Link to Metro State Homepage

Academics Admissions Alumni & Friends Campus Life Computing on Campus News, Events & the Arts Faculty & Staff Students

Courses Descriptions for Aerospace Science

AES 1100-6 Aviation Fundamentals (6 + 0)
Corequisites: AES 1710 and AES 1400 (recommended)
Fundamentals of aviation for the beginning student. Includes a study of the airplane and its components, aerodynamics, basic aircraft systems, the airport environment, air-traffic control procedures, Federal Aviation Regulations, the basic elements of air navigation (including radio navigation), and a review of aviation weather. Prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Knowledge examination.

AES 1400-3 Aviation Weather (3 + 0)
Corequisite: AES 1100 or permission of instructor
This course develops basic meteorological concepts that apply to aviation. Emphasis is on the use of National Weather Service reports and forecasts to evaluate flight conditions. The course also prepares students for the weather section of the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge examination.

AES 1500-1 Private Flight (0 + 2)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
This course is designed to enable a student to obtain an FAA Private Pilot Certificate at an FAR Part 141 Flight School with whom The Metropolitan State College of Denver has an agreement for flight training. A minimum of 35 hours of flight time is required. Course credit is contingent on the student obtaining the FAA Private Pilot Certificate.

AES 1710-3 Single-Engine Flight Simulation I (2 + 2)
Corequisite: AES 1100 (recommended)
Basic flight instruments, radio navigation, aviation weather, aircraft performance (including weight and balance), crew coordination, and decision making are studied. The fundamentals of instrument attitude flight (scanning, interpreting, and controlling) are learned in the flight simulator. Radio navigation is introduced, including VOR, DME, ADF, and transponder operation.

AES 1760-3 Single-Engine Flight Simulation II (2 + 2)
Prerequisite: AES 1710, or Private Pilot Certificate, or permission of the instructor
Reviews attitude instrument flight and radio navigation with wind correction. VFR cross-country flights are planned and flown using VOR, DME, ADF, and localizer navaids. Flight planning includes the use of weather data and performance and loading data for complex, single-engine airplanes. Introduces holding patterns and VOR/NDB approaches. Emphasizes crew coordination and decision making.

AES 1800-6 Commercial/Instrument Ground (6 + 0)
Prerequisites: AES 1100, AES 1400, or permission of instructor
Studies aeronautics, regulations, meteorology, and instrument procedures in preparation for the FAA commercial and instrument knowledge exams.
AES 2050-3 Aviation History and Future Development (3 + 0)
AES 2050 treats the growth and development of aviation from the era of myth and legend through lighter-than-air and gliders to the modern jets and the space age. The effect of wars and the invention of internal combustion and turbojet engines are studied as they contributed to aviation progress. The course discusses significant personnel, flights, and aircraft in tracing the advancement of general, commercial, and military aviation. It includes future developments in the aviation and space fields.

AES 2100-3 Fundamentals of Aviation and Technology (3 + 0)
An introductory survey course for non-aerospace science majors. Course will include such topics as aeronautics, meteorology, navigation, rules of flight, high-speed aerodynamics, physiology of flight, human beings in space, history of aviation, and career opportunities.

AES 2150-4 Avionics for Aviators (4 + 0)
Prerequisites: AES 1100, MTH 1100, PHY 1250 or instructor permission
This course is an Avionics Systems/Maintenance Management oriented toward the pilot. The instruction will enable the student to become familiar with, and be comfortable in the use of, the Avionics suite, thus reducing cockpit confusion during flight. The course provides a working understanding of light plane aircraft electrical systems, and systems including VHF COM, ADF, VOR/LOC, ILS/GLD, SLP/MKR BCN, DME, TRANSPONDER and MODE C, FDMS, RADAR and SFERICS, GPS, ANTENNAS, ELT, PCL, MFDs, EICAS, and HUD. The student will also learn how to implement avionics failure-prevention procedures while pilot-in-command and know and appreciate the limitations of electronic navaids due to equipment and propagation anomalies. Emphasis is on safety and precautions; the goal is systems-smart, competent pilots.

AES 2200-3 Fundamentals of Air Traffic Control (2 + 2)
Prerequisite: AES 1800 or permission of instructor
This course is an introduction to air traffic services, procedures, communications, recordkeeping, regulations, emergencies, and air space constructions.

AES 2220-3 Flight Dispatcher/Load Planning (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: AES 1100
Prepares the student to work as a dispatcher for an airline. Regulations required for operations are a vital area of the course. Covers methods of decision making, safety, and weather conditions relating to dispatch decisions.

AES 2330-3 Precision Flight and Navigation (2 + 2)
Prerequisite: AES 1100 or Private Pilot Certificate
The first Flight Team course prepares the student for participation in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association regional and national flying meets. Flight and ground event accuracy and time events are learned. Required for students who are new members of the MSCD Precision Flight Team.

AES 2500-1 Instrument Flight (0 + 2)
Prerequisite: AES 1500 or permission of instructor
This course consists of the flight training required to prepare for the FAA Instrument Rating. The flight training must be completed at an FAR Part 141 Flight School with whom The Metropolitan State College of Denver has an agreement for flight training. The instrument rating is required for course completion.

AES 2710-3 Instrument Flight Simulation I (2 + 2)
Prerequisite: Private Pilot Certificate or permission of instructor
IFR cross-country flights are planned and flown in the simulator, using radio navigation fundamentals. Flights include ATC clearances, radio aids for determining position, holding patterns, and approaches.

AES 2750-3 Instrument Flight Simulation II (2 + 2)
Prerequisites: AES 1800, AES 2710, or permission of instructor
A continuation of AES 2710, introducing more complex flight planning, clearances, en route flight, and approaches. Includes in-flight route changes and missed approaches.

AES 3000-3 Aircraft Systems and Propulsion (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: AES 1100 or FAA Private Pilot Certificate, and PHY 1250 or permission of instructor
Introduces aircraft nomenclature, design, features, systems, and their components. Covers the theory, components, instrumentation, and operation of internal combustion and turbojet engines, as well as fuel, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic aircraft systems.

AES 3220-3 Aviation Law and Risk Management (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: AES 1100 or permission of instructor
The course goal is to provide middle managers with an understanding of liability problems and aviation insurance coverage. FBO, manufacturer, and operator liability cases are reviewed. An overview of fundamental aviation law, insurance risks, and contract terminology necessary to understand aviation binders is included.

AES 3230-3 Airline Management (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor
This course consists of studies in airline management pertaining to an integration of the economic characteristics of airlines into marketing and scheduling decisions; current airline relationships between management and the unions; airline pricing and demand decisions; and airline financing problems and solutions. Specific functions of all aspects of airline management are considered. The emphasis will be on current airline activities and issues that prepare the student to solve problems through critical thinking skills.

AES 3240-3 Airline Planning (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
This course consists of studies in the integration of local air transportation with the National Air Transportation System; forecasts of growth in the airline industry; interfaces with differing sectors of the air carrier industry; airport ground facilities and equipment needs; terminal area airspace problems; and equipment and financial considerations. The emphasis will be on CURRENT activities and issues that prepare the student for necessary critical thinking
skills and employment.

AES 3330-2 Intermediate Precision Flight and Navigation (2 + 1)
Prerequisite: AES 2330
The second Flight Team course is a continuation of AES 2330, further preparing the students for participation in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association regional and national flying meets. Flight and ground event accuracy and timed events are practiced with emphasis on speed as well as accuracy. Required for students who are second semester members of the MSCD Precision Flight Team.

AES 3340-1 Advanced Precision Flight and Navigation (1 + 1)
Prerequisite: AES 3330
The third Flight Team course is a continuation of AES 3330, further preparing the student for participation in the National Intercollegiate Association regional and national flying meets. Flight and ground event accuracy and timed events are practiced with emphasis on speed as well as accuracy. Students at this level will help teach newer team members. Required for students who are third semester members of the MSCD Precision Flight Team.

AES 3460-3 Weather for Aircrews (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: AES 1400, at least junior standing or permission of instructor
This course builds upon the basic aviation weather knowledge required of pilots with particular emphasis on those aspects of weather affecting advanced flight operations. Stability and turbulence, clear-air turbulence, icing, jet stream weather and the use of airborne radar are considered. Weather related aircraft accident reports with analyses of the influence of the weather factors involved are reviewed in detail. Students will develop the ability to project their knowledge of weather to conditions at airports in unfamiliar locations.

AES 3520-1 Commercial Flight (0 + 2)
This course consists of the flight training required to prepare for the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate. The flight training must be completed at an FAR Part 141 Flight School with whom The Metropolitan State College of Denver has an agreement for flight training. The Commercial Pilot Certificate is required for course completion.

AES 3530-3 Aerodynamics (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: PHY 1250
This course studies the basic principles of aerodynamics, including airfoil shapes and aerodynamic forces, airplane performance, stability and control, strength limitations, and the application of these to specific flight situations. Included in this course are flight performance with airflow in the sub-, trans-, and supersonic envelopes.

AES 3550-3 FAA Instructor Certification-Ground (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: AES 1800 and FAA commercial/instrument certificate, or permission of instructor
Prepares the student for taking the following FAA knowledge tests: Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI), Flight Instructor-Airplane (single and multiengine), Ground Instructor-Basic and Advanced. Emphasizes the practical aspects of flight instruction.

AES 3570-2 Ground Instructor Practicum (0 + 4)
Prerequisite: FAA Commercial/Instrument Certificate, CFI or Advanced or Instrument Ground Instructor Certificate, or permission of instructor
This course provides students practice as aviation instructors in advanced single-engine flight simulators. It covers all aspects of flight planning and preparation, setup of simulators, cockpit management, and IFR and VFR flight procedures, and navigation.

AES 3710-3 Multiengine Flight Simulation I (2 + 2)
Prerequisite: FAA commercial/instrument certificate or permission of instructor
Introduces multiengine aircraft operations, such as IFR cross-country flight. Introduces complex weight and balance computations and use of performance charts. Normal and emergency procedures are studied in the twin-engine simulator. Aeronautical decision making and cockpit resource management are developed.

AES 3850-3 Human Factors and Physiology of Flight (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor
Studies human factors and physiological effects and problems of flight from the standpoint of general aviation, as well as more advanced space flight.
AES 3870-3 Aircraft Accident Investigation (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor, AES 3000
This course examines techniques and procedures for investigating aircraft accidents/incidents and report writing. Areas of emphasis are operations, air traffic control, meteorology, witnesses, human factors, cockpit voice recorder, structures, power plants, systems, performance, maintenance records and flight data recorder.

AES 4040-3 Aircraft Performance (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: AES 1100, PHY 1250, junior or senior standing
Examines performance of jet- and propeller-powered aircraft. Flight profiles are studied, with emphasis on aircraft capabilities, limitations, and determination of speeds, power, or thrust settings for various conditions of flight. Weight and balance performance charts are reviewed.

AES 4100-3 Advanced Air Traffic Control (1 + 2)
Prerequisite: AES 2200 or permission of instructor
Introduces advanced ATC radar topics, with emphasis on hands-on application in the simulator lab. Covers aircraft separation; identification and speed control; flight progress strip usage; emergency procedures; and the elements necessary for the safe operation of the ATC system.

AES 4130-4 Flight Engineer Duties and Responsibilities (4 + 0)
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, AES 3000, 3530, 4040, and the FAA Commercial Certificate with Instrument Rating
Corequisite: AES 4140
This course gives flight engineer candidates an operational knowledge of DC-10 operating procedures including external and internal preflight, engine start and in-flight procedures. It also provides instruction in irregular and emergency procedures, and in-flight engineer duties and responsibilities as set forth in FAR part 121.

AES 4140-4 DC-10 Systems (4 + 0)
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, AES 3000, AES 3530, AES 4040 and the FAA Commercial Certificate and Instrument Ratings
Corequisites: AES 3530, AES 4040, AES 4130
The course gives flight engineer candidates an operational knowledge of the various DC-10 systems. This includes power plant, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, air conditioning pressurization, avionics, instruments, flight controls, fire protection, and ice and rain protection.
AES 4150-2 Transport Category Aircraft Systems (1 + 2)
Prerequisite: senior standing, AES 4130, AES 4140, and the FAA Commercial Certification with Instrument Rating
The course applies the theory learned in AES 4130 and AES 4140. A selected transport category aircraft will be studied in depth using CD-ROM training materials. Students will learn in detail the workings of various systems of the aircraft and study the procedures in normal and emergency flight operations.

AES 4200-3 Airport Planning (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor
Exposes students to the dynamics of a planning process. This process includes data gathering, data analysis, site selection, airport layout, and airport financing. The problems of noise and air pollution are addressed in depth.

AES 4210-3 Airport Management (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; AES 4200; or permission of instructor
Studies the modern airport and the factors involved in its management. Various management functions of administration, finance, capital finance, operation, maintenance, and public relations are analyzed.

AES 4230-3 General and Business Aviation Operations (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of instructor
This course is a study of the general aviation service industry (fixed-base operators and specialized aviation service operators). The course includes lectures on the history and evolution of the general aviation service industry, management functions, marketing, finance, human resources, operations and safety.

AES 4240-3 Air Cargo (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
An overview of the air cargo industry, including the history of development; air shipment economics; review of legislation and regulatory agency trends; cargo aircraft now in use; air freight forwarding; and current air-freight terminal operations problems.

AES 4250-3 Formulation of National Aviation Policy (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: Student must be an aerospace science major with junior or senior standing and will be preapproved by the department for enrollment in the course. The preapproval process includes submitting an application to the department by September 30 before the spring semester in which he/she wants to enroll.
Students taking this course will be required to attend the University Aviation Association's annual seminar held in January in Washington, D.C. before the start of the spring semester and to participate in six pre-trip meetings in the fall semester prior to the seminar. At this seminar, students and faculty from member institutions will meet to discuss current national aviation issues and investigate the politics and ongoing governmental processes established to deal with these issues. The focus of the pre-trip meetings will be a study of the aviation issues to be evaluated and the background needed to understand the politics involved. While at the seminar, students will be required to interview key aviation and government officials, gather data, and learn about the policy making process. During the spring semester, each participant will prepare a comprehensive research paper as a final project to demonstrate the lessons learned.

AES 4370-3 Advanced Navigation Systems (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
This course is a follow-up to the navigation portion of AES 1100. It reviews geographic coordinate systems and aircraft position determination, and further develops navigation systems available to modern aviation. A survey study is conducted of all long-range navigation systems to include LORAN, OMEGA/VLF, INS and GPS. Finally, electronic instrumentation, navigation, and flight management systems are discussed, followed by a computer flight management practicum.

AES 4500-1 Flight Multi-Engine (1 + 1)
Prerequisite: AES 3520 or FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or permission of instructor
This course covers multiengine aircraft operations. A minimum of 10 hours of dual flight time is required. The FAA multiengine rating must be received to obtain credit for this course.

AES 4510-1 Flight Instructor (1 + 1)
Prerequisites: AES 2710, AES 3520, AES 3710, second-class FAA medical certificate
Provides the basic aeronautical knowledge and experience necessary for the flight instructor certificate. Fifteen hours of dual flight time is required, and the flight instructor certificate must be obtained to receive credit for this course. The flight training must be completed at a flight school with whom the college has an agreement for flight training.

AES 4520-1 Flight Instructor-Instrument (1 + 1)
Prerequisites: AES 3520, second-class FAA medical certificate
This course provides the basic aeronautical knowledge and experience that the instrument flight instructor must have. Ten hours of dual flight time is required and the FAA rating must be obtained to receive course credit. The flight training must be completed at a flight school with whom the college has an agreement for flight training.

AES 4530-1 Flight Instructor-Multi-Engine (1 + 1)
Prerequisites: AES 3520, second-class FAA medical certificate
This course provides the basic aeronautical knowledge and experience relative to multiengine flight instruction that the prospective multiengine flight instructor must have. Fifteen hours of dual flight time is required. The FAA rating must be obtained to receive course credit. The flight training must be completed at a flight school with whom the college has an agreement for flight training.

AES 4550-1 Flight Helicopter (1 + 1)
Prerequisites: AES 3520, permission of instructor, second-class FAA medical certificate
Studies include helicopter systems, aerodynamics, flight characteristics, and helicopter operations. The FAA rating must be obtained to receive course credit. The flight training must be completed at a flight school with whom the college has an agreement for flight training.

AES 4570-1 Airline Transport Pilot (1 + 2)
Prerequisites: AES 3520, first-class medical eligibility as required in FAA regulations (part 61.151), permission of instructor
Completion of credit for this course requires 1,500 hours of flight time, 500 of which is cross-country, 100 is night flying, and 75 is instrument flight. Course involves knowledge of navigation, weather, FARs, radio communications, and weight distribution on aircraft and loading.

AES 4580-4 Turbojet Flight Engineer or Type Rating (2 + 4)
Prerequisites: FAA Flight Engineer Knowledge examination and/or permission of instructor
This course is for the student with access to type rating or flight engineer training, such as at an airline, and consists of ground school for B-727, DC-8, or other turbojet airplanes. Approximately 15 hours of second officer or "type" training and a flight check in the airplane or an FAA-approved simulator will be completed at a facility external to the college.

AES 4590-2 Flight Instructor Practicum (0 + 4)
Prerequisites: AES 3570, FAA Commercial/Instrument Certificate, CFI, Advanced or Instrument Ground Instructor Certificate, or permission of instructor
This course provides students practice as a flight instructor in advanced single- and twin-engine flight simulators. It covers all aspects of flight planning and preparation, setup of simulators, cockpit management, IFR flight procedures and navigation, and emergency procedures using the capabilities of the simulator computers.

AES 4600-3 Space Flight (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: PHY 1250, MTH 1310, AES 3000; or permission of instructor
Covers the fundamental laws of astrophysics, as well as basic concepts of the universe, astronautics, re-entry, propulsion, and launch vehicles. Includes investigation of space flight, covering such topics as crewed flight, uncrewed flight, space stations, space planes, and space policy. Concludes with computer simulation. Student teams design and build a space station using the latest aerospace techniques. The design project stresses real-world constraints and enhancement of interpersonal skills.

AES 4710-3 Turboprop Flight Simulation (1 + 4)
Prerequisite: AES 3710 or FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-engine Ratings
Introduces twin-engine turboprop aircraft operations. Skill is developed in complex weight- and balance-computation and use of performance charts. Normal and emergency procedures are studied specific to turboprop airline operations. Aeronautical decision making and cockpit resource management skills are developed. Procedures used in regional air carrier operations are learned.

AES 4760-3 Aerospace Education (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Provides background in aircraft propulsion and principles of flight required to teach aerospace courses in elementary and secondary schools. Acquaints the student with aeronautical terms, the forces acting upon aircraft in flight, and elementary navigation.

AES 4770-2 Methods of Teaching Aerospace Education (2 + 0)
Prerequisite: AES 4760 or permission of instructor
Surveys techniques and methods used in applying basic aerospace fundamentals to elementary, secondary, and industrial classrooms. Uses special aerospace media, such as instrument flight simulators, models, radio navigational aids boards, and mockups.

AES 4780-2 Curriculum Development in Aerospace Education (2 + 0)
Prerequisites: AES 4760, AES 4770, permission of instructor
Discusses specific objectives and educational implications of aerospace education. Students select a special field of emphasis such as mini-courses for elementary schools, aerospace courses for secondary schools, or adult education courses for industry.

AES 4860-3 Aviation Safety (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: senior standing and AES 3000, AES 3460, AES 3530, and AES 3850
This course presents the principles of aviation accident prevention and aviation operations safety, including specific practices, procedures, methods, and organization. It covers the history of aviation mishap and accident experience with legal ramifications, along with those methods used that have proved useful in preventing aircraft mishaps. Human factors, contemporary investigation organization and sources of assistance, analysis of aerodynamics applications, fatigue, and stress are also presented. Inferential reasoning is used as a method of developing critical thinking.

AES 4870-3 Aviation Systems Safety Program Management (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: senior standing and AES 3220 and AES 3850 is recommended
This course studies requirements to direct comprehensive safety programs of aviation organizations at aviation facilities. Included are the philosophy of System's Safety to effect Accident Prevention from product research and development to operation and support of air transportation; the dynamics of interpersonal relationships; Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC); effective communications techniques; correct procedures for NTSB and OSHA investigations and reports (and methods of participating in collateral boards); as well as effective proactive management to obtain federal legislation in support of accident prevention, safety and health programs.

AES 4910-3 Aviation Management Problems and Job Targeting
(3 + 0)

Prerequisites: aerospace science major and senior standing, or permission of instructor
Develops the student's management solving skills and personal marketing plan to effectively pursue employment. Current aviation management problems are researched and solutions are developed through group problem-solving techniques. Personal marketing plan preparation helps define goals, identify skills, prepare credentials, and practice interviewing. Guest lecturers from aviation industry highlight the features of their businesses.


| Academics | Admissions | Alumni & Friends | Campus Life | Computing on Campus | Search/Directories |
| News, Events & the Arts | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Welcome | Metro State Home |

Copyright © Metropolitan State College of Denver