UAS Operations Course List

Courses required for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations degree program, in addition to those required for the Commercial Aviation Major include:

Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation (2 Credits)
Pre-requisite: Avit.102

This course of instruction will introduce the student to the History of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Dating back to rickety unguided weapons of the First World War, Unmanned Aircraft Systems have quickly evolved into highly sophisticated, remarkably capable machines. The integration of sophisticated miniature electronics has enabled the creation of an aircraft that conducts crucial missions in a high-threat environment without the need to risk the human pilot. This history is combined with current and future applications to give the student a thorough understanding of the nature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, their place in aviation today and possible uses in the future.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (3 Credits)
Prerequisite: Avit. 226, Co-requisite: Avit. 332

This course of instruction will introduce the student to the systems common to most Unmanned Aircraft with focus on those systems that differ significantly from their manned counterparts. Specific emphasis will be placed upon autopilot systems and their integration with flight controls and airborne communications systems. System integration is a significant aspect of unmanned aircraft. Emphasis will be placed upon current and future designs involving aircraft from the small, short endurance, hand-launched aircraft to those that operate at medium to high altitudes and for long duration missions.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ground Systems (3 Credits)
Pre-requisite: Avit. 226, Co-requisite: Avit. 331

As Unmanned Aircraft are flown, primarily from the ground, this course will allow the student to be thoroughly familiar with Ground Control Stations: specifically, their design, interoperability, standardization of controls/functions and the methodology behind their concept of operations, to include the integration of basic control concepts, communications, power requirements, etc.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sensor Systems (4 Credits)
Pre-requisite: Avit. 332, Co-requisite: Avit. 334

The primary reason for the flight of Unmanned Aircraft is to enable the use of airborne sensors to gather specific data. Whether the sensor is designed for Electro-Optical (EO), Infrared (IR) or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging or others used for the collection of atmospheric data, a thorough understanding of airborne sensors is a key capability of those desiring to operate UAS. This course will present the theory and operations of common sensors used by the operators of UAS to include the benefits and limitations of each type. In addition, a lab will be incorporated to provide experience with their utilization.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Communications and Telemetry Systems (3Credits)
Prerequisite: Avit. 332, Co-requisite: Avit. 333

This course of instruction will focus on the state of the art in Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) command and control and communications systems. The student will be introduced to the theory and operation of modern digital communications systems to include limitations/degradations created by atmospheric and astronomical phenomena. Additionally, the limitations of spectrum and the current and future regulatory environment will be stressed as they apply to unmanned aircraft systems operations.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations (4 Credits)
Prerequisites: Avit. 334

This course of instruction is designed to offer the student significant flight experience with a variety of unmanned aircraft. It will include all phases of unmanned aircraft operations to include mission planning and coordination with controlling authorities, aircraft launch, climb to altitude, mission operations, return and recovery of aircraft. Lessons will include experiences with routine scenarios as well as simulated system degradation and unplanned events. Crew resource management (CRM) will be stressed throughout. Upon completion of this course of instruction, the student will have acquired the level of experience and subject matter expertise sufficient to allow the student to obtain a manufactures’ certificate of qualification.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Instructional Practices (3 Credits)
Prerequisites: Avit 338

This course of instruction is designed to offer the student the instruction necessary to thoroughly understand the educational practices required of those teaching others to be UAS pilots. It will include the fundamentals of instruction applicable to classroom and laboratory instruction as well as all phases of unmanned aircraft operations to include aircraft launch, climb to altitude, mission operations, return and recovery of aircraft. Upon completion of this course of instruction, the student will have acquired the level of experience and subject matter expertise sufficient to instruct others in unmanned aircraft systems operations.

Each of these preceding courses addresses specific needs in a broad-ranging, in-depth manner thus providing the necessary experiences for the student to become much more than just a safe pilot of an unmanned aircraft system. Though it’s not a requirement, the courses are designed to be taken in the order listed. The graduate will be confident in his/her ability to manage a complete system. He/she will be confident that they have the background necessary to meet whatever situations arise during its operation and be able to take appropriate action necessary to protect people and property in the air or on the ground. Moreover, they will be a significant member of any team working on the development, test, and evaluation of an unmanned aircraft system.

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