Academics Only Courses
 (non flying)
no masters credit for these courses

• Avionics and Weapons System Flight Test
• Flight Test of RADAR Systems
• Introduction to Electronic Warfare and Systems Test
• Flight Test of Navigation and Communications Systems
• Flight Test of Electro-optical and Infrared Systems    
• Test Management / Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E)
• FAA Part 23/25 Systems Certification and Test
• Aviation/Flight Test Safety
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) for Flight Testers - Initial
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) for Flight Testers - Refresher
• Vehicle Flight Test and Subsystems Performance
• Aircraft Performance
• FAA Part 23/25/27/29 Certification
• Vehicle Structures and Flutter Test
• Handling and Flying Qualities
• Vehicle Subsystems Flight Test
• GPS Practical Use for the Layman GPS!

Focus: 

This five day course covers the evolution of a flight test program including: the need for flight test, program concerns, the acquisition process, test assets required, types of instrumentation, data reduction and analysis. Types of Time, Space, Position Information (TSPI) and their relationship to flight test requirements will be discussed. Differences in development, demonstration and performance test programs will be addressed as well as the relationship with internal and external customers. The latest advancements in data acquisition, correlation, merging and analysis with an inclination towards true performance vs predicted. Discussions on statistical analysis attempt to answer the question, "how many points do we need". Basic theory of operation of numerous avionics systems are discussed and the methods of testing these systems are explained in detail. Ample time is allotted during each session to allow participants to have questions answered that are of concern to their individual projects.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for all Flight Test Engineers, from the data analyst to the program manager. No previous course or prior experience is necessary. The course will allow participants to review current and future flight test programs for greater efficiency and productivity.

 

Course Outline:
Overview What is Flight Test  Why is there a need for Flight Test  Program Concepts  Program Goals  Contractual Requirements	TSPI RADARS  Theodolites  Emitters  Ranges  DGPS
Purpose of the Test Program Feasibility  Full Scale Development/System Integration  Demonstration/Spec Compliance  Performance/OPEVAL	Avionics Testing Communications  Radio Aids to Navigation  INS  GPS  Controls and Displays  RADAR  EW  EO/IR  Human Factors  Integrated Air-to-Air  Integrated Air-to-Ground  Stores Management System
Test Criteria  Customer Requirements  Interfacing with the Master Schedule  Test Configuration/Buildup  Hardware/Software
Test Bed Instrumentation PCM  1553  Real-time vs Post-flight  Target, ECCM, Missile Instrumentation  Statistics for Avionics Systems Test	Lessons Learned
	Future of Systems Flight Test
System Architecture 1553/1760 Bus Overview

 

Costs:   $ 1,250, includes copies of course notes and additional handouts.
Return To Top

Focus: 

This 4-day short course is designed to assist students in the development and test of airborne RADAR systems. Highlights of the course include hands-on operation of the Camber Corporation, Simulation Systems Division, RADAR Toolkit. This simulation is a complex, real-world, energy level model of the emitted radio transmissions and the simulated environment. Students will be able to see firsthand, what the effects of changing RADAR parameters will have on RADAR performance. Academic lectures cover the many types off functions of today’s multi-mode RADARs and stresses the most correct, efficient way of demonstrating performance through flight test. The course addresses test plan formulation, determination of numbers of test points and objectives and covers the truth data required for such testing.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for Program Managers, Test Pilots, Engineers and Analysts or anyone involved with the test of Commercial or Military Avionics and/or RADAR systems. This course is a recommended elective for those students enrolled in the Avionics Flight Test Certificate Program. No previous course or prior experience is necessary, however participants should have a working knowledge of basic college mathematics and physics.

 

Course Outline:
Overview History and evolution of RADAR  Current Applications of RADAR	RADAR Modes and Applicable Testing Pulse Doppler  Pulse  ~ TWS/RWS  ~ Single Target Track  ~ Sea Surveillance  ~ Beacon Search and Track ~ Terrain Following  ~ Terrain Avoidance  ~ Air–to-Ground Modes  ~ SAR  ~ DBS  ~ MTI  ~ Navigation  ~ Millimetric  ~ Altimeters
Basic Theory Basic mode of operation  RCS  Resolutions  The RADAR range equation
RADAR Labs ~ Exercises and Student Evaluations

Costs:   $ 1,100, includes copies of the course textbook, course notes, and additional handouts. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This three-day short course is intended to give the student an overview of the types of threats an aircrew may be expected to encounter, methods for exploiting that knowledge, and systems which assist the aircrew in that exploitation. The course addresses the US Air Force T&E process for Electronic Warfare Evaluation using the guidelines established by AFM 99-112 and applies this process to three types of EW/ECM/ECCM systems: RADAR Warning Receivers, Self-protection Jammers and the HARM missile. Completion of this course will allow the student to identify threat RADARS, methods of counter-measures and test procedures for evaluating typical EW systems. The student will also be conversant in the terminology used in today’s Electronic Warfare community.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed to assist all flight test engineers, analysts, project leaders and program managers required to evaluate EW/ECM/ECCM/ESM aircraft systems. The course provides a foundation in Electronic Warfare an the T&E evaluation process and gives practical examples in the proper implementation of this process.

 

Course Outline:
Electronic Warfare Definitions Components  Purpose  Principles	Electronic Attack Passive Systems  Active SystemsElectronic Protection Identification of Threats  Objectives of EP  EP Techniques
Review of the RADAR Range Equation	Electronic Support SIGINT  ELINT  COMINT
Threat RADARS Indirect Threats  Direct Threats  Environmental	The Electronic Warfare T&E Process Introduction  Description  Application
Air Defense Systems Passive Detection  Active Detection  Weapons Systems  Command and Control	Three Typical Programs RADAR Warning Receivers  Self-protection Jammers  HARM
Targets of Electronic Warfare

 

Costs:   $ 850, includes copies of the course notes, reference text, and additional handouts. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This three day course emphasizes proper flight test techniques to be used when evaluating communications and navigation systems. The course begins with a short tutorial on Basic Navigation and Airmanship, stressing the importance of having reliable and accurate systems in the cockpit. Basic theory and operation of these systems is covered with a look at typical systems employed in today’s aircraft. Proper test techniques are examined with relation to these systems: Speech Intelligibility, antenna patterns, accuracy, EMI/EMC, CEP/CEA and integration with other avionics systems. Instrumentation and truth data for these tests are addressed as well as the post-test data analysis which is required.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for all flight test engineers, analysts, project leaders and program managers who are or will be involved in the test and evaluation of communications and navigation systems. Completion of this course will enable the student to become a productive member of the T&E team.

 

Course Outline:
Basic Navigation Where am I Measuring Courses, Headings and Ground  Earth Models  Differences in Magnetic, True, Indicated, Calibrated and  Differences in Altitudes: AGL, MSL, and Height above Elipsoid	Basic Airmanship How are Navaids used?
	Navigation Computers CADC/SCADC  IFF/Altitude Encoders
Communication UHF, VHF, HF, Data Link, Link - 16 Communication Specifications  Determining a Test Matrix  Antenna Patterns  Speech Intelligibility  Special Tests for Data Link	Reference Platforms AHRS/SAHRS  INS  AINS
Radio Aids to Navigation ADF  VO  TACAN/  NDB	Position Determinants GPS  DGPS
	Communication/Navigation Integrated Suites Determining Hierarchy  Graceful Degradation Testing

 

Costs:   $ 850, includes copies of the course notes, additional handouts, and course text. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This four day short course is designed to review basic Infrared and Electro-optical theory, as well as the practical application of this theory, stressing correct and efficient ways to demonstrate performance through flight test. The course addresses test plan formulation and the determination of the necessary test points for validating system capabilities. The first part of the course is designed to review radiation theory, while the remainder is arranged to review, in significant detail, typical electro-optical system components, both passive and active electro-optical systems, and various countermeasure systems.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for Program Managers, Test Pilots, Test Engineers and Analysts or anyone involved with the test of Commercial or Military EO/IR systems. Prerequisite experience and/or training is not required for this course, however, participants should have a working knowledge of basic college mathematics and physics.

Course Outline:
Introduction/overview History and evolution of EO/IR  Current application of EO/IR	Electro-optical Components Optical Materials  Optical Design  Optomechanical Scanning Applications, Techniques, and Devices  Detectors  Readout Electronics  Cryogenic Cooling Systems  Displays, Film, and Reticles  Lasers
Sources of Radiation Radiation theory  Artificial Sources  Natural Sources  Radiometry
Atmospheric Propagation of Radiation  Atmospheric Transmission  Propagation through Atmospheric Optical Turbulence  Aerodynamic Effects  Nonlinear Propagation: Thermal Blooming	Passive Electro-Optical Systems Infrared Line Scanning Systems  Forward Looking Infrared Systems  Staring-Sensor Systems  Infrared Search and Track Systems  Automatic Target Recognition Systems
Target Signatures Area-weighted Temperature Difference  Diurnal Variations  Path Radiance  Sky Background  Active Targets	Active Electro-Optical Systems LASER RADAR  LASER Rangefinders  Millimetric Wave RADARs  Fiber Optic Systems  Sensor and Data Fusion
Target Discrimination One-dimensional Detection  Two-dimensional Discrimination	Countermeasure Systems Warning Systems  Camouflage, Suppression, and Screening Systems  Active Infrared Countermeasures  Expendable Decoys  Optical and Sensor Protection  Obscuration Countermeasures
Range Predictions Range Prediction Methodology  Range Performance Probability  Two-fields of View  Resolution vs. Sensitivity  Line-of-sight Stabilization  Target Size  Zoom

 

Costs: $ 1,350, includes copies of course notes, additional handouts, and course text. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

A one-week course designed to provide an overview of the flight test and evaluation process and to examine, in detail, the subjects necessary to manage T&E programs. The course is offered to members of government and industry who are either directly involved with managing flight test programs/projects; interface directly with a flight test program and need to understand T&E management issues; and/or are program office personnel who oversee flight test programs. The subject matter is useful for anyone involved with the management of either DT&E or OT&E. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have a basic understanding of the test and evaluation process and the management issues relevant to that process. The student will understand:

1. The requirements process and how requirements drive the scope of a test program.
2. The factors which must be considered during T&E planning.
3. How test programs are provisioned and the trades which should be considered.
4. The role of modeling and simulation in today's test environment and how to strike the proper balance with flight test.
5. Earned value management for test and evaluation.
6. The value of cost and operational effectiveness analyses.
7. The differences and similarities between military certification and civilian certification.
8. Current best practice initiatives.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for personnel who will be working within an OT&E organization, regardless of background. Attendance will prove beneficial for pilots, engineers and support personnel alike. The course would also be worthwhile for project managers who will be dealing with OT&E organizations in the course of their duties.

 

Course Outline:
Test and Evaluation Process	Test Item Configuration Control
Operational Test and Evaluation	Envelope Expansion
Developmental Test and  Evaluation	FAA Certification
Requirements Process	Software T&E
Detailed Specs and Operational Requirements	Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis
T&E Program Planning	Military Certification
Instrumentation/Data Requirements/Resource Planning	Earned Value Management for Test and Evaluation
Modeling and Simulation	Best Practices
Test Criteria and Test Measures	COTS

 

Costs:   $ 1,250, includes copies of course notes and additional handouts. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This course is specifically tailored to the civil community, particularly to FAA Part 25 (23) certification of new or upgraded avionics systems. The course pays particular attention to FAA recommended/approved practices and guides the student through a step-by-step approval process. The course covers basic theory and operation of each of the systems, test requirements, test planning, data collection and analysis. Completion of the course will allow a student the necessary knowledge to successfully undertake the flight test portion of an STC Compliance matrix relating to avionics system upgrades.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed to assist flight test engineers, FAA Designated Engineering Representatives and Industry representatives in the flight test portion of an STC program. The course is also of interest to those individuals who desire an understanding of the FAA Part 23/25 Systems Certification Process. No previous course or prior flight test experience is required to enroll in this course.

 

Course Outline:
Introduction	FAR Part 23/25 and its relation to Avionic Systems  ~  General Requirements governing System installation  ~ Navigation Systems (Radio Aids) (AC 25-7, 23-8A)      ~VOR      ~Localizer Systems      ~Glideslope Systems      ~Marker Beacon      ~ADF      ~DME      ~Transponders ~  Flight Management Systems (AC-25-7) ~  EMI/EMC Testing (RTCA DO-160C, MilStd 461E) ~  GPS (TSO C129a, FAA Notice 8110.6, AC 20-138) ~  GPS (AC 90-94, 97-2) RAIM ~  Weather RADAR Systems (AC 25-7) ~  Autopilots (AC 23.17, 25.1329, 21-16C) ~  Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (AC 20-130A, 25.1309-1A) ~  Future Developments      -WAAS      -LAAS      -EGNOS      -FANS      -RNAV ~  Controls and Displays (AC 23.1311A) ~  Human Factors, Workload Certification Criteria       (GAMA Pub No. 10) ~  Proximity Systems TCAS and TAWS (AC 23-18,25-23) ~  RVSM (AC 91-RVSM)
History of the FAA  ~  FAA Organization
Certification of Aircraft and Aircraft Products  ~  Overview  ~  The Certification Process  ~  Software Considerations in the Approval Process ~  Components of the Certification Plan

 

Costs:   $ 1,250.00 per student includes the course notes.  Group Discounts are available:  3-5=10%, 6-10=20%, 11+=30% 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This 3-day focuses on all aspects of air vehicle safety: incidents/accidents, safety organizations, reporting procedures, Human Factors and crew station evaluations and systems which are currently in use to enhance system safety. This course is structured to benefit individuals currently assigned in positions of air vehicle safety as well as those involved with test and evaluation of new or upgraded aircraft. The course is extremely beneficial to individuals interested in setting up or maintaining a safety office. The course relates to current practices in use by the United States Air Force and Canadian Forces and outlines safety procedures used by the two organizations.

Who Should Attend: 

Aircrewmembers, test engineers, safety personnel and program managers interested in maintaining air vehicle safety within their respective organizations. No previous course or prior experience within the safety community is required. This course is beneficial to all individuals involved in flight or test operations as well as the civilian pilot.

 

Course Outline:
Introduction	Crew Resource Management Communication  Crew Concept  Workload Management  Situational Awareness  Decision Making  Operating Strategy
General Aviation Safety Incidents/Accidents  Case Studies
Safety Organization Safety Team  Organization of the Program  Management of the Program  Flight Safety Officers  Ground/Weapon Safety Officers  Safety Equipment  Safety Training	Human Factors Human Factors Engineering  Crew Station Evaluation  Crew Station Evaluation Aircraft Lab
	Systems Used to Enhance Safety Traffic Collision and Avoidance System  Ground Proximity Warning System  Ground Collision Avoidance System
Safety Reporting and Investigation Initial Report  Supplementary Report  Reporting Potential Accidents  Report Information Dissemination  Lessons Learned	Risk Management Test Review Boards  Safety Review Boards  Flight Readiness Reviews  Flight Test Readiness Reviews
Safety Issues Fatigue  Complacency  Disorientation  Macho Pilot Syndrome  Mid-air Collision	System Safety Reliability, Maintainability, Availability
	HAZMAT
Mishap Prevention Statistical Analysis  Trend Monitoring  Education  Marketing  Guidance	Sample Safety Program

 

Cost:   $ 750, includes course notes and additional handouts. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This three day short course is designed to introduce aircrew coordination concepts and procedures, the necessary attitude which recognizes the importance of good aircrew coordination for effective mission accomplishment, and the skills to implement the crew coordination procedures. These topics will be introduced in detail and each topic area will have group and individual exercises designed to assist the students to understand their interpersonal skills and techniques so that they may adapt them to enhance the crew coordination process. During the discussion of these topics, the mission of flight test is emphasized in the crew coordination process. Consequently, all in class exercises and examples are centered around flight test scenarios. The course is concluded with an interactive scenario challenging the students to practice the skills they have recently developed.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for Program Managers, Test Pilots, Test Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, and Flight Test Control Room staff or anyone involved in the flight test process. Training and experience prerequisites are not required, however, participants should have a working knowledge of the flight test process.

 

Course Outline:
Introduction/overview Why recurrency CRM training  The Safety Chain  The Safety Window for Flight Testers  Operational Integrity  Human Factors in Crew Performance	Situational Awareness Definition of SA  SA components  Health and Attitude  Cockpit Management Skills  Group vs. Individual SA  SA in the Cockpit  Achieving Good SA  Recognizing the Loss of SA  Individual and Group Exercises
Communication Effective Communication  The Communication Process  Communication Barriers  Communication Feedback  Advocacy and Inquiry Techniques  Individual and Group Exercises
Crew Concept and Synergy Synergy Definitions  Crew Concept Definitions  Crew Roles  Flight Crew Responsibilities  Leadership  Crew Support  Assertiveness  Training and Coaching Crew Members  Planning and Preparation  Effective Briefings/Debriefings  Individual and Group Exercises	Decision Making The Decision Making Process  Risk Detection and Evaluation Making Good and Bad Decisions Improving Decision Making Improving the Effect of Synergy Individual and Group Exercises
	Operating Strategies The Importance of the Operating Strategy Developing a Test Team Operating Strategy The Error Chain Interactive Group Scenario
Workload Management Definition of Workload  Accident Zone Model  Recognizing High Workload  Recognizing Low Workload  Maintaining Optimal Crew Workload  Dealing with Distractions  Individual and Group Exercises

 

Costs:   $ 750, includes copies of course notes and additional handouts. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This one day short course is designed to review aircrew coordination concepts and procedures, the necessary attitude which recognizes the importance of good aircrew coordination for effective mission accomplishment, and the skills to implement the crew coordination procedures. Since this course is designed to be a refresher of these topics, it is assumed that students attending already have received some form of initial Crew Resource Management training. During the review of these topics, the mission of flight test is emphasized in the crew coordination process. Consequently, all in class exercises and examples are centered around flight test scenarios.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for Program Managers, Test Pilots, Test Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, and Flight Test Control Room staff or anyone involved in the flight test process. No previous experience is necessary but initial CRM training is a prerequisite, and participants should have a working knowledge of the flight test process.

 

Course Outline:
Introduction/Overview Why recurrency CRM training  The Safety Chain  The Safety Window for Flight Testers  Operational Integrity  Human Factors in Crew Performance	Situational awareness Definition of SA  SA components  Health and Attitude  Cockpit Management Skills  Group vs. Individual SA  SA in the Cockpit  Achieving Good SA  Recognizing the Loss of SA
Communication Effective Communication  The Communication Process  Communication Barriers  Communication Feedback  Advocacy and Inquiry Techniques	Decision Making The Decision Making Process  Risk Detection and Evaluation  Making Good and Bad Decisions  Improving Decision Making  Improving the Effect of Synergy
Crew Concept and Synergy Synergy Definitions  Crew Concept Definitions  Crew Roles  Flight Crew Responsibilities  Leadership  Crew Support  Assertiveness  Training and Coaching Crew Members  Planning and Preparation  Effective Briefings/Debriefings	Operating Strategies The Importance of the Operating Strategy  Developing a Test Team Operating Strategy  The Error Chain  Case Studies
Workload Management Definition of Workload  Accident Zone Model  Recognizing High Workload  Recognizing Low Workload  Maintaining Optimal Crew Workload  Dealing with Distractions Situational Awareness

 

Costs:   $ 250, includes copies of course notes and additional handouts.
Return To Top

Focus: 

This 5-day course introduces the principles of vehicle flight testing. The course introduces the process of aircraft design and how flight testers demonstrate compliance or further develop a vehicle design. Instruction includes the use of mathematical modeling to predict performance and examples of how aerodynamic theory is used to adjust test day data to some standard conditions. An introduction to subsystem test and instrumentation requirements is provided along with traditional and modern data reduction techniques. Federal aviation requirements are addressed and interpreted.

Who Should Attend: 

This core course is designed for all flight test engineers, data analysts, technicians and program managers who have a need to know the fundamentals and the "Big Picture" of vehicle flight testing. No previous course or prior experience is necessary.

 

Course Outline:
Overview The need for flight test  Civil Certification Process  Military Spec Compliance  Aircraft Procurement Process	Aircraft Drag Polars Optimizing Performance
	Instrumentation Requirements Performance Testing  Flying Qualities Testing  Subsystems Testing
Aircraft Design Goals Typical Design Requirements  Aircraft Design Process  Conceptual Design  Goals of Developmental Flight Test  Goals of Operational Flight Test

 

Costs:   $ 1,250, includes copies of the course notes and applicable portions of the NTPS Flight Test Manuals. Group Discounts are available: 3-5 = 10%, 6-10 = 20%, 11+ = 30%.
Return To Top

Focus: 

This 4-day course examines the details of energy related performance evaluations. The course emphasizes mathematical models used to predict performance and how the flight test community validates these models. Instruction includes the use of advanced instrumentation, its relationship with schedule cost and time, and how simple modifications to the data collection method can minimize test time and enhance results. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) for takeoff and climb performance are addressed and interpreted for civil as well military applications.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for all flight test engineers and data analysts who have a need to know, or are working with, details of fixed-wing aircraft performance testing. No prior experience or course is required, however individuals new to the field would obtain the maximum benefit by first attending the Vehicle Flight Test and Subsystem Performance Course.

 

Course Outline:
Overview The need for model validation	Excess Energy Climb and Level Acceleration  Turn  Energy Management
Airframe Drag Polars Review of Basic Drag Polars  Mach Effects  Reynold’s Number Effects  Propeller Effects  Separation Effects	Takeoff and Landing Basic Theory  Test Techniques  Empirical Data Correction Methods  Digital Simulation
Engine Models Reciprocating  Turbines  Turboprops
Cruise Performance Performance Prediction  Level Flight Theory and Test Models  Cruise/Climb Theory and Test Models  Mission Evaluation

 

Costs: $ 1,000, includes course materials and additional handouts as well as the applicable portions of the NTPS Flight Test Manuals. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This five-day short course is designed as a pilot/engineer technical training course relating to the FAA Flight Test Certification process. The primary objectives of the course will allow students to: understand aircraft flight testing, understand CAR’s, FAR’s and the technical guidance for aircraft certification, know standardized flight test practices and procedures, understand safety guidance requirements, standardized flight test maneuvers and the FAA’s standardized interpretation of all regulations and technical guidance. Each lecture is designed to present the theory behind the flight test requirements, present the actual FAR requirements and guidance within the appropriate circulars and review the required flight test techniques required to show compliance. Time is allotted to address any current concerns, issues, disagreements or changes with regard to each subject.

Who Should Attend: 

All Flight Test engineers, analysts, aircrewmembers and program managers who have a need or desire to understand current FAA regulations, guidance and procedures necessary to show compliance with FAR Part 25. This course is extremely beneficial to those organizations seeking Type Certification or Special Type Certification for new or modified aircraft designs.

 

Course Outline:
Aerodynamics Dimensional Analysis  Standard Atmosphere  Subaero/Lift/Drag/Drag Polars  Compressible Aero	Systems Flight Controls/Fly-by-wire  Icing  Propeller Theory  Propulsion Review  Reciprocating Engines  Turbine Engines  Trim Systems  Windshear Avoidance/Prediction Systems
Performance Climbs/Excess Power  Takeoff/Speed Development  Landing Performance
Stability and Control Longitudinal Static Stability  Maneuvering/Lateral Directional Static Stability  Dynamic Stability  Asymmetrics/Minimum Control Speed  Light Twins/Engine Out  Stalls/Spins  Aircraft Recovery/Crew Escape	Certification Certification Procedures  Production Testing
	General Data Collection  Human Factors  Weight and Ballast

 

Costs:   $ 1,250, includes course materials and additional handouts as necessary. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This 5-day course is an extensive review of vehicle structures, loads and flutter testing. The course takes the student from the basic properties of materials through advanced instrumentation methods for determining flutter regions and divergence. The course emphasizes mathematical models used to predict results and how flight testers develop test conditions to validate these models. Industry standards for determining loads limits and freedom from flutter are addressed as well as possible ways for obtaining the required data in a limited amount of flight time. Practical experience of the instructor as well as lessons learned from past programs are an integral part of the course.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for Flight Test engineers, analysts, instrumentation and management personnel involved in the test and evaluation of vehicle loads, flutter and stores separation. No prior course or experience is necessary, however students may obtain more from the course by having first attended the Vehicle Flight Test and Subsystems Performance Course.

 

Course Outline:
Material Properties Stiffness  Strength  Hardness  Toughness  Stress/Strain  Tempering  Creep  Properties of Composites	Flutter Theory Collar’s Triangle  Qualitative Overview of Flutter Mechanisms  Mass Balancing  Introduction to Analysis Tools  FRA for Beginners
	Flutter Ground Test Predicting Response from Models  GVT  Updating Models
Structural Analysis Tension/Compression  Bending  Torsion and Shear Load Paths  Structural Members  Wing Designs  Fuselage and Empennage Design	Flutter Flight Test Instrumentation and Data Recording  Test Planning  Maneuvers  Real-time Clearance  Analysis and Model Updates
Static Loads Testing Ground Tests and Calibration  Flight Test Maneuvers Data Analysis and Reporting	Stores Certification Predictions  Test Planning  Instrumentation  Analysis and Model Updates
Aeroelasticity Wing Divergence  Aileron Reversal	Advanced Topics Intro to Aeroservoelasticity  Thermal Acoustics  Signal Processing

 

Costs:   $ 1,250, includes copies of the course notes and applicable portions of the National Test Pilot School Flight Test Manual. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This 5-day course introduces air vehicle stability and control (S&C) testing principles and continues with the complete theory and test methods used for a thorough evaluation. The course explains the mathematical models used in S&C testing and prepares students to design flight experiments, which will validate these models. Instruction also includes the use of advanced instrumentation and explains how its use can minimize test time and improve results. Real-life examples are presented in order to enhance the student’s concept of the flight test techniques and a series of lessons learned are given in order to prevent similar problems on future projects.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for all flight test engineers and data analysts who work in the field of air vehicle stability and control testing. The course is particularly beneficial to those individuals involved with flight control development. The targeted audience also includes those individuals concerned with changes in S&C due to external modifications to an air vehicle (antennae, pods, weapons, etc). No prior experience or course is required, however personnel new to this field would yield the maximum benefit by first attending the Vehicle Flight Test and Subsystem Performance Course.

 

Course Outline:
Mechanical Flight Control Systems Sign Convention  Basic Design  Altering Control Forces	Equations of Motion Matrix Algebra Axis Transformations  6 DOF Equations of Motion
Principles of Static and Dynamic Stability Practical Applications of Stability	Dynamic Stability Dynamics Theory  Short Period  Phugoid  Dutch Roll  Spiral  Roll Subsidence
Longitudinal Stability Static and Maneuvering Stability  Testing and Analysis
Lateral Static Stability Theory  Testing  Data Analysis	Handling Qualities Evaluation Operational Evaluation  Closed Loop Handling Qualities  Handling Qualities During Tracking
Engine Out Flight Theory  Testing  Data Analysis

 

Costs:   $ 1,250, includes copies of the course notes and applicable portions of the National Test Pilot School Flight Test Manual. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This 3-day course is tailored to the flight test of vehicle subsystems. These systems include: Environmental Control System (ECS), Braking Systems, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Electrical Power, Crew Escape Systems, Emergency and Auxiliary Power Systems (EPU/APU), Drag Chutes and All Weather Testing. The course addresses system operation, test requirements and method of test. The course will give an insight to students as to the instrumentation, data collection routines and analysis required to prove system compliance. Flight test to validate math models and simulation results are also covered. Real-life examples and instructor experience round out the course.

Who Should Attend: 

This course is designed for all flight test engineers, data analysts, program and project managers who require a working knowledge of vehicle subsystems testing. No prior course or previous experience is necessary, however course participants would gain maximum benefit by having attended the Vehicle Flight Test and Systems Performance Course.

 

Course Outline:
Overview Basic Systems Operation  Safety of Flight Considerations
Environmental Control Systems (ECS) System Operation  Typical Test Requirements  Math Models  Instrumentation Requirements  Flight Test	Electrical Power Systems AC and DC Power Systems  Batteries  Typical Test Requirements  Instrumentation Required Ground and Flight Test
Braking Systems Types of Braking Systems  System Operation  Typical Test Requirements  Instrumentation Requirements  Ground/Flight Test and Special Conditions	Crew Escape Systems System Operation  Test Requirements  Human Factors Considerations
	Drag Chutes Theory  Test Requirements  Data Collection and Analysis
Hydraulics and Pneumatics Typical Systems  Accumulators, Pumps and Compressed Systems  System Operation  Instrumentation Requirements  Ground and Flight Test	All Weather Testing Test Requirements  Test Locations and Special Considerations

 

Costs:   $ 750, includes copies of the course notes and additional handouts. 
Return To Top

Focus: 

This one-day short course is designed for private individuals who have purchased or use hand-held GPS units for a variety of activities. The course is targeted towards hikers, backpackers, campers, sportsmen, boaters and any other recreational or professional activity which requires an individual to know where they are. The course is structured for those individuals not familiar with navigation or the information GPS provides. The instruction allows users to gain the maximum benefit from the GPS system and provides basic instruction in navigation and terminology. Students are encouraged to bring their GPS units to class for hands-on demonstration. Loaner units are available from the school for the duration of the class for individuals who do not yet possess a GPS system. At the end of the course, students will be able to find courses, headings, altitudes and set waypoints to specific points of interest. They will also be able to read a chart or map and be able to identify coordinates for input to the GPS.

Who Should Attend: 

All recreational and professional (real estate, surveyors, etc) users who desire a knowledge of what the GPS can provide, and an understanding of some basic navigation terminology and operation. The course will enhance the user’s confidence in the GPS system as well as allow a more complete use of its functions.

 

Course Outline:
Locating our position on the globe The Three Dimensional Position  Latitude, Longitude and Altitude  Earth Models, Mean Sea Level and Above Ground Level  Class Exercise; Locating Positions	What can the GPS provide  GPS Functions  Optimizing the Functions as it Relates to the Activity
Finding Directions Magnetic vs True  Measuring Courses  Measuring Distances  Class Exercise; Finding Directions	Hands-on Operation of the GPS Satellite Acquisition  Determining System Health  Finding Positions  Determining Headings, Waypoints and Distances
What is the Global Positioning System Introduction to GPS  How does it work?  How accurate is it?  What are its problems?  Is there a year 2000 problem in the GPS?	Question and Answer Unique Applications