If you were to skim through a text on classical aerodynamics for engineers, and then take a close look at one presenting basic theory of flight for pilots, you may be struck by the similarities rather than by the differences between the two. Of course, the former will contain more detailed information and give it in a much more technical and complicated way. Yet, both will be organized similarly, starting with isolated, basic components and building up to some major applications of the theory. This is the traditional way of teaching basic theory of flight to pilots. This paper proposes an alternate approach. Rather than beginning with the underlying causes of flight, it proposes to unravel basic principles by starting with the consequences of aerodynamic phenomena. Perhaps the best way of illustrating how this opposite approach may work is by presenting a simple model. Here, I show how the power curve, representing the most generalized consequence of all aerodynamic processes, could be used as a vehicle to introduce basic principles of flight to beginner pilots. This approach may allow schools to standarize teaching of basic aerodynamics and may permit students to increase their understanding of flight in a way they can effectively apply this knowledge during initial training. Although a solid understanding of how airplanes fly is not the only goal of a sound training program, gaining a high level of understanding in this vital area should be one of the most crucial requirements for ensuring competency and safety among professional pilots.

Poor aircraft energy management can lead to unsafe and inefficient operations. Despite their impact on safety and economy, energy management skills are not adequately taught or evaluated in civilian pilot training. This paper 1) addresses the need for better energy management training, 2) provides a conceptual and pedagogical framework for later curriculum development, and 3) suggests key attributes of an effective training program. To make the case, the study uses energy management to link safety and efficiency. It then synthesizes energy principles across disciplines and illustrates how such principles, once simplified, become powerful instructional tools. Finally, it suggests that an integrated, energy-centered, top-down training approach will lead to a better mental model of how the airplane works and, in doing so, to enhanced energy management and decision-making skills for safe and efficient operations.

The rise of electric aircraft propulsion methods, the increased use of automated and integrated flight control systems, and the envisioned use of personal Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) vehicles in urban environments lead to novel technical and regulatory challenges for aircraft manufacturers, certification authorities and operators. The combination of electric propulsion, where energy reserves and powertrain performance are highly sensitive to the environment, and VTOL, where the aircraft cannot simply glide to an emergency landing, generates the need for Trajectory Energy Management (TEM). The TEM task involves the manipulation of flight and propulsion controls to achieve a planned flight profile. The TEM system must provide the pilot or automated control system with guidance cues to achieve a planned flight profile, to maintain an energy-optimal trajectory, to avoid deviations from the flight plan causing increases in energy and power consumption, and to mitigate the risk of energy completion. As the pilot must manage both the energy source and flight dynamics energy state, the TEM system must provide sufficient information to the pilot, so that the pilot can perform the mission. This research is intended to define some requirements for energy management such that the pilot can safely accomplish an intended profile and land with enough energy reserves. These requirements must be defined based on prototype algorithm development, simulation results, and flight test data.