This course builds on basic flight skills and shifts the focus toward building and flying autonomous aircraft. In AT 219, the main goal is to design, build, program, and test a fixed-wing UAS. The class is very hands-on, and most of the learning comes from working directly with the aircraft instead of just lectures.
Throughout the semester, I work with open source systems to plan flights, test how the aircraft performs, and maintain the hardware. Labs and assignments follow real world workflow, starting with building and setup, then moving into flight testing, troubleshooting issues, and documenting results.
Course Focus Areas
Key areas emphasized in AT 219 include:
Designing and building a UAS for specific missions Programming autonomous flights using open-source flight controllers Planning and flying autonomous missions Testing aircraft performance in different conditions Maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting aircraft systems Designing and integrating custom sensor payloads Creating clear and professional technical documentation Weekly Summary Index
Each weekly entry summarizes what was covered in class and how it applies to real UAS operations. These summaries focus on understanding concepts, reflecting on hands-on experience, and making connections beyond the classroom.
Weekly summaries typically include:
Key topics discussed in lecture Important takeaways or concepts learned How those topics relate to flight operations or aircraft setup Challenges or questions that came up Personal reflections on understanding and progress Learning Reflections
Key takeaways from AT 219 so far:
Better understanding of autonomous flight behavior Increased confidence discussing aircraft systems and setup Stronger ability to connect theory to real-world experience Improved problem-solving and troubleshooting skills Better habits for reflecting on learning and progress Skills Gained
Autonomous mission planning Aircraft troubleshooting and maintenance Operational thinking and reflection Team coordination and leadership