The Tentative CDIO Practices in AIR, Tsinghua University

The centre of Aero Innovation and Realization for students (AIR) provides the students in Tsinghua University with a place, where their innovative ideas on aeronautics can be proposed, realized and tested. After learning the basic courses such as aerodynamics, aero-structure, aircraft design etc., the students are encouraged to enroll in the programs hosted by AIR. They can propose new ideas on airframe, propulsion system or avionics. With the facilities, materials and funding provided by AIR, they can put the idea into detailed design and produce the prototype. Finally they are required to have the prototype tested to prove their idea or design. During the whole process, teachers who are specialized in aeronautics can provide guidance or advises on demand. The centre also has a professional aero-model coach. The students are required to grasp the skills of aero-model control in order to test fly their own aircraft.

We believe the principal ideas of the AIR coincide with the four basic elements of CDIO, which are Conceiving, Designing, Implementing and Operating. We are trying our best to put the AIR into a key node in the CDIO system of the School of Aerospace in the Tsinghua University.