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Description:

In this semester-long course, students will delve into the fascinating technology of advanced aircraft and drones. First, the class will explore how drones are being used today, applications for drones in the future, and the role of unmanned systems operators. Each student will build a small drone from a kit. Students will learn about DC electronics by soldering and wiring electronic components and connecting the control hub, motors, blades, landing gear. The class will learn about FAA rules governing drones- even amateur, hobby drones- in our airspace today.

Next, the students will learn about rotorcraft, such as helicopters, autogyros, gyrodynes and hybrid tiltrotors such as the V-22 Osprey. Students will weigh advantages, disadvantages, and applications of these blade and rotor- driven aircraft, including their unique ability to take of and land vertically. For these advanced type of aircraft, students will learn about weight and balance considerations and take the controls of RC (radio controlled) models. Finally, students will learn about hovercraft by repurposing their drone components and adding new elements to simulate a hovercraft.

Due to Compass's proximity to Dulles airport and the risk of landing in a road, the drones will not be flown at Compass. Students may take their drones home to test fly, however, the drones must be brought back in working order for the hovercraft studies. If a student damages or loses the drone at home, a new kit must be purchased to continue work on the hovercraft. Please note, that the drone and hovercraft are made from one set of components, and the drone will be modified and re-engineered to a hovercraft. Students will know how to reverse the construction and return to  drone, but they will conclude the semester with one vehicle, not two. In addition to the drone kit provided by the instructor, students must provide their own basic tool kit and take responsibility for bringing it to class each week. The instructor will provide a list on the first day of class of items to be borrowed from the garage or purchased such as wire strippers, wire cutters, electrical tape, electronics screwdrivers, hot glue gun, and Exacto knife.

This is a 16-week, semester-long class led by a professional in aviation.