Diploma in Lightning-Safe Design and Lightning Testing
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in lightning-safe design and lightning testing. 8 modules covering lightning physics, strike zoning, direct effects, fuel tank protection, indirect effects, lightning testing, certification and maintenance of protection, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the physics of lightning and its interaction with aircraft.
Zone an aircraft according to SAE ARP5414.
Design protection against direct effects in metal and composite structures.
Assess the ignition risk in fuel tanks.
Analyse indirect effects and equipment protection margins.
Plan lightning tests in accordance with SAE standards and DO-160.
Develop the certification and maintenance strategy for lightning protection.
Who it's for
- Lightning protection engineers
- EMC and indirect effects engineers
- Composite structures engineers
- High-voltage test engineers
- Aeronautical certification engineers
- Fuel systems engineers
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join aircraft manufacturers
What you'll work with
- SAE ARP5412B (aircraft lightning environment and test waveforms)
- SAE ARP5414B (aircraft lightning zoning)
- SAE ARP5415B (certification of aircraft electrical/electronic systems for indirect effects of lightning)
- SAE ARP5416A (aircraft lightning test methods)
- RTCA DO-160G (Sections 22 and 23) (lightning induced transient susceptibility and direct effects)
- FAA AC 20-155A (industry documents for aircraft lightning protection certification)
- FAA AC 20-53C (protection of aircraft fuel systems against lightning)
- CS-25 (EASA) (large aeroplanes)
- EMA3D
- CST Studio Suite
- COMSOL Multiphysics
- Ansys Mechanical
- MATLAB
8 modules
1.1Lightning formation and types of discharge1.2Aircraft-initiated lightning1.3Phases of a discharge and currents1.4Standard current waveform1.5Strike frequency in commercial aviation1.6Swept stroke over the surface1.7Direct versus indirect effects1.8Historical incidents: Pan Am 2141.9Meteorology and risk areas1.10Case study: analysis of the Pan Am 214 accident
2.1Strike zones 1A to 32.2Zoning method according to ARP54142.3Waveforms according to ARP54122.4Current components A, B, C and D2.5Multiple stroke and multiple burst2.6Zoning of composite aircraft2.7Zoning of helicopters and eVTOL2.8Zone review with model testing2.9Zoning documentation2.10Practical exercise: zoning a regional aircraft
3.1Damage to metallic structures3.2Damage to composite materials3.3Expanded copper foil in composites3.4Radome protection with diverter strips3.5Rivets, fasteners and sparking3.6Arcing and hot spots at joints3.7Protection of leading edges and blades3.8Protection of antennas and lights3.9Repair after a strike3.10Lab: selecting protective mesh for a CFRP panel
4.1Ignition risk in fuel tanks4.2Spark sources at fasteners4.3Design of joints and sealants4.4CS 25.954 requirements and CLAS4.5Nitrogen inerting4.6Lessons from TWA 8004.7Spark testing with photography4.8Maintenance of critical design features4.9Management of repairs in fuel zones4.10Workshop: ignition source analysis in a composite wing
5.1Coupling to wiring and transients5.2Indirect effects waveforms5.3ARP5412 transient levels5.4Equipment protection according to DO-160 Section 225.5Harness protection and shields5.6Suppressors and interface design5.7Effects on flight control systems5.8Influence of composites on transients5.9Protection margin analysis5.10Practical exercise: margin between actual transient and test level
6.1High-voltage tests for zoning6.2High-current tests on panels6.3Fuel spark tests6.4DO-160 Section 22 and 23 equipment tests6.5Current injection on the whole aircraft6.6Impulse generators and laboratories6.7Instrumentation and impulse measurement6.8Acceptance criteria6.9Safety in high-voltage laboratories6.10Case study: interpreting a high-current test report
7.1CS 25.581, 25.899 and 25.1316 requirements7.2AC 20-155A and supporting documents7.3Lightning protection certification plan7.4Means of compliance by analysis and test7.5Critical design features7.6Inspection after a lightning strike7.7Protection maintenance programmes7.8Protection in eVTOL and drones7.9Design changes and reassessment7.10Workshop: lightning protection certification plan
8.1Description of the study aircraft8.2Strike zoning8.3Structure and composite protection8.4Fuel tank protection8.5Indirect effects analysis8.6Test plan8.7Certification strategy8.8Protection maintenance plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is EMA3D, CST Studio Suite, COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Mechanical and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: lightning strike zoning of an aircraft, assessment of composite structure protection, and planning of high-current and spark tests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: SAE ARP5412B, SAE ARP5414B, SAE ARP5415B, SAE ARP5416A, RTCA DO-160G (Sections 22 and 23), FAA AC 20-155A, FAA AC 20-53C, CS-25 (EASA).
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with EMA3D, CST Studio Suite, COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Mechanical and MATLAB, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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