ECTS - Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems

Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (PLT424) Course Detail

Course Name Course Code Season Lecture Hours Application Hours Lab Hours Credit ECTS
Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems PLT424 Area Elective 3 0 0 3 5
Pre-requisite Course(s)
N/A
Course Language English
Course Type Elective Courses
Course Level Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery Face To Face
Learning and Teaching Strategies Lecture.
Course Coordinator
Course Lecturer(s)
  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Aslı YILMAZ
Course Assistants
Course Objectives This course provides a comprehensive introduction to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. It covers the history, classification, and technical components of UAVs, along with flight principles, communication systems, and operational management processes. The course also explores the civil and military applications of UAVs, relevant regulations and legal frameworks, technological advancements, and ethical considerations. Students will combine theoretical knowledge with practical projects and simulations, gaining in-depth insights into current and future uses of UAV systems.
Course Learning Outcomes The students who succeeded in this course;
  • 1. Define the fundamental concepts, history, and applications of UAV systems. 2. Classify UAV systems, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid UAVs. 3. Explain the technical components, flight principles, and data transmission processes of UAVs. 4. Demonstrate knowledge of mission planning, task management, and effective crew resource utilization in UAV operations. 5. Analyze national and international UAV regulations, licensing, and certification processes. 6. Discuss the impact of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and swarm technology on UAV systems. 7. Develop critical perspectives on ethical issues and environmental impacts related to UAV usage. 8. Conduct basic simulations and project work related to UAV operations.
Course Content 1. Introduction to UAV Systems: Overview of UAV history, evolution, and significance in various sectors. 2. Types and Classifications of UAVs: Examination of different UAV categories, including fixed-wing, rotarywing, and hybrid systems, along with their specific use cases.3. Technical Components of UAVs: Detailed analysis of UAV structures, propulsion systems, sensors, and payloads.4. UAV Flight Principles: Fundamental aerodynamics, stability, and control mechanisms specific to UAV operations.

Weekly Subjects and Releated Preparation Studies

Week Subjects Preparation
1 Introduction to the Course and UAV Systems Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 1: History
2 Types and Classification of UAVs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 2: UAS Applications
3 Technical Components of UAVs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 3: The “System” in UAS
4 UAV Flight Principles Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 4: UAS Sensing – Theory and Practice
5 UAV Communication and Data Transmission Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 13: UAS Communications
6 UAV Operational Planning and Task Management Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 9: Unmanned Aircraft System Design
7 UAV Security Systems and Risk Management Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 7: Safety Assessments
8 Midterm Exam
9 Civil Applications of UAVs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 17: UAS in Public Safety
10 Military Applications of UAVs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 8: Export Control and ITAR
11 Regulations and Legal Framework for UAVs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 5: UAS Regulations, Standards, and Guidance
12 Technological Developments and Future Trends in UAVs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 20: The Future of Unmanned Aircraft
13 UAV Projects and Operational Applications (Practical Work) Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 15: Unmanned Aircraft Subsystem Integration
14 Ethical Issues and Social Impacts of UAVs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 6: Human Factors in Unmanned Aerial Systems
15 General Assessment and Project Presentations Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Chapter 16: Detect and Avoid
16 Final Exam

Sources

Course Book 1. Gibbens, P. W. (2021). Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Principles and Practices. CRC Press.
Other Sources 2. Kovačević, J., & Milinković, S. (2023). Advances in Drone Technology: Civil and Military Applications. Springer. ICAO (2023). Manual on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). International Civil Aviation Organization.

Evaluation System

Requirements Number Percentage of Grade
Attendance/Participation - -
Laboratory - -
Application - -
Field Work - -
Special Course Internship - -
Quizzes/Studio Critics - -
Homework Assignments - -
Presentation - -
Project 1 30
Report - -
Seminar - -
Midterms Exams/Midterms Jury 1 30
Final Exam/Final Jury 1 40
Toplam 3 100
Percentage of Semester Work
Percentage of Final Work 100
Total 100

Course Category

Core Courses X
Major Area Courses
Supportive Courses
Media and Managment Skills Courses
Transferable Skill Courses

The Relation Between Course Learning Competencies and Program Qualifications

# Program Qualifications / Competencies Level of Contribution
1 2 3 4 5
1 Has the theoretical background necessary to analyze operational situations encountered during flight.
2 Critically evaluates flight safety, airspace management, and crisis scenarios.
3 Develops applicable strategic solutions in emergency situations.
4 Possesses knowledge of flight safety, meteorology, flight planning, and emergency management.
5 Analyzes technical and environmental problems encountered during flight and produces appropriate solutions.
6 Applies risk management strategies for emergency situations.
7 Takes responsibility for effective decision-making and conducting safe operations in various flight scenarios.
8 Has knowledge of task sharing, communication protocols, and team dynamics in flight crews.
9 Communicates effectively in both written and verbal forms with flight crews.
10 Collaborates actively within the team and fulfills assigned responsibilities.
11 Ensures operational safety in multi-crew flights through effective cooperation and communication.
12 Has knowledge of flight operations management, leadership principles, and crisis management.
13 Demonstrates leadership in flight planning and operational processes.
14 Manages teams and uses resources efficiently.
15 Assumes responsibility for decision-making and guiding flight operations during crises.
16 Has knowledge of national and international aviation regulations, safety standards, and ethical principles.
17 Acts in accordance with ethical rules and legal regulations during flight duties.
18 Complies with safety standards.
19 Bears responsibility for acting in accordance with ethical principles and regulations in the aviation sector.
20 Has knowledge of professional development tools and performance evaluation methods.
21 Evaluates own flight performance and identifies areas for improvement.
22 Plans personal professional development goals.
23 Takes responsibility for continuous development with a lifelong learning approach.
24 Has knowledge of flight simulations, air traffic management, and navigation systems.
25 Applies learned knowledge in simulator applications and real flight conditions.
26 Successfully manages crisis scenarios in a simulation environment.
27 Demonstrates responsibility for operational decision-making by applying skills acquired through simulation-based training.
28 Has knowledge of commercial flight operations, multi-crew systems, and flight safety procedures.
29 Carries out duties and assumes operational responsibilities in advanced flight scenarios.
30 Applies crew coordination and aircraft management processes.
31 Assumes responsibility for leadership, safety, and management in commercial flight operations.
32 Acquires an accredited ATPL (Frozen) CPL/IR(A) pilot license with international validity approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

ECTS/Workload Table

Activities Number Duration (Hours) Total Workload
Course Hours (Including Exam Week: 16 x Total Hours) 16 3 48
Laboratory
Application
Special Course Internship
Field Work
Study Hours Out of Class 3 9 27
Presentation/Seminar Prepration 1 10 10
Project
Report
Homework Assignments
Quizzes/Studio Critics
Prepration of Midterm Exams/Midterm Jury 1 15 15
Prepration of Final Exams/Final Jury 1 25 25
Total Workload 125