In the 4th Industrial Revolution era, changes are taking place in Pusan National University (PNU) education as high-tech technologies are advanced. PNU departments, struggling to cultivate competitive talents, have also introduced unique classes in line with the changes of the times. The Dept. of Aerospace Engineering provides opportunities for rehearsal in control rooms that imitate actual environments through flight simulators. The Dept. of Media Communication teaches photography and editing techniques that can be used in real action through drone practice.

■ Feels like driving a real plane

First-year students in the Dept. of Aerospace Engineering have completed a "Flight Simulator" in a lecture on "Introduction to Aerospace Engineering" since 2018. This reflects the academic ideology that the experience of flying an aircraft in a real-life environment reminds aviation engineers of a better perspective. 

The flight simulator is a three-dimensional simulator, modeled after the light aircraft “CESSNA 172” model. This reproduces the aircraft's control room as it is. It uses software from a U.S company specializing in aerospace-related devices and programs called the “Redbird.”

Students fly over areas designed to be the same as reality, such as Busan, Gimhae, and Geoje, according to the light aircraft operation procedure. During operation, you can observe six windows, a panoramic view, and a propeller through the screen from the pilot's point of view. Even when taking off and landing, fine vibrations due to recoil, flight, and climate conditions are transmitted intact, making it feel like it is in flight.

As it is made with sophisticated technology, simulator usage time can be recognized as the same as actual aircraft control. The simulator installed in PNU is a flight simulation device verified by the Busan Regional Office of Aviation (BROA). It was originally used for flight practice in the process of training. PNU is the only university which contains the Dept. of Aerospace Engineering that possesses such equipment in South Korea. 

As it is a problematic case to find in other universities, it also acted as competitiveness in the job market. This is because the results of experiencing the operation processes and inconvenience factors of the aircraft can be reflected in the actual production through the flight simulator process. The Dept. of Aerospace Engineering of PNU is currently producing talent in various fields, such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Aerospace, and IT Parts. 

Prof. Lee Dae-Woo (Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, PNU) said, "It is absurd that a person who makes an aircraft does not know how to drive it. Only the experience of driving an aircraft can improve the understanding of the aircraft itself and create better talent. Aerospace engineering class of PNU teaches design, development, and manufacturing of all aircrafts ranging from missiles to spacecraft. The educational goal is to train innovative and creative engineers."

■ From obtaining a certificate to completing a work

The lecture "One-Person Media Content Production Practice," which was newly opened in this year, deals with drone utilization and filming techniques as an elective subject for students of the Dept. of Media Communication. 

The lecture was opened considering the demand for drones in the working environment, following the development of the 4th industrial technology. Professor Kim Hyo-Jeong (Dept. of Media Communication, PNU) said, "We needed lectures for students' practical skills, such as requiring drone operation in a working environment. I expect them to become lectures that can develop both theory and practical skills." 

The lecture consisted of learning the theory of flight principles and obtaining certificates (four types of uncrewed aerial vehicles), permission to shoot the aviation agency and essential practice, and final practice. It goes through various procedures without immediately introducing it into practice for safe and accurate drone operation. Prof. Kim said, "There are many things to pay attention to in the process of operating a drone. Even if it is complicated, it is the essence of this lecture to know the operation process accurately." Choi Seung-Yeon (Dept. of Media Communication, 21) said, "I learned the overall contents related to drones when obtaining certificates on filming and editing. I could get close to drones which felt only far away."

A filming director with extensive practical experience was hired as a professor in charge to enhance the professionalism of the lecture. This is the result of supporting students to learn drone shooting more professionally. Jeon Se-Hyeon (Dept. of Media Communication, 21) said, "It was helpful because the instructor told a lot of useful tips that can be used in practice. It is a differentiated lecture in which I was able to experience new things."

Reporter Jo Seung-Wan

Translated by Shin Ji-Won