Flight Handling Qualities: A Problem-Based-Learning Module for Final Year Aerospace Engineering Students

This paper describes the methodology and key results from the first 3 years of operation of ‘Flight Handling Qualities’ (FHQ), a Problem-Based-Learning core module for 4th year Master of Engineering (MEng) undergraduates in Aerospace Engineering and optional module for the Systems Engineering MSc Programme, at the University of Liverpool.

The module aim is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to tackle aircraft handling qualities (HQs) and related ‘whole aircraft’ problems. Students are presented with the theory of handling qualities engineering in a series of interactive lectures. The students work in teams of 4 or 5 and undertake a number of team-building exercises throughout the first semester. Teams are presented with the idea that the aircraft with its handling qualities is the focus for knowledge acquisition and skills development.