Overview
- Start dateSeptember
- DurationTwo-three years part-time
- DeliveryTaught component 50%, Individual research project 40%, Course portfolio 10%. PgDip: Taught component 83%, Course portfolio 17%. PgCert: Taught component 100%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typePart-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
The Airworthiness Master's course is highly flexible and designed to meet the needs of individuals who are balancing work commitments with study. It is especially relevant to engineers and technologists working in the airworthiness field of aviation safety, either in a regulatory authority or in the industry. The format is especially suitable for those who wish to enhance and focus their knowledge in a structured but flexible part-time format while continuing to work.
The subject of your research project can be chosen to match the research needs of your employer and/or your own career ambitions.
Why this course?
This course provides an academically recognised high standard of qualification related to the wide spectrum of technologies met in aerospace. It offers a wide range of technical knowledge in the context of related regulatory and safety issues, a background that managers in today's aerospace industry need to possess. A detailed knowledge of airworthiness issues early in the product development stage helps the downstream business operation which must balance cost and safety. This will also help to optimise the aircraft design, modification and/or the repair process.
We appreciate that students will be balancing employment with study which is why we aim to minimise the number of visits required to Cranfield University and offer modules in one-week blocks. Students undertaking the full MSc programme would be expected to come to Cranfield ten times in the 2-3 year period. We are well located for part-time students from across the world and offer a range of support services for off-site students.
We welcome delegates from all over the world and this provides a unique learning environment for both students and delegates who benefit from the mix of experience and backgrounds. Attendance of our short courses is a popular entry route onto this course as delegates are able to carry their credits forward onto the Airworthiness programme which a choice of qualification levels available to choose from:
- Master’s Degree (MSc) option of this course consists of a taught element (ten modules), an individual research project and course portfolio
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) option of this course consists of only the taught element where students must complete six modules
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) option of this course consists of a taught element (ten modules) and course portfolio.
Informed by Industry
The Airworthiness MSc is directed by an Industrial Advisory Board comprising senior representatives from industry. The board acts in an advisory role, assessing the content of the course and its relevance to present industrial needs. Current members include representatives from:
- Airbus
- Rolls-Royce
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Course details
There are seven mandatory modules which aim to provide you with a common basis of knowledge and skills on which the specialist options can build further. You are then free to choose three optional modules in line with your developing interests.
The course uses a range of assessment types. Students can expect to have written examinations, assignments and presentations as well as the group design and individual research projects. The range of assessment methods have been chosen to develop skills and be of relevance to the taught materials.
Course delivery
Taught component 50%, Individual research project 40%, Course portfolio 10%. PgDip: Taught component 83%, Course portfolio 17%. PgCert: Taught component 100%
Individual project
The individual research project is completed by students who wish to complete the MSc qualification of the Airworthiness course. The project is normally undertaken in the final year and brings together the learning from the taught components to consolidate learning. The subject of the project is normally chosen to reflect the needs of the sponsoring organisation and/or to match your career ambitions. Project topics represent the broad range of areas covered by the course.
Previous Individual Research Projects have included:
- An assessment of the applicability of an ageing aircraft audit to the microlight aircraft type
- The justification of ALARP by Ministry of Defence aircraft project team
- Introduction of a service bulletin review process in the military environment.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Airworthiness Fundamentals
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
|
Syllabus |
• Air Law • Certification Process, including the safety assessment of aircraft systems • Airworthiness Lessons learned - Review of significant accidents • Production Organisation Approval (POA) • Maintenance and Operations Approvals • Continuing Airworthiness management • Engine certification • Application of Safety Management Systems in the field of airworthiness • Human Factors in maintenance • Incident reporting and Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs) • Engine failure modes • FAA certification of non-US products • Current airworthiness challenges. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Describe the legal basis which underpins airworthiness regulation in aircraft design, production, operation and maintenance. 2. Interpret the principles of airworthiness as applied to the process of aircraft and engine certification 3. Communicate the importance of airworthiness requirements as they relate to aircraft design, production, operation and maintenance. 4. Articulate the process for Continuing Airworthiness management for different types and sizes of operator. |
Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
To familiarise course members with the various approaches to the problems of assessing the safety of increasingly complex aircraft systems. |
Syllabus |
Outline of relevant accidents and system design philosophy. Discussion of acceptable accident rates and recent advances in systems. Introduction to probability methods. Regulatory background The development of requirements for safety assessment, FAR / EASA CS25—1309. Methods and techniques Introduction to the more common safety analysis techniques. Influence of human factors. Common mode failures, traps and pitfalls of using safety assessment and examples of mechanical systems and power plants. Use of safety assessment techniques Determination of correct architecture of safety critical systems. Fault Tree Analysis, Dependence Diagrams and Boolean algebra for quantification of system reliability. Zonal safety analysis (ZSA), Particular Risk Analysis (PRA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) of aircraft systems. Practical examples of the application of safety assessment techniques Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL), Safety and Certification of digital systems and safety critical software. Application of Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4761. Typical safety assessment for a stall warning and identification system. Current and future issues Integrated and modular systems and their certification. Certification maintenance requirements. Flight-deck ergonomics. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Air Transport Engineering - Maintenance Operations
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
|
Syllabus |
• Optimisation of maintenance - Outsourcing/In House Maintenance; Application of Lean principles to Maintenance operations; Maintenance planning; Maintenance costs. • Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance - Error types; Classification systems; Maintenance Error Management System; Maintenance Error Decision Aid (MEDA) & other resources. • Logistics and supply chain management. • Linkages between manufacturer, operator and maintenance organisation. • Continuing airworthiness management and Regulatory aspects (EASA Part M). • Health and usage monitoring, engine condition monitoring etc. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Describe the principles of reliability with direct relation to aircraft availability. 2. Outline a maintenance management programme, including the interface with operations, supply chain and cost issues. 3. Critically appraise the various aircraft maintenance philosophies used for in-service aircraft. 4. Develop a process for achieving continuing airworthiness management with the appropriate regulatory approval. |
Aircraft Fatigue and Damage Tolerance
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
|
Syllabus |
Introduction to Fatigue Design Philosophies Outline of the fatigue failure process; Approaches to design against fatigue; safe-life, fail-safe, and damage tolerance; Fatigue life calculation requirements Regulatory background Requirements for fatigue and damage tolerant design for civil & military aircraft; Chronology of accidents in relation to aircraft design approach; Evolution of requirements; Focus on Large Aeroplanes and Rotorcraft Fatigue Analysis S-N curve approach: the traditional fatigue analysis approach; e-N curve approach for low cycle fatigue; mean stress effect; Palmgren-Miner’s cumulative damage model. Crack Initiation Life Prediction: Notch effect; Neuber’s approach; calculation of crack initiation life at notch root and fastener holes; Worked examples of techniques. Aircraft fatigue loading spectrum: atmospheric turbulence, manoeuvre, landing and ground loads; determination of cumulative frequency load distribution. Cycle counting methods. Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics Basic theory of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics; crack tip stress intensity factor; strain energy release rate; fracture toughness; R-curve; fracture criterion; plane stress and plane strain conditions; plastic zone at crack tip; calculation of residual strength. Crack growth under cyclic loading; crack closure effect; overload retardation effect; load sequence effects; predicting crack growth life; Worked examples. Computer tools for life assessment – workshop session using the AFGROW package for crack growth prediction Residual strength calculation of stiffened panels Short crack growth and the limitations of fracture mechanics Material selection Role of strength level and toughness; effect of corrosion on fatigue; Comparison of response behaviour of Composites and Metals to cyclic loading. APPLICATIONS Inspection considerations. Methods to establish thresholds; Requirements for NDT capability; Probability of detection versus crack length Fatigue & fracture analysis of commuter aircraft structures Review of round robin exercise applying analysis techniques to actual aircraft structural components Ageing aircraft structures Multiple-site damage phenomenon; Effect of ageing; Effect of MSD on lead crack residual strength; Equivalent initial quality flaw size; Real examples demonstrated on several aircraft types; Onset of widespread fatigue damage; Inspection frequency for each Principle Structural Element; Limit of Validity, Current regulatory approach for in-service aircraft. Repair to damage tolerant aircraft Techniques for the design of damage tolerant repairs; Examples of in service repairs and regulatory lessons learned; Use of cold expansion for life enhancement |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Explain the concepts of fatigue design and analysis methods. 2. Describe damage tolerant design and the application of fracture mechanics to aircraft structures. 3. Undertake fatigue analysis, residual strength and crack growth calculation for basic structural configurations. 4. Relate the design principles involved to structural safety considerations in the appropriate regulatory context, both for new designs and in service aircraft. |
Gas Turbine Fundamentals
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
To provide an opportunity to acquire a good general understanding of the principles of gas turbine design and performance appropriate to both manufacturing and user industries |
Syllabus |
• Gas turbine fundamentals |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Aviation Safety Management
Aim |
To provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to manage operational safety within the aviation industry. |
---|---|
Syllabus |
|
Intended learning outcomes |
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
|
Design of Airframe Systems
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
|
Syllabus |
|
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Identify the main airframe systems in civil and military aircraft and explain their purposes and principles of operation. 2. Cite the sources of systems power and explain their architecture, generation and distribution methods. 3. Discuss the requirements for; identify types of equipment and systems used for; and perform basic analysis of environmental control and oxygen systems in aircraft. 4. Cite and explain the problems resulting from icing on aircraft and systems available to provide protection. 5. Identify and explain the major considerations to be made in the design of aircraft fuel systems and the major components and sub-systems, including aviation fuels. 6. Appraise the effects of airframe systems power provision on aircraft power plants. 7. Analyse fuel penalties resulting from a given system’s presence on an aircraft by carrying out basic calculations. 8. Recognise and interpret the reasons for, and possible types of changes, that may occur in airframe systems in the near future. |
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Mechanical Integrity of Gas Turbines
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
To familiarise course members with the common problems associated with the mechanical design and lifting of the gas turbine engine and its components |
Syllabus |
Loads / forces / stresses in gas turbine engines |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Practical Reliability
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
To familiarise Course Members with the reliability analysis of data from tests and service records, and methods of evaluating system reliability as part of design |
Syllabus |
• Requirements for safety and reliability analysis as part of Regulatory Approval process. • Analysis of Failure Data - Negative exponential and Weibull probability distributions; Data analysis and ranking methods; Confidence intervals; Normal, log-normal distributions. • Systems - Conventional representation; Series-parallel methods; Decomposition techniques; Path and cut sets; Reliability of maintained systems; Failure mode effect and criticality analysis; Fault Tree Analysis; Markov methods. • Applications - Reliability prediction during project design and development; In-service reliability and service policy development |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Aircraft Accident Investigation and Response
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
The process of accident investigation will be considered as a whole from notification and disaster response through evidence collection and analysis to the preparation of a final report and recommendations for change. Different approaches will be considered including ‘no-blame’, criminal and coronial investigations with particular emphasis on the role that human factors practitioners can play in the investigation and in dealing with the consequences of an accident and its associated recommendations. |
Syllabus |
• investigation as it relates to safety management systems, • disaster response and emergency planning, • on site appraisal and preservation of evidence, • human factors in investigations, • witnesses and interviewing, • cross-cultural issues in accident investigation, • preparing and managing recommendations. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • describe the accident investigation process as used in a number of industries, • identify roles and responsibilities within the accident investigation process, • critically assess analysis techniques used in accident investigation, • evaluate common causal factors. |
Fundamentals of Aircraft Engine Control
Aim |
|
---|---|
Syllabus |
Compressor performance |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
To give a basic knowledge of aerodynamic principles and familiarity with the fundamental characteristics of fluid flow. |
Syllabus |
• Dimensional Analysis and Aerodynamic force. • Viscosity the Boundary Layer and Skin Friction. • Vortex Flow and Aerofoil Circulation. • Finite Low Speed Wings. • Aerofoil and Wing High Lift Devices. • Flying Controls. • Supersonic Flow Characteristics. • Supersonic Aerofoil Sections. • Finite Supersonic Wings. • Transonic Flow Characteristics. • Theoretical Aerodynamics: Navier Stokes Equations, Vector form of Navier Stokes equations. • Mathematical properties of PDE’s. • Solution methodology for initial boundary value problems. • Other Reduced forms of the Navier Stokes Equations. • Equation of Continuity: Viscous Stresses - shear and normal. • Navier-Stokes equations. The viscous flow energy equation. • Similarity parameters. • The 2D boundary layer equations - continuity, x and y momentum and energy. • Analyse experimental aerodynamic data using XFOIL software • Conduct virtual experiment using lab view |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Summarise the principles of incompressible flows including vortices and viscous effects, boundary layers and basic wing and aerofoil section characteristics. 2. Describe the implications of compressibility effects; shock waves, supersonic and transonic flow. 3. Analyse results from basic low speed and high speed wind tunnel experiments. 4. Relate the technology studied to the regulatory requirements for airworthiness |
Manufacturing for Airworthiness
Aim |
The aim is to provide students with a basic understanding of a broad range of issues associated with aircraft manufacture. The module will cover technical and management topics ranging from strategy and factory planning to composite manufacture. |
---|---|
Syllabus |
|
Intended learning outcomes |
On completion of this module, students will:
|
Design, Durability and Integrity of Composite Aircraft Structures
Aim |
The course seeks to provide engineers with knowledge of polymer composite properties and behaviour relevant to their in-service performance durability and maintenance in aircraft structures |
---|---|
Syllabus |
Basic principles |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Introduction to Avionics
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
To provide a comprehensive overview of avionics systems and infrastructures. |
Syllabus |
• Airborne sensor systems. • Navigation and communications systems – terrestrial and satellite-based systems, autonomous navigation systems, digital data links. • Radar – principle of operation, operational modes, radar cross section. • Displays – head down, head up and helmet mounted displays. • Avionics systems architectures and integration, databases. • Flight management and situational awareness systems, air traffic management. • Military applications – electronic warfare and countermeasures. • Product design considerations – design standards, fault tolerance and product life cycle. • Case study – a complete avionics installation. This module has an additional tutorial inside the cockpit of the large aircraft flight simulator. Students will be able to appreciate the cockpit layout design, understand information displayed to the pilot, and have the opportunity of flying the simulator. This tutorial is intended to enhance the learning process and the knowledge gained. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
The module aims to provide a broad overview of the nature and management of human error in the aviation maintenance domain. Key theories and frameworks for investigating maintenance human error, contributing factors and effects on operations are introduced. The challenges associated with practical application of currently available safety tools are examined together with the latest strategies to enhance understanding and management of maintenance error. This module does not require previous background in aviation maintenance and engineering. |
Syllabus |
• Maintenance management: Organisation, line and base maintenance, planning, maintenance control, error management systems, shift handover, blame cycle, communication in the workplace, workplace environment, work/job design. Regulatory framework: Legal requirements. EASA/Part 145 Maintenance Human Factors. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Flight Experimental Methods (Group Flight Test Report)
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the performance, stability and control characteristics of a conventional aircraft. |
Syllabus |
• Basic aircraft aerodynamics: lift and drag. • Cruise and climb performance. • Static equilibrium and trim. • Longitudinal static stability, trim, pitching moment equation, static margins and manoeuvre margins. • Lateral-directional trim and static stability. • Introduction to dynamic stability and modal analysis |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Describe the concepts of equilibrium, trim, static, manoeuvre and dynamic stability; 2. Evaluate the cruise and climb performance and the aerodynamic and stability characteristics of a conventional aircraft; 3. Apply the principles of flight test analysis and assessment; 4. Compile and present a technical report in written and verbal form; 5. Work effectively in a group environment. |
Detail Stressing
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
|
Syllabus |
|
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Introduction to Aircraft Structural Crashworthiness
Module Leader |
|
---|---|
Aim |
|
Syllabus |
o Objectives and Approach
o Regulations o Human Tolerance • Crash Energy Management • Structural Collapse o Collapse of metallic and composite structural components o Component collapse vs. structural collapse • Introduction to methods for crash analysis o Hand calculations o Hybrid analysis methods o Detailed analysis methods • Role and capability of testing and simulation in the crashworthiness field |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Teaching team
The course director for this programme is Cengiz Turkoglu.
Accreditation
Re-accreditation for the MSc in Airworthiness is currently being sought with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Your career
Many of our students are already in employment with aerospace/defence companies and choose to pursue an internationally recognised qualification with Cranfield University to enhance their career. Graduates are able to use this qualification to obtain secure permanent positions abroad.
Destinations of our students vary as many remain with their sponsoring company, often being promoted upon completion of the course. Some companies have used the Airworthiness programme as pre-employment training.
How to apply
Online application form. UK students are normally expected to attend an interview and financial support is best discussed at this time. Overseas and EU students may be interviewed by telephone.