Course detail

Aircraft Propulsion Units

FSI-ELVAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course deals with topics related to the aircraft propulsion. The introduction repeats the basic knowledge at the level of high school physics and mechanics in connection with the design, function, and operation of piston internal combustion engines. Subsequently, the issues of principle, construction, function, and operation of prop-jet aircraft engines are discussed. Special attention is paid to the operation of Class B and A airplanes, to the work with flight manuals and to the operation of airplanes with regard to the requirement to minimize the impact on the environment.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Mgr. Pavel Imriš, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Aerospace Engineering (LÚ)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of secondary-level applied mathematics, applied mechanics and physics.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The condition for granting the credit is 80% participation in lectures and seminars and elaboration of a project on an assigned topic. The condition for admission to the exam is to obtain a course-unit credit. The classification is carried out according to the BUT Study and Examination Regulations.
Lectures and seminars are mandatory, and attendance is checked by recording in the class book. The minimum participation is 80%. Substitution is possible in the form of individually assigned sets of projects and topics for independent processing, which the student must submit no later than during the course-unit credit week.

Aims

The course objective is to familiarize students with principles of function, construction, and operation of aircraft propulsion units at the level prescribed for obtaining a certificate of competency of a transport pilot. To learn to practically use theoretical knowledge from the design of aircraft propulsion units in pilot practice. To prepare students to take theoretical exams to obtain the ATPL (A).
The student will gain knowledge and skills in the field of design and operation of aircraft propulsion units, necessary for the performance of the function of a transport pilot in commercial air traffic.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

ADAMEC, Josef a Jindřich KOCÁB. Letadlové motory. Vyd. 2. Praha: Corona, 2008. ISBN 978-80-86116-54-9. (CS)
ADAMEC, Josef. Pohonná jednotka (021 03): [učební texty dle předpisu JAR-FCL 1]. Brno: Akademické nakladatelství CERM, 2006. Učební texty pro teoretickou přípravu dopravních pilotů dle předpisu JAR-FCL 1. ISBN 80-720-4477-X. (CS)
EASA ATPL (A) Theory Training: AGK-Powerplant. 7th Edition. United Kingdom: Bristol Groundschool International Limited, 2019. ISBN 978-1-912679-06-5. (EN)
EASA ATPL Ground Training Series: Powerplant. Book No 4, EASA-First Edition, Revised for NPA29. United Kingdom: CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, 2020. (EN)

Recommended reading

KELLER, Ladislav a Jindřich KOCÁB. Učebnice pilota: pro žáky a piloty všech druhů letounů a sportovních létajících zařízení, provozujících létání jako svou zájmovou činnost. Vyd. 2. Cheb: Svět křídel, 2006. ISBN 80-852-8089-2. (CS)
PLC, Rolls-Royce. The Jet engine. 4th ed. Derby, England: Rolls-Royce, 1986. ISBN 09-021-2104-9. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-PRP-P Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Mgr. Pavel Imriš, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  1. Piston combustion engine, physical principle, construction, parts.
  2. Working cycles of piston combustion engine, petrol and diesel engines.
  3. Piston internal combustion engine systems, functions, operation control and engine control.
  4. Parameters of piston internal combustion engines, modes of operation, operating restrictions, maintenance.
  5. Propellers, types, construction, functions, parameters, control, operating limitations.
  6. Prop-jet engines, principles of operation, theoretical foundations.
  7. Construction of prop-jet engines, parts and their function.
  8. Characterization of jet engines, performance, modes of operation.
  9. Systems of jet engines, peripheral facilities.
  10. Interaction of prop-jet engine systems with aircraft systems, operating limitations.
  11. Control of aircraft power units, indication devices, procedures, emergency situations.
  12. Fuels for aircraft engines, development of alternative fuels, the impact of operation on the environment.
  13. Lubricating oils for aircraft propulsion units, operation and maintenance of propulsion units.

Exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Mgr. Pavel Imriš, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1.-2. Engine design resolution, nomenclature, part identification, explanation of function.
3.-4. Piston engines parameters evaluation, propeller control, operating modes according to operating manuals.

5.-6. Piston and prop-jet engine construction, reducers, examples of use in aircraft construction.
7.-8. Characteristics of individual prop-jet engines, operating modes according to operating manuals.
9.-10. Control of prop-jet engines, evaluation of engine devices data, emergency procedures.

11. Practical training in aeronautical workshops/ technical museum.
12. Choice of fuel and lubrication oils, operating instructions, operational safety, environmental impact.
13. Ecology of aircraft engine operation in practice, course-unit credit award.