Experiences in teaching an undergraduate course on flight systems and performance

We describe our experiences in developing and teaching an introductory course in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, on performance of aircraft and spacecraft systems. The special interdisciplinary features of the course are identified, with emphasis given to the way in which flight models, system concepts, control, and performance topics are introduced in the context of aircraft and spacecraft flight to undergraduate students with minimal prerequisites. The important role of technical communication in achieving the course objectives is described.