I can appreciate that to run a full degree course, as a distance-learning package requires more than a bundle of course notes and students completing assignments. It requires access to physical resources, practical lectures, lab work etc but these are not insurmountable problems as the OU has demonstrated for many years through multimedia support, summer schools and similar techniques.
Whilst Universities could argue that the demand for such courses would not be sufficient to counter the financial costs of offering such a programme I think it is a route that would be welcomed by a growing number of people who are avoiding direct university courses due to shear cost.
There seems to be a swell of numbers taking alternative routes to qualification via employment and part time HNC/D and then to degree when they have time and money. Additionally there are a large number of people in the Aero world, who have a wealth of experience and academic ability that would welcome a route through which they could advance. Surely this is a market ripe for picking?
I've heard arguments that it's all too difficult or there wouldn't be enough demand from several university sources, and frankly I think they're fallacious. Aerospace is I believe the 3rd biggest industry in the UK after finance and tourism, and to say there wouldn't be uptake in the most fundamental subject within it I think is daft. So yes, I agree with you.
My brother did an OU biology degree, the kit of stuff they sent him was fantastic. If they can send out DIY dissection kits, I can't imagine a small wind tunnel can be any harder.
G