course Review
    • Airbus A320 FMS Quiz
    • Collins Pro-Line 21 FMS Quiz
    • Discussion – Course Review
  • Finals Week
    • Comprehensive Final Exam


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

Late assignments are strongly discouraged and acceptance of late work will be at the discretion of the instructor.  Assignments may be available for late submission up to two weeks after the assignment due date for a reduced score.  Please contact the instructor directly if other arrangements need to be made.

Attendance Policy

This is an online, asynchronous course so there are not any required attendance times.  Students are expected to complete the weekly assignments and quizzes per the outlined schedule.

Course Fees

All Aviation (AVTN) courses have an additional fee of $1.25 per credit hour.

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.