RPAS from cradle to flight: a project based learning experience

Abstract

Aerospace engineers face multidisciplinary problems. These require integrating technical knowledge from different subjects, balancing it with skills and competences. Third-year Aerospace Engineering students from the Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM) have been asked to develop a project as if they were working for a company. They present their work here. It was done following the Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology implemented at the Project-Based Engineering School (PBES) of the UEM. The project was aimed to design, build and test a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) by involving four different subjects. A team of 10 students was involved in the project. It was not just an educational project but a real engineering project. Therefore, it has allowed the students to know, understand and practice the process through which a real product is made. The project has led the students to perform in a professional environment, getting them closer to their future jobs and thus motivating them. They have achieved deeper learning and developed key skills such as teamwork, decision-taking, planning and time management. It has also fostered entrepreneurial spirit by transforming the project into the seed of a Start-up company. It has been presented to the first “HUB Emprende” call of the Universidad Europea and it has been distinguished as one of the ten winners, being awarded with an incubation program that helped the students develop their business project.