Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
2İHA 116Theory of Flight3+0+03311.11.2026
Course Details
Language of Instruction Turkish
Level of Course Unit Associate Degree
Department / Program Drone Technology and Operations
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Compulsory
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course The aim of this course is to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of the fundamental physical principles, aerodynamic forces, structural components, and control systems that affect the flight of aircraft.
Course Content This course addresses the fundamental physical principles of flight and the interaction of lift, drag, weight, and thrust forces within the framework of aerodynamic fundamentals. The effects of atmospheric conditions on flight performance, airfoil profiles, angle of attack, stall, and stability concepts are examined in detail. Aircraft engine types, structural components, control surfaces, and lift-enhancing systems are analyzed from a technical perspective. In addition, aerodynamic effects encountered in high-speed flight and their implications for UAV design are analyzed.
Course Methods and Techniques Lecture (direct instruction), question-answer, discussion, practice, and design techniques are used.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Instructor Canan Eren canan.eren@hku.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources İnsansız Hava Aracı Teknolojisi ve Operatörlüğü Eğitim Kitabı, Prof. Dr. Murat Yakar, Doç. Dr. Ali Ulvi, Öğr. Gör. Şafak Fidan, Öğr. Gör. Atilla Karabacak
Course Notes [1] A. C. Kermode, Mechanics of Flight, 12. Baskı (R. H. Barnard ve D. R. Philpott tarafından gözden geçirilmiş), Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, 2012.
[2] J. D. Anderson Jr. ve M. L. Bowden, Introduction to Flight, 9. Baskı, McGraw-Hill Education, New York, 2022.
[3] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Pilot ` s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), U.S. Department of Transportation, Oklahoma City, OK, 2023.
Documents Uçak ve Uzay Mühendisleri İçin Uçuşa Başlangıç Yazar: John D. Anderson Jr. Çevirmen: Adil Yükselen Yayınevi : Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık,İnsansız Hava Aracı Teknolojisi ve Operatörlüğü Eğitim Kitabı, Prof. Dr. Murat Yakar, Doç. Dr. Ali Ulvi, Öğr. Gör. Şafak Fidan, Öğr. Gör. Atilla Karabacak

Course Category
Mathematics and Basic Sciences %20
Engineering %20
Engineering Design %10
Social Sciences %0
Education %0
Science %20
Health %0
Field %30

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Mid-terms 1 % 40
Final examination 1 % 60
Total
2
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 3 42
Mid-terms 1 4 4
Practice 10 4 40
Final examination 1 4 4
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 3 90

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 The fundamental physical principles of flight are defined, and the effects of lift, weight, thrust, and drag forces on flight are explained.
2 The standard atmosphere model is analyzed, and the effects of atmospheric conditions on flight performance are interpreted
3 The relationship between airfoil profile, angle of attack, and aerodynamic forces is explained, and stall formation along with its prevention methods is evaluated
4 The operating principles of different engine types (piston, jet, turbine) are compared, and engine selection for UAVs is explained with technical justifications.
5 Aircraft structures and load-bearing components are defined, and the strength-to-weight balance of the materials used is analyzed.
6 The functions of flight control surfaces are explained, and their effects on orientation, stability, and maneuverability during flight are interpreted
7 The aerodynamic effects encountered in high-speed flight (shock waves, sonic boom, increased drag) are analyzed, and their implications for UAV design are evaluated

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction to Theory of Flight and Basic Concepts
2 Atmospheric Physics and the Standard Atmosphere Ders Notları
3 Aerodynamic Lift and Airfoil Profile-1 Ders Notları
4 Aerodynamic Lift and Airfoil Profile-2 Ders Notları
5 Drag Force and Stall Ders Notları
6 Aircraft Engines Ders Notları
7 Aircraft Components-Structural Classification and Loads Ders Notları
8 MIDTERM EXAM
9 Structural Classification and Loads Ders Notları
10 Balance and Stability in Aircraft Ders Notları
11 Flight Control Surfaces Ders Notları
12 Motion Systems and Control Methods Ders Notları
13 High-Speed Flight and Aerodynamic Effects Ders Notları
14 General Review I Ders Notları
15 General Review II
16 Final

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14 P15
C1 4
C2 3
C3 4
C4 4
C5 4
C6 4
C7 4

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant