APT A199: Current Topics in Aviation and Aerospace
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Eff Term | Fall 2026 |
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 04/15/2026 |
| Top Code | 095000 - Aeronautical and Aviation Technology (CTE) |
| Units | .5-6 Total Units (Lecture Units .5-5; Lab/Other Units 0-1) |
| Hours | 9-144 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 9-90; Lab Hours 0-54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 18-180 |
| Total Student Learning Hours | 27-324 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Open Entry/Open Exit | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S) |
Course Description
This course explores emerging developments, innovations, and policy shifts within the aviation and aerospace industries. Topics vary by semester. Students will analyze case studies, review current research and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) updates, and evaluate how evolving technologies and social trends influence flight operations, maintenance, safety, and workforce development. Guest speakers and current publications are integral components of this course. Transfer Credit: CSU.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Demonstrate understanding of a current aviation or aerospace issue through written or oral presentation.
- Critically evaluate how technological innovation and policy affect industry operations and the global workforce.
- Apply professional communication and research skills to discuss contemporary challenges in aviation and aerospace.
Course Objectives
- Identify and summarize current technological, operational, and regulatory developments in aviation and aerospace.
- Analyze the implications of emerging trends for safety, training, and workforce development.
- Evaluate ethical, environmental, and economic challenges associated with new technologies.
- Interpret current FAA, NASA, and ICAO reports or policy updates and relate them to professional practice.
- Develop and present research on a contemporary topic in aviation or aerospace using credible, current sources.
Lecture Content
Content related to current issues and topics in aviation and aerospace. Analysis of implications related to cultural issues or changes and responses to industry changes.
Lab Content
Content related to current issues and topics in aviation and aerospace. Analysis of implications related to cultural issues or changes and responses to industry changes.
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
- Lab (04)
- DE Live Online Lab (04S)
- DE Online Lab (04X)
Instructional Techniques
Lectures, demonstrations, discussions, individual and small group exercises, instructor feedback, peer-to-peer.
Reading Assignments
Readings will be assigned in texts, handouts, or online resources as appropriate to the course topic and current resources available at the time the course is offered. Weekly hours: 6-48
Writing Assignments
Writing assignments will be given as appropriate to the topic. Weekly hours: 6-48
Out-of-class Assignments
Assignments will be given as appropriate to the topic and may include readings, research, reports, designs, and/or hands-on activities. Weekly hours: 6-48
Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended
18-180
Methods of Student Evaluation
- Midterm Exam
- Final Exam
- Short Quizzes
- Written Assignments
- Report
- Projects (Individual/Group)
- Problem Solving Exercises
- Oral Presentations
- Skills Demonstration
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Use learned skills towards the definition, simplification, solution and verification of aviation and/or aerospace related issues.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Apply acquired skills to solve aviation/aerospace-related problems.
Resources Subscreen
- Other: . . ().
Eligible Discipline(s)
- Aviation (flight, navigation, ground school, air traffic control): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.
- Aeronautics (airframe and powerplant, aircraft mechanics, aeronautical engineering technician, avionics): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.