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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title The Aviation Sector & Flying Theory 1
Module Code MNA1033 (ITS: EE161)
Faculty Engineering & Computing School Electronic Engineering
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

The aviation industry is a vast industry with a wide diversity of interconnected roles. Safety and efficiency is compromised when these roles become compartmentalized and the people involved do not appreciate the issues, terminology and patterns of thinking of other roles. Because the private pilot’s licence (PPL) brings the holder into contact with many of the aspects of the aviation industry that are outside normal business domains, the associated PPL Theoretical Knowledge course is a useful structure guide how to introduce students to the diverse technologies and operations of this industry. This module (MNA1033) and the follow-on module (MNA1034) will supplement the classroom content by a range of means that give the student an overview of how the sector and different roles within it work. The aim of the module is • To introduce the student to some of the technologies and operations of the aviation industry through a subset of material from the PPL theoretical knowledge syllabus; • To introduce the student to the broad scope of technical, legislative, personal, knowledge and skills requirements that are a foundation for many activities in the aviation sector. The module content is aligned with part of the EASA Part-FCL PPL Theoretical Knowledge Syllabus. However, the focus in the classroom is not on pilot training, but on what all aviation industry professionals can usefully learn from the topics included in this syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of Meteorology as it relates to the needs of general aviation operating under visual flight rules.
2. Decode and use weather reports and forecasts as the basis for decision-making that demonstrates an appropriate balance between safety and risk in the operation of light aircraft and the planning of VFR cross-country flights
3. Use a knowledge of the Principles of Flight of fixed-wing aircraft to explain how a light aircraft may be operated safely in all phases of flight.
4. Use details of known facts about Human Performance and Limitations to support decision-making in case studies or hypothetical scenarios that demonstrate an appropriate balance between safety and risk in the operation of light aircraft.
5. Demonstrate an ability to conduct effective and efficient RT communications with a real or simulated Air Traffic Service.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Overviews, study guidance and guest lectures
Independent Study101Self-directed learning using supplied notes, further CBT and own materials
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10642Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework30%Examination Weight70%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorDonnacha LowneyModule TeacherDarragh Owens, Noel Murphy, Viktoriia Ivannikova
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Short Answer QuestionsFormative assessment using in-class MCQ-style test(s)15%Week 7
Practical/skills evaluationThis may vary from year to year, but would in general encompass the decision-making processes involved in aviation, including the sources of information and the role of the human in the process. An example format would be a group presentation to peers.15%Week 12
Formal ExaminationEnd-of-Semester Final Examination: this will normally be a closed-book invigilated written exam.70%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Meteorology
Properties of the atmosphere and weather relevant to aviation; forecasting, sources and formats of weather information;

Principles Of Flight
Aerofoils, flying controls, stability, the stall, load factors and manoeuvring;

Human Performance and Limitations
Basic physiology and psychology as they are related to the human body in flight and decision-making by the pilot;

Radiotelephony Communications
Procedures for different phases of flight; standard terminology; breakdown and failure of communications; distress and urgency procedures; general flight safety.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for MNA1033