Fundamentals of Air Transportation (BSc)

The Fundamentals of Air Transportation bachelor course explores aviation as a complex system of systems, where diverse operators, including airlines, airports, air traffic management, and regulatory bodies, pursue varying objectives such as safety, efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. The series provides a comprehensive overview of air traffic management, airport operations, environmental challenges, and emerging technologies. Key topics include the ATM Master Plan, airspace optimization, noise reduction, urban air mobility, and integrating new technologies. Emphasizing the interplay between these systems, the lectures highlight how collaboration, innovation, and regulatory frameworks are essential to achieving safe, efficient, and sustainable air transportation in the future.

ATM Master Plan

The lecture ATM Master Plan focuses on the strategic planning and implementation of modern European air traffic management systems. The Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) and its vision are at the forefront, including airspace optimization, reducing the fragmentation of air traffic management, and modernizing infrastructure. Key priorities include adopting digital technologies, integrating new aviation technologies (such as urban air mobility and high-altitude platforms), and transforming aviation into a CO₂-neutral industry. Challenges like capacity constraints, environmental impacts, and increasing complexity are addressed through innovative solutions such as trajectory-based planning, automation, data communication, and the concept of the Digital European Sky. Finally, measures to enhance safety, resilience, and efficiency are presented to make air traffic management future-proof.

Aerodynamics

The lecture Aerodynamics provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development and theoretical foundations of aerodynamics. It begins with early concepts, such as Cayley's and Lilienthal's glider experiments, and extends to the introduction of three-axis control by the Wright brothers. Theoretical models, such as the Kutta-Joukowski transformation, form the basis for understanding lift and drag. Practical applications are illustrated through laboratory and field experiments, particularly the work of Hugo Junkers. Additional topics include the classification of aircraft, aerodynamic fundamentals such as the continuity equation, Bernoulli's principle, and the significance of the boundary layer. The lecture also covers drag and its reduction, airfoil polars, flaps and their functions, and the stability and control of aircraft. Finally, current research topics and challenges in aerodynamics are discussed.

ATM and Air Traffic Control

The lecture ATM and Air Traffic Control provides a comprehensive overview of air traffic management (ATM) and air traffic control in Germany. It focuses on the concepts and processes of ATM, including Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), Air Traffic Services (ATS), and Airspace Management (ASM). The importance of strategic, tactical, and operational planning for efficient and safe air traffic operations is emphasized. Key topics include the structure of German airspace, the tasks of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung, and the legal frameworks governed by ICAO and EU regulations. Additionally, the role of air traffic control services (ATC), including en-route, approach, tower, and ground control, is discussed in detail. Finally, the lecture addresses the responsibilities of government agencies such as the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) and the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU), as well as the importance of meteorological services in aviation.

Airport

The lecture Airport provides a comprehensive overview of the legal, infrastructural, and operational foundations of aerodromes. It covers the classification of airports according to ICAO and EASA guidelines, explains legal regulations such as the LuftVG and LuftVZO, and highlights key airport responsibilities, including safety management (SMS) and emergency measures. Special emphasis is placed on economic aspects, such as value-added effects and employment, as well as capacity planning and slot coordination to optimize air traffic. Finally, the importance of supply and demand for airports and their impact on infrastructure planning is discussed.

Airline

The lecture Airline covers the economic and operational fundamentals of airlines. It describes different types of airlines, including full-service network carriers, low-cost carriers, and cargo airlines, as well as their business models and challenges. Historically, it traces the development of airlines, starting with aviation pioneers and the first scheduled flights. Political and regulatory frameworks, such as the Chicago Convention and the "Freedoms of the Air," are explained. Additional focus is placed on business models, market liberalization, network structures (hub-and-spoke vs. point-to-point), and cost management. Finally, current challenges such as profitability, customer retention, and new technologies are discussed.

Security

The lecture Aviation Security addresses measures to protect aviation from unlawful interference. It begins with an introduction to the differences between security (protection against attacks) and safety (operational safety). International and European legislation, including ICAO Annex 17 and Regulation (EC) No. 300/2008, as well as national regulations such as the Aviation Security Act (LuftSiG), form the legal framework. The lecture examines security measures at airports, such as passenger screening, body scanners, and secure supply chains, as well as challenges posed by new technologies and threats, such as drones. It comprehensively covers the costs and organizational aspects of security checks, the role of the Federal Police and private security providers, and possible optimizations. Finally, it explores future scenarios, such as risk-based security measures and smart screening technologies.

Noise

The lecture Noise addresses the generation, measurement, and reduction of noise emissions in aviation. It highlights the differences between objectively measurable noise and subjective perception, which is strongly influenced by individual factors. Passive noise protection measures, such as soundproof windows or noise barriers, as well as active approaches, including quieter engines and optimized flight procedures, are presented. Another focus is on legal frameworks, including international, European, and national regulations, and the role of institutions such as ICAO and EASA. Noise measurement and classification are conducted using standardized procedures, with the equivalent continuous sound level and noise protection zones being central elements. Finally, innovative concepts like risk-based approaches and noise-based airport charges are discussed.

Urban Air Mobility

The lecture Urban Air Mobility (UAM) provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts, technologies, and challenges associated with urban air mobility. UAM refers to the use of urban airspace for transporting people and goods using innovative aircraft such as eVTOLs (electric-powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing). Key topics include technological foundations, propulsion systems, infrastructure (Vertiports), and applications such as inner-city air taxis, airport shuttles, and regional air transportation. While potential benefits like congestion relief and time savings are highlighted, challenges such as limited range, noise emissions, and energy demands are also addressed. Social acceptance, regulatory frameworks, and ecological considerations are central to the discussion. The lecture concludes with the URTEAM research project, which develops innovative solutions for safe urban air operations and emergency landings, tested within a mixed-reality environment.