Instrumented flight test course
About our
Instrumented Flight Testing Course
This course focuses on the application of advanced instrumentation and telemetry techniques for data collection during test flights. It covers the calibration and validation of measurement systems, the analysis of flight data, and the use of this data to evaluate aircraft performance, safety, and compliance with certification requirements. The course includes hands-on training in flight simulators and analysis of real-world case studies, preparing participants for roles in flight test engineering, flight data analysis, and aeronautical certification.
The course provides knowledge of sensors, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, signal processing, and applicable aviation regulations. It focuses on identifying and solving problems related to instrumentation and data analysis, as well as interpreting the results to inform decision-making in aircraft design and improvement. Participants acquire skills to conduct flight tests, evaluate aerodynamic and structural behavior, and ensure aviation safety.
Instrumented flight test course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 3
399 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Evaluation of Onboard Systems and Flight Performance
- Identify and evaluate structural failure modes, including flap-lag-torsion coupling analysis, whirl flutter analysis, and fatigue processes in aeronautical components.
- Master the dimensioning and structural analysis of laminates in composites, considering the application of finite element analysis (FEA) methods for the design of joints and bonded joints.
- Apply damage tolerance methodologies and master non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, including ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography, for the inspection and evaluation of structural integrity.
2. Data Analysis and Validation of Aerial Instrumentation
- Evaluate the dynamic behavior of aircraft: identify and understand phenomena such as flutter and divergence.
- Master advanced data analysis techniques for verifying flight control and navigation systems.
- Apply aircraft instrumentation validation methodologies under diverse operational conditions.
- Interpret and analyze sensor signals critical to the structural integrity and performance of the aircraft.
- Develop skills in identifying and solving problems related to instrumentation accuracy and reliability.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Instrumented Flight Test Engineering: Helicopter Modeling and Performance
4. Instrumented Flight Test Engineering: Helicopter Modeling and Performance
- Study advanced structural dynamics:
- Modeling and analysis of rotor vibrations.
- Evaluation of stability and control.
- Understand aeroelastic phenomena:
- Analyze flap-lag-torsion couplings, whirl flutter, and fatigue.
- Design and analysis of structural components:
- Dimensioning of structural elements.
- Design of bolted and riveted joints.
- Dimensioning of laminates in composites, joints, and bonded joints. FE.
- Non-destructive testing techniques and structural integrity management:
5. Optimization of Flight Tests: Methodology and Application of Instrumentation
- Understand the methodology for optimizing flight tests, including planning, execution, and data analysis.
- Apply advanced instrumentation techniques for accurate data collection during tests.
- Identify and evaluate the key parameters that influence aircraft performance and safety.
- Master the analysis of flight test data, using specialized tools and software.
- Understand the principles of aerodynamics and flight mechanics applied to testing.
- Analyze flap-lag-torsion, whirl flutter, and fatigue couplings.
- Dimension laminates in composites, joints, and bonded joints with FE.
- Implement damage tolerance and NDT (UT/RT/thermography).
- Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex flight test situations.
- Ensure compliance with aeronautical industry regulations and standards.
6. Helicopter Modeling and Instrument Flight Performance
- Understand the principles of helicopter modeling and its performance in instrument flight.
- Study rotor dynamics, including vibration mode and stability analysis.
- Evaluate flap-lag-torsion couplings, whirl flutter, and fatigue factors that influence helicopter design and operation.
- Master the dimensioning of composite structures and their connections, including the use of finite element (FE) analysis.
- Learn about the implementation of damage tolerance in helicopter design.
- Become familiar with non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as UT (ultrasound), RT (radiography), and thermography for component inspection.
Who this program is for:
Instrumented flight test course
- Graduates in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical, Industrial, Automatics or similar.
- OEM rotorcraft/eVTOL professionals, MRO, consulting, technology centers.
- Flight Test, certification, avionics, control and dynamics who seek specialization.
- Regulators/authorities and UAM/eVTOL profiles that require compliance competencies.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
1.1 Introduction to Onboard Systems and Air Performance
1.2 Design and Functionality of Aeronautical Systems
1.3 Principles of Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics
1.4 Factors Affecting Flight Performance
1.5 Propulsion Systems and Their Implications
1.6 Flight Control and Stability Systems
1.7 Onboard Instrumentation and Sensors
1.8 Air Performance Evaluation Methods
1.9 Data Analysis and Troubleshooting
1.10 Case Studies and Best Practices
2.2 Fundamentals of Flight Data Analysis
2.2 Capture and Preprocessing of Instrumented Data
2.3 Data Validation and Quality Control Methods
2.4 Analysis of Errors and Uncertainty in Aviation Instrumentation
2.5 Software Tools for Flight Data Analysis
2.6 Data Visualization and Representation Techniques
2.7 Statistical Analysis Applied to Flight Data
2.8 Identification and Mitigation of Instrumentation Failures
2.9 Report Preparation and Documentation of Results
2.20 Case Studies: Practical Applications of Data Analysis
3.3 Fundamentals of Helicopter Flight Dynamics
3.2 Factors Affecting Flight Performance
3.3 Key Instrumentation for Performance Analysis
3.4 Flight Data Analysis Techniques
3.5 Performance Curves and Their Interpretation
3.6 Influence of Atmospheric Conditions
3.7 Stability and Controllability Analysis
3.8 Diagnosing Performance Problems
3.9 Optimizing Flight Procedures
3.30 Flight Performance Case Studies
4.4 Introduction to Flight Test Engineering for Helicopters
4.2 Selection and Configuration of Instrumentation for Flight Tests
4.3 Aerodynamic and Systems Modeling of Helicopters
4.4 Design and Planning of Instrumented Flight Tests
4.5 Collection and Processing of Flight Data
4.6 Test Data Analysis: Performance and Stability
4.7 Evaluation of Flight Control Systems
4.8 Load and Structural Analysis in Flight
4.9 Specific Applications: Military and Civil Helicopters
4.40 Technical Reports and Flight Test Documentation
5.5 Onboard Systems: Evaluation and Configuration
5.5 Performance Parameters: Analysis and Metrics
5.3 Flight Instrumentation: Principles and Applications
5.4 Performance Factors: Impact on Flight
5.5 Evaluation Methodology: Testing and Analysis
5.6 Instrumentation Variability: Detection and Resolution
5.7 Flight Data Analysis: Interpretation and Conclusions
5.8 Performance Reports: Documentation and Presentation
5.9 System Maintenance: Optimization and Safety
5.50 Case Study: Practical Application
5.5 Data Sources: Collection and Management
5.5 Instrument Validation: Calibration and Accuracy
5.3 Data Processing: Techniques and Tools
5.4 Statistical Analysis: Application and Results
5.5 Instrumentation: Interpretation of Results
5.6 Error Detection: Identification and Correction
5.7 Acquisition Systems: Operation and Analysis
5.8 Validation Reports: Creation and Presentation
5.9 Continuous Improvement: Optimization of Processes
5.50 Case Study: Analysis and Validation
3.5 Flight Dynamics: Principles and Concepts
3.5 Instrumentation: Applications in Analysis
3.3 Critical Parameters: Identification and Evaluation
3.4 Stability and Controllability: Analysis
3.5 Flight Behavior: Data Interpretation
3.6 Wind Effects: Simulation and Analysis
3.7 Maneuver Analysis: Performance and Safety
3.8 Mathematical Modeling: Simulation and Prediction
3.9 Visualization Techniques: Graphical Representation
3.50 Case Study: Detailed Analysis
4.5 Test Design: Methodology and Planning
4.5 Helicopter Instrumentation: Selection and Configuration
4.3 Helicopter Modeling: Simulation and Validation
4.4 Flight Testing: Procedures and Safety
4.5 Data Acquisition Systems: Use and Optimization
4.6 Data Analysis: Interpretation and Conclusions
4.7 Helicopter Performance: Evaluation and Improvement
4.8 Engineering of Testing: Documentation and Reports
4.9 Risk Factors: Identification and Mitigation
4.50 Case Study: Complete Test
5.5 Test Design: Optimization and Methodology
5.5 Instrumentation: Selection and Configuration
5.3 Optimization Techniques: Application
5.4 Test Methodology: Execution and Analysis
5.5 Data Analysis: Interpretation and Conclusions
5.6 Performance Optimization: Strategies
5.7 Simulation Tools: Use and Application
5.8 Test Reports: Preparation and Presentation
5.9 Efficiency Factors: Identification and Improvement
5.50 Case Study: Practical Optimization
6.5 Helicopter Modeling: Techniques and Tools
6.5 Flight Simulation: Principles and Applications
6.3 Instrumentation: Integration into the Model
6.4 Flight Performance: Analysis and Prediction
6.5 Data Analysis: Interpretation and Validation
6.6 Factors Affecting Performance: Identification
6.7 Performance Optimization: Strategies
6.8 Comparison with Real Data: Evaluation
6.9 Simulation Reports: Creation and Presentation
6.50 Case Study: Simulation and Analysis
7.5 Simulation Design: Methodology and Tools
7.5 Test Modeling: Virtual Representation
7.3 Virtual Instrumentation: Implementation and Use
7.4 Flight Scenarios: Simulation and Analysis
7.5 Analysis of Simulated Data: Interpretation
7.6 Simulation Validation: Comparison with Real Data
7.7 Simulation Optimization: Processes
7.8 Simulation Reports: Presentation and Conclusions
7.9 Software Use: Simulation Tools
7.50 Case Study: Simulation of a Test
8.5 Performance Factors: Identification and Analysis
8.5 Instrumentation: Use and Optimization
8.3 Optimization Techniques: Practical Application
8.4 Data Analysis: Interpretation and Conclusions
8.5 Improvement Strategies: Implementation
8.6 Flight Design: Optimization
8.7 Analysis Tools: Use and Application
8.8 Performance Reports: Documentation
8.9 Monitoring and Control: Continuous Optimization
8.50 Case Study: Comprehensive Optimization
6.6 Introduction to Onboard Systems
6.2 Evaluation of Sensors and Actuators
6.3 Engine and Propeller Performance
6.4 Aerodynamics and Flight Stability
6.5 Flight Data Analysis and Calibration
6.6 Navigation and Flight Control Systems
6.7 Evaluation Methodologies and Flight Testing
6.8 Human Factors and Aviation Safety
6.9 Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
6.60 Results Analysis and Reporting
2.6 Fundamentals of Data Analysis
2.2 Aircraft Instrumentation: Types and Functions
2.3 Signal Processing and Filtering
2.4 Data Validation: Methods and Techniques
2.5 Statistical Analysis and Data Visualization
2.6 Software Tools for Aircraft Analysis
2.7 Error Detection and Correction
2.8 Trend and Pattern Analysis
2.9 Analysis Reports and Documentation
2.60 Applications Practical Exercises and Case Studies
3.6 Introduction to Flight Dynamics
3.2 Instrumentation for Flight Dynamics
3.3 Modeling the Equations of Motion
3.4 Stability and Controllability Analysis
3.5 Helicopter Response to Inputs
3.6 Flight Dynamics Simulation
3.7 Testing and Measuring Flight Parameters
3.8 Interpreting Data and Results
3.9 Factors Affecting Flight Dynamics
3.60 Applications and Case Studies
4.6 Principles of Flight Test Engineering
4.2 Instrumentation and Sensors for Helicopters
4.3 Modeling Helicopter Performance
4.4 Designing and Planning Flight Tests
4.5 Data Acquisition and Processing Techniques
4.6 Data Analysis and Validation
4.7 Safety and Flight Test Protocols
4.8 Helicopter Test Optimization
4.9 Test Reports and Documentation
4.60 Case Studies and Practical Applications
5.6 Test Optimization Methodology
5.2 Experimental Design and Planning
5.3 Instrumentation Selection and Configuration
5.4 Data Acquisition and Processing Techniques
5.5 Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization
5.6 Software Tools for Optimization
5.7 Validation and Verification of Results
5.8 Performance and Efficiency Evaluation
5.9 Implementation of Improvements and Adjustments
5.60 Case Studies and Practical Applications
6.6 Fundamentals of Helicopter Modeling
6.2 Component and System Modeling
6.3 Aerodynamic and Engine Modeling
6.4 Flight Dynamics Modeling
6.5 Simulation and Performance Analysis
6.6 Model Validation and Calibration
6.7 Software Tools for Modeling
6.8 Applications Helicopter Modeling
6.9 Flight Test and Test Design
6.60 Case Studies and Practical Examples
7.6 Introduction to Test Simulation
7.2 Flight System Modeling and Simulation
7.3 Simulation Scenario Design
7.4 Virtual Instrumentation and Data Analysis
7.5 Simulation Validation and Verification
7.6 Simulation Software Tools
7.7 Results Analysis and Reporting
7.8 Simulation for Test Design
7.9 Simulation for Risk Analysis
7.60 Applications and Case Studies
8.6 Strategies for Optimizing Performance
8.2 Instrumentation for Measuring Performance
8.3 Data Analysis and Evaluation
8.4 Flight Parameter Optimization
8.5 Control and Piloting Techniques
8.6 Flight Procedure Design
8.7 Human Factors and Performance
8.8 Performance Evaluation and Monitoring
8.9 Implementation of Improvements
8.60 Case Studies and Practical Applications
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).