Thesis
Supervised research for the Masters
thesis. Research design, data collection procedures, measurement
strategies, literature survey, and information databases.
Qualitative and quantitative methods, probability testing, and
inferential statistics. Evaluating and writing research papers.
Independent investigation of a proposed thesis topic. Preparation
and presentation of an original thesis or engineering report. With
the approval of his or her academic advisor and employer, a
student may submit an original thesis derived from project work at
the student's workplace, or it may be in association with one of
the major projects that students in the NTPS Professional Test
Pilot/Flight Test Engineer Course perform.
Unknown Aircraft - Engineering
Project
The student is assigned an aircraft with
which he is not familiar to evaluate for compliance with the civil
regulations or military specifications. A flying hours and sortie
budget is assigned and the student is given the structural and
engine limits only. The student must then conduct the appropriate
test planning, flight preparation, perform low and high speed taxi
tests, first flight, envelope expansion, etc. Prior to the first
flight, the test plan must be defended before a faculty technical
and safety review board. A written report and oral
presentation are required.
Systems Project - Engineering
Project
The student is assigned a system that can be
used on aircraft to improve operational capabilities; this project
may originate in the student's workplace. The student researches
the layout; bench tests and oversees the installation and
integration if necessary. A test plan is written and defended
before a faculty technical and safety review board. The testing is
then performed and the results are compared with the
specifications or certification criteria, and the operational
viability of the systems is assessed. A written report and oral
presentation are required.
Texts and Reference Materials
As required
Anticipated Student Learning
Objectives
Upon completion of this supervised independent
study course, the student will have developed a knowledge of
various research strategies, become familiar with reference
resources, and have gathered the fundamental data to incorporate
into a thesis.
Sequence of Instruction
Independent investigation of a research
topic under the general supervision of a faculty advisor.
Instructional Methodology
Independent learning with faculty
guidance.
Process of Evaluation
Instructor evaluation.
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