The means by which an aircraft is powered, such as jet engines or propellers. Understanding propulsion systems is important for aircraft design, maintenance, and repair.
Aerodynamics: The study of how air flows around objects, including aircraft and how it affects propulsion.
Newton's Laws of Motion: Describes the basic principles of motion that are essential to understanding how aircraft moves through the air.
Thermodynamics: Deals with the transfer of energy from one place to another, particularly in relation to the engines that power aircraft.
Propulsion Basics: Covers the basics of propulsion, including how engines work and the different types of engines used in airplanes.
Flight Controls: The control surfaces on airplanes that allow pilots to change the direction and speed of the aircraft.
Gas Turbine Engines: In depth examination of engines that use burning fuel to create movement used in aircraft propulsion.
Propeller systems: Components that harness the power of the engine to convert rotary motion into thrust that propels the aircraft forward.
Fuel Systems: The systems that manage the flow of fuel to the engine, including storage, filtering, and transfer.
Environmental Control Systems: The systems that manage the temperature, pressure, and humidity inside the aircraft, also prevents accumulation of ice on wings and windshield.
Aircraft Electrical Systems: The system responsible for power generation and distribution to all of the electrical equipment on the aircraft.
Aircraft Hydraulic Systems: The systems that use fluids to transmit power, including the brake system, landing gear, flaps, and other control surfaces.
Aircraft Instruments: The instruments that provide pilots with critical information about the aircraft, such as speed, altitude, and engine performance.
Aircraft Structures, Materials and Design: Covers the materials and techniques used in aircraft construction, as well as the different types of aircraft design.
Propulsion and Aviation Regulations: Regulations, standards, and practices that govern aviation safety, maintenance, and operation.
Piloting Techniques: Flight physics and flying techniques that are critical for the safe and effective operation of aircraft.
Piston Engine: A reciprocating engine that uses fuel combustion to generate power that drives a propeller.
Turboprop: Uses a turbine engine to drive a propeller, delivering both speed and fuel efficiency for regional aircraft.
Jet Engine: Works by thrusting forward a large volume of air through the turbines of the engine, creating a forward motion.
Ramjet: Uses the air it ingests to compress and generate thrust.
Scramjet: A hypersonic jet engine that operates by modifying the flow of fuel and air in the combustion chamber to reach supersonic speeds.
Turbofan: A fan-assisted jet engine that essentially generates a bypass flow of air around the engine, giving it more thrust power and better fuel efficiency.
Electric: An electric propulsion system where the aircraft uses electric energy to generate motion through propellers or ducted fans.
Solar: Solar-powered planes use energy from the sun, through the aid of solar panels, to power their engines.
Fuel cell: Fuel cells use a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, which powers the propulsion system.
Nuclear: Nuclear engines use the energy generated in a nuclear reactor to heat the propellant, creating thrust.
Chemical Rocket: A rocket engine that uses a chemical reaction between fuel and an oxidizer to power the propulsion system.
Hybrid rocket: Hybrid rockets burn both solid and liquid fuel for propulsion.