Aircraft Propulsion Units (FSI-ELV)

The course objective is to familiarize students with principles of function, construction, and operation of aircraft propulsion units at the level prescribed for obtaining a certificate of competency of a transport pilot. To learn to practically use theoretical knowledge from the design of aircraft propulsion units in pilot practice. To prepare students to take theoretical exams to obtain the ATPL (A).

The student will gain knowledge and skills in the field of design and operation of aircraft propulsion units, necessary for the performance of the function of a transport pilot in commercial air traffic.

Basic knowledge of secondary-level applied mathematics, applied mechanics and physics.

The course deals with topics related to the aircraft propulsion. The introduction repeats the basic knowledge at the level of high school physics and mechanics in connection with the design, function, and operation of piston internal combustion engines. Subsequently, the issues of principle, construction, function, and operation of prop-jet aircraft engines are discussed. Special attention is paid to the operation of Class B and A airplanes, to the work with flight manuals and to the operation of airplanes with regard to the requirement to minimize the impact on the environment.

The course is taught in the form of lectures, which have the character of an explanation of the basic principles and theory of the discipline. The seminars are focused on the practical mastery of the material covered in lectures with an emphasis on getting acquainted with the relevant machine parts and with the documentation and manuals of specific aircraft.

The condition for granting the credit is 80% participation in lectures and seminars and elaboration of a project on an assigned topic. The condition for admission to the exam is to obtain a course-unit credit. The classification is carried out according to the BUT Study and Examination Regulations.

Lectures and seminars are mandatory, and attendance is checked by recording in the class book. The minimum participation is 80%. Substitution is possible in the form of individually assigned sets of projects and topics for independent processing, which the student must submit no later than during the course-unit credit week.

1. Piston combustion engine, physical principle, construction, parts.


2. Working cycles of piston combustion engine, petrol and diesel engines.


3. Piston internal combustion engine systems, functions, operation control and engine control.


4. Parameters of piston internal combustion engines, modes of operation, operating restrictions, maintenance.


5. Propellers, types, construction, functions, parameters, control, operating limitations.


6. Prop-jet engines, principles of operation, theoretical foundations.


7. Construction of prop-jet engines, parts and their function.


8. Characterization of jet engines, performance, modes of operation.


9. Systems of jet engines, peripheral facilities.


10. Interaction of prop-jet engine systems with aircraft systems, operating limitations.


11. Control of aircraft power units, indication devices, procedures, emergency situations.


12. Fuels for aircraft engines, development of alternative fuels, the impact of operation on the environment.


13. Lubricating oils for aircraft propulsion units, operation and maintenance of propulsion units.

1.-2. Engine design resolution, nomenclature, part identification, explanation of function.
3.-4. Piston engines parameters evaluation, propeller control, operating modes according to operating manuals.

5.-6. Piston and prop-jet engine construction, reducers, examples of use in aircraft construction.
7.-8. Characteristics of individual prop-jet engines, operating modes according to operating manuals.
9.-10. Control of prop-jet engines, evaluation of engine devices data, emergency procedures.

11. Practical training in aeronautical workshops/ technical museum.
12. Choice of fuel and lubrication oils, operating instructions, operational safety, environmental impact.
13. Ecology of aircraft engine operation in practice, course-unit credit award.