Introduction to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Course Number:
UAS 101
Transcript Title:
Introduction to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Created:
Aug 16, 2022
Updated:
May 03, 2023
Total Credits:
5
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture / Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

Placement into IRW 115 or WR 115, MTH 65 or MTH 98

Course Description

Introduces the fundamentals of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), including their history and developing role in modern aviation history. Includes UAS applications, UAS systems, human factors, UAS design, power systems, communications systems, FAA regulations, public policies and the future potential of the UAS. Covers FAA exam requirements.  Prerequisites: placement into IRW 115 or WR 115, MTH 65 or MTH 98. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the function of UAS components.
  2. Recognize the capabilities and limitations of various types and classes of UAS platforms
  3. Prepare a mission plan using the components of the UAS mission planning process
  4. Understand the civil applications of UAS
  5. Apply the requirements and processes necessary to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization for Remote Pilot License.
  6. Identify hazards associated with UAS operations and prescribe risk controls
  7. Identify ethical issues related to UAS and determine professional responses.
  8. Understand autonomous flight for effective photogrammetry.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Identify the function of UAS system components.

  • UAS system components and functions:  
    • propulsion
    • guidance
    • controls

Outcome #2: Recognize the capabilities and limitations of various types and classes of UAS platforms.

  • UAS system components and functions:
    • classes
    • payloads
    • sensor data
    • processing

Outcome #3: Prepare a mission plan using the components of the UAS mission planning process.

  • Mission planning:
    • determine outcome(s) of mission
    • develop steps for achieving mission outcome(s)

Outcome #4: Understand the civil applications of UAS.

  • Regulations:
    • FAA UAS policies
    • state and local laws governing UAS

Outcome #5: Apply the requirements and processes necessary to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization.

  • Regulations:
    • FAA FAR part 107
    • title 14
    • certificate of waiver
    • minimum requirement for a FAA Remote Pilot License.

Outcome #6: Identify hazards associated with UAS operations and prescribe risk controls.

  • Operational considerations:
    • human factors
    • airspace restrictions
    • maneuvers

Outcome #7: Identify ethical issues related to UAS and determine professional responses.

  • Respecting safety and privacy
  • professional ethics

Outcome #8: Understand autonomous flight for effective photogrammetry.

  • Identify routes
  • flight plans
  • payloads for required image capture and mapping

Suggested Texts and Materials

  • Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Marshall, ISBN:  9781482263930

  • UAS Remote Pilot Flying Handbook, Davis, second edition, 2022