You will learn to calculate (optimal) performance of an aircraft in realistic operating conditions, satisfying real-world constraints. A thorough coverage of the principles of aircraft performance for the key flight phases will be provided by an expert in the field. The gap between theory and practice will be bridged by interviews with experienced flight test pilots. Most text books and courses on this topic are either limited to an analytical treatment of relatively simple problems or they focus on operational aspects without a thorough treatment of the physics. However, in this course you will also learn how to develop your own physics based computer simulations that calculate realistic aircraft performance characteristics. Even though the emphasis in this course is on fixed wing civil aircraft, what you will learn can also be applied directly to other vehicles such as military aircraft, gliders, and unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to the online course material, you will also receive the E-book "Elements of Airplane Performance" by Ruijgrok.

Modular course structure

The course has a modular set up where you can choose your own path based on your background, knowledge and personal preferences. Either choose an analytical approach of all important flight phases from take-off to landing or choose an advanced treatment of specific flight phases including detailed numerical simulations. If needed, a basic introduction module is also available. There are also three occasions to have live meetings with the instructor team, the dates and times of which will be scheduled at the beginning of the course.

Each module has a workload of approximately 6 hours. The simulation module requires an effort of about 12 hours. For successful completion of the course and receipt of the certificate of completion you should pass either at least 4 regular modules or 2 regular modules and the simulation module. Regardless of your choice of modules, you can still access the content of all other modules without completing their assignments. However if you choose to complete more modules than required, the modules with the higher score will count towards the course certificate.

Topics that will be discussed in each module (subject to change):

Climb and descent

1.Introduction
2.Climb rate and climb angle
3.General equations of motion and power equation
4.Small angle approximation
5.Steady climb performance
6.Altitude effects on steady climb performance
7.En-route climb procedures
8.En-route climb performance
9.Descent procedure (powered flight)
10.Gliding flight
11.Time and distance (path performance)
12.Energy height
13.Optimal climb subsonic aircraft
14.Optimal climb supersonic aircraft
15.Conclusion

Take-off and landing

1.Introduction
2.Take-off manoeuvre
3.Take-off performance
4.Take-off ground run distance
5.Take-off airborne distance
6.Factors influencing take-off performance
7.The flight manual (operational speeds)
8.Landing manoeuvre
9.Airborne distance
10.Ground run distance
11.Factors influencing landing performance
12.Conclusion

Cruise flight

1.Introduction
2.Cruise performance
3.Optimum cruise conditions – ideal jet aircraft
4.Overall cruise performance – ideal jet aircraft
5.Optimum cruise conditions – ideal propeller aircraft
6.Overall cruise performance ideal propeller aircraft
7.Unified range equation
8.Cruise at transonic conditions (realistic turbofan aircraft)
9.Economics
10.Conclusion

Turning flight

1.Introduction
2.Steady, coordinated, horizontal turn
3.Equations of motion and load factor
4.Standard turns
5.Maximum achievable load factor (steepest turn)
6.Minimum turn radius (tightest turn)
7.Minimum time to turn (fastest turn)
8.Altitude effects
9.Conclusion

Simulation

1.Why flight simulation?
2.Approach to building a simulation model
3.The initial condition
4.Aircraft performance simulation
5.Individual assignment of specific flight phase

Basics

1.Introduction
2.Atmosphere
3.Air data instruments
4.Lift drag polar (aerodynamics)
5.Propulsion
6.Minimum airspeed
7.Maximum airspeed
8.Altitude effects
9.Flight envelope

Assessment

Each module consists of video's in which theory is covered followed by assignments. These can vary from straightforward multiple choice questions to more detailed calculations. The simulation module has a somewhat different set-up. In the simulation module you are required to complete a relatively large assignment. The assignment will be the development of a computer simulation of a flight phase (take-off, climb, cruise, etc.) for a specific aircraft.

Resources

The course is designed in such a way that it can be followed without purchasing additional books. All necessary material will be given online (learners will receive an e-book version of the main reference of the course - "Elements of Airplane Performance" by Ruijgrok). In addition, some topics of the course are typically not reviewed in text books and therefore will be available only in the course.

For learners who are looking for additional resources, the following books are recommended:

• G. J. J. Ruijgrok, Elements of Airplane Performance, VSSD, Second Edition, 2009 (e-book will be given to the learners in the course).
• E. Torenbeek, H. Wittenberg, Flight Physics – Essentials of Aeronautical Disciplines and Technology, with Historical Notes, Springer, 2009.
• S. K. Ohja, Flight Performance of Aircraft,AIAA Education series, 1995.
• P. J. Swatton, Aircraft Performance – Theory and practice for pilots, Wiley Aerospace Series, Second edition - Covers some topics that are discussed with relation to the pilot's perspective of aircraft performance.
• E. Torenbeek, Advanced Aircraft Design – Conceptual Design, Analysis and Optimization of Subsonic Civil Airplanes, Wiley Aerospace Series, 2013 - covers cruise flight performance in transonic conditions.
• J. D. Mattingly, Heiser, W. H., Pratt, D. T., Aircraft engine design,AIAA Education series, Second edition - covers Propulsion system basics.

Basic text books on programming and numerical mathematics can be consulted for those interested in numerical flight path simulations.

Certificates and CEUs

Professional education course with verified certificate.

The TU Delft Extension School offers Continuing Education Units for this course. If you successfully complete the course requirements you will earn a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to receive 4.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
 

View sample certificate

This course is primarily geared towards working professionals. High school physics and mathematics are required. For the optional module on simulation, some basic programming skills are required. In the course you will be referred to free resources where these skills can be learned.

If you have any questions about this course or the TU Delft online learning environment, please visit our Help & Support page.