This course is based on the conceptual design of an aircraft to meet a general specification and to explore the adaptation of an existing aircraft to new functions relevant to the current needs of the aircraft industry. As well as the technical aspects, the course develops transferable skills in project planning and execution. The aircraft design process is a loosely defined method used to balance many competing and demanding requirements to produce an aircraft that is strong, lightweight, economical, and can carry an adequate payload while being sufficiently reliable to safely fly for the design life of the aircraft.

The design process starts with the aircraft's intended purpose. Commercial airliners are designed for carrying a passenger or cargo payload, long-range and greater fuel efficiency whereas fighter jets are designed to perform high-speed maneuvers and provide close support to ground troops. Some aircraft have specific missions, for instance, amphibious airplanes have a unique design that allows them to operate from both land and water, some fighters, like the Harrier Jump Jet, have VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) ability, helicopters have the ability to hover over an area for a period of time.

The purpose may be to fit a specific requirement, e.g. as in the historical case of a British Air Ministry specification, or fill a perceived "gap in the market"; that is, a class or design of aircraft which does not yet exist, but for which there would be significant demand.