Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences › Physical Sciences
This course provides learners with the foundational knowledge required to explain aircraft orientation and related aspects. It covers the basic components of an aircraft, their functions, and the principles of aircraft orientation to ensure safe and effective communication in aviation environments.
This course is designed for individuals entering the aviation industry, including ground staff, cabin crew trainees, and maintenance personnel who require a fundamental understanding of aircraft orientation.
None — open enrollment.
Objectives:
• Understand the history and significance of aviation.
• Identify the main categories of aircraft.
• Explain basic principles of flight.
• Describe the major components of an aircraft.
• Recognise key aviation terminology.
Topics:
• History of aviation and key milestones.
• Categories of aircraft: fixed-wing, rotary-wing, lighter-than-air.
• Principles of flight: lift, weight, thrust, drag.
• Aircraft structure: fuselage, wings, empennage, powerplant, landing gear.
• Basic aviation terms: airspeed, altitude, heading, attitude.
• Overview of aviation organisations (ICAO, CAA).
Objectives:
• Describe the functions of primary aircraft systems.
• Understand flight controls and their operation.
• Explain the role of avionics and instruments.
• Discuss aircraft powerplants and propulsion.
• Outline aircraft performance factors.
Topics:
• Aircraft systems: electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel.
• Flight controls: primary (aileron, elevator, rudder) and secondary (flaps, slats, spoilers).
• Avionics: navigation, communication, transponders.
• Powerplants: piston engines, turbine engines (turbojet, turbofan, turboprop).
• Aircraft performance: takeoff, climb, cruise, landing.
• Weight and balance principles.
Objectives:
• Recognise key aviation safety regulations and standards.
• Identify human factors affecting flight safety.
• Understand the importance of crew resource management.
• Describe emergency procedures and equipment.
• Apply safety management system principles.
Topics:
• Safety regulations: ICAO Annexes, CARs, and SA-CATS.
• Human factors: the SHEL model, fatigue, stress, situational awareness.
• Crew resource management (CRM) and communication.
• Emergency procedures: engine failure, fire, depressurisation.
• Safety equipment: life vests, rafts, oxygen masks.
• Safety management systems (SMS): hazard identification, risk assessment.
Objectives:
• Explain airport layout and operations.
• Describe ground handling procedures.
• Understand air traffic control communications.
• Identify airport signage and markings.
• Discuss security protocols.
Topics:
• Airport components: runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals.
• Ground handling: marshalling, towing, refuelling, baggage handling.
• Air traffic control: tower, ground, approach, en route.
• Radio communication phraseology.
• Airport signage, markings, and lighting.
• Aviation security: access control, screening, restricted areas.
Objectives:
• Understand principles of air navigation.
• Interpret aeronautical charts and publications.
• Perform basic flight planning calculations.
• Explain the role of navigation aids.
• Describe the flight planning process.
Topics:
• Navigation basics: latitude, longitude, true vs magnetic north.
• Aeronautical charts: VFR and IFR charts, symbols.
• Navigation aids: VOR, NDB, GPS, ILS.
• Flight planning: route selection, fuel calculation, NOTAMs.
• Meteorology for aviation: weather charts, METARs, TAFs.
• Flight plan filing and ATC coordination.
Objectives:
• Synthesise knowledge from all previous days.
• Apply aviation concepts in simulated scenarios.
• Demonstrate understanding of aircraft systems and safety.
• Perform basic flight planning and navigation tasks.
• Prepare for further aviation training or career pathways.
Topics:
• Review of key concepts across all modules.
• Case studies: accident analysis and lessons learned.
• Simulated scenario: pre-flight inspection, start-up, taxi.
• Simulated scenario: in-flight emergency response.
• Career paths in aviation: pilot, engineer, ATC, ground staff.
• Assessment and feedback.
This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.
Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.
Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.
On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.
| Component | Out of | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Average (multiple choice) | 100% | 30% |
| Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) | 100% | 70% |
| Final Total | — | 100% |
All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.
Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.
Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.
| Delegates | Discount |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3% off |
| 10 | 6% off |
| 15 | 9% off |
| 20 | 12% off |
| 25 | 15% off |
| 30 | 18% off |
| 50 | 30% off |
| 75 | 35% off |
| 100 | 40% off |
3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.
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