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Aviation Science: Aerospace Physiology - The Human Body in Flight

This fascinating 3-week course will explore how flight effects pilots as they fly airplanes at high speed, high altitude, and in poor visibility. Biology, physics, and technology combine with adventure and high-performance aircraft!
Captain Matt
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(243)
Star Educator
Class

What's included

3 live meetings
2 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. included
Certificate of Completion
included

Class Experience

Beginner Level
Join Captain Matt for a look at what happens to the human body at high altitude, high speed, and when unable to see outside! 

The human body is an amazing a complex machine. When exposed to the unique environment of aviation, however, it has several vulnerabilities that can be disastrous if not protected against. In this course we will use videos, diagrams, discussions, case studies, and the teacher's own experience as a military pilot to explore and understand the body's reactions to many aspects of high-performance flight. 


No prior knowledge is required for this course--just an interest in the topic!
Learning Goals
Lesson 1:
How does the respiratory system work?
What is hypoxia?
What are the symptoms of hypoxia?
How do pilots train to combat hypoxia?
What are the engineering solutions to prevent hypoxia?

Lesson 2:
What is acceleration?
What is inertia?
What is cent
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
3 Lessons
over 3 Weeks
Lesson 1:
High Altitude Flight
 Learn about the body's respiratory system, hypoxia and its symptoms, the training and engineering solutions that protect pilots form hypoxia, aircraft pressurization systems, and more. Learners will join in engaging discussions with the teacher and each other, view videos, images and diagrams, and hear first hand stories of high altitude flight from a real pilot. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Effects of Acceleration
 We will look at our familiar everyday experience with these forces, dive into a scientific explanation of acceleration, and apply this knowledge to aviation. Stunt pilots, race pilots and fighter pilots must have a thorough understanding of these "G-forces"--they can be deadly! We will learn not only how acceleration effects pilots, but how pilots protect themselves from harm when flying "at the edge of the envelope." 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Spatial Disorientation
 Located inside your inner-ear, the vestibular system gives us a large portion of our sense of motion. It works great walking on the ground and durning other normal, daily activities. Taken into the 3-D realm of aviation, however, and it can play dangerous tricks on a pilot. The result is spatial disorientation--literally, not knowing which way is up. In this class we will explore how the vestibular system works, what flight conditions can trick it, and how pilots and engineers deal with it. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Some case studies involve aircraft accidents that led to fatalities. The fatalities are not discussed in any detail, but are mentioned only to emphasize the importance of safety measures and proper training in aviation.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Pilot's Handbook of Aviation Knowledge (Federal Aviation Administration) Instructor's experience as an Air Force Pilot
Joined July, 2020
5.0
243reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
New Jersey Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree from University of West Florida
Bachelor's Degree in History from United States Air Force Academy
I served 20 years as an active duty Air Force pilot, flight instructor, and academic teacher. For the past eleven years, I have taught a high school Aviation Science course. I remain an active pilot and aviation enthusiast! 

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$25

weekly or $75 for 3 classes
1x per week, 3 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
2-16 learners per class

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