After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize how the fundamentals of commercial air transport operations and the life cycle of aircraft impact the environment.
• Explain the inherent challenges in making aviation sustainable, and how these challenges stem from the principles of flight, propulsion, production and operation (there are no easy solutions!)
• Present the current technological possibilities for making aviation more sustainable, how these possibilities can be implemented, and what their limitations are.
• Discuss solutions for reducing the environmental impact of aviation on both the personal and the larger scale.

Week 0: Welcome

In the Welcome section of this course we will explain how the course is set up, how the EdX platform works and we will give you an opportunity to introduce yourself and find out who else is following this course.

Week 1: Aviation and Climate Change

In the first week of the MOOC, we will kick things off by taking a birds-eye look at aviation and climate change.

• How do aircraft impact the environment
• Current situation

Week 2: How do Aircraft Fly?

To understand how we can decrease aviation’s impact on the environment, you will first learn exactly how an aircraft is able to fly.

• The physics of flight: Lift and weight, thrust and drag
• Aircraft performance
• How to propel an aircraft

Week 3: Propulsion and Energy Carriers

In this week, we will take a more detailed look at the elements of a propulsion system and the energy sources that drive them.

• Elements of propulsion systems
• Engine efficiency
• Aircraft energy carriers: options and limitations
• Sustainable aviation fuels

Week 4: Production and End of Life

Of course, there is more to an aircraft than flying it. In week 4 of the MOOC, we will discuss the lifecycle of the aircraft.

• Lifecycle Assessment
• Production of aircraft
• During lifetime
• Aircraft end of life

Week 5: Novel Aircraft Design and Climate Effects

As we near the end of the MOOC, there are two topics we want to touch upon in more detail: firstly, concepts for the aircraft of the future, and secondly, the actual impact of aircraft on climate.

• Novel aircraft designs
• Aircraft emissions and their effect on the atmosphere
• Aircraft noise

Week 6: Operations and Conclusion

Lastly, we will consider aircraft and airline operations.

• Airline planning
• Air traffic management
• Airport operations

Week 7: Conclusion and Final Assignment