SHS3 Aviation And Aerospace Engineering · Semester 1 Week 7: Aircraft Structures and Control

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.1.3.LI.4 - Distinguish between the features of fly-by-wire (automatic) control, mechanical control and hydraulic control of aircrafts.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State the defining features of mechanical, hydraulic, and fly-by-wire control systems.
Compare the three control systems in terms of pilot input, signal transmission, force required, and system complexity.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each control system in relation to aircraft performance and safety.
Justify which control system is most suitable for a given type of aerospace vehicle based on its operational requirements.
Work collaboratively in mixed-ability groups to present findings on the features of the three control systems.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Core Concepts in Aerospace Engineering (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Aircraft Structures and Control (1.3)
Content standard: 3.1.3.CS.2 - Demonstrate understanding of how an aerospace vehicle (aircraft, spacecraft) is controlled in flight. 3.1.3.LO.1 Identify the structural design of an airframe. 3.1.3.LO.2 Discuss the flight controls of aerospace vehicle and its impact on the movement of the vehicle. 3.1.3.LO.3 Explain the concepts of static dynamic stability of aerospace vehicles.
Indicator: 3.1.3.LI.4 - Distinguish between the features of fly-by-wire (automatic) control, mechanical control and hydraulic control of aircrafts.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 7 (Week 7 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 95

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative Learning/Building on What Others Say: Teacher forms mixed-ability groups and let learners do brainstorming and presentation on the features of the control systems of aerospace vehicles.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals on how fixed-wing aircraft are controlled
- Audio-visuals on how rotary wing aircraft are controlled
- Flip board paper/A4 sheets
- Audio-visuals on how spacecraft
- are controlled
Assessment (3.1.3.AS.4). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.