Aerospace airplane

Aerospace Short Courses

Aerospace

Public Courses

Each year, the KU Aerospace Short Course Program offers groups of short courses at specific locations in the U.S. Individual courses range from 1-5 days in length, and are delivered in a traditional classroom setting. Participants learn face-to- face from industry expert instructors. Group discussions and networking opportunities enhance the learning experience.

Orlando San Diego Seattle Kansas City

Courses & Events

AE508-NC: Aerospace Stuctures II

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the structural analysis techniques used in aerospace engineering, with a focus on finite element methods (FEM) and their application to aircraft and spacecraft components. The course bridges theoretical foundations with practical tools and workflows used in engineering design and analysis.

January 21, 2026 to May 15, 2026, Live Online Training

AE727-NC: Aircraft Antenna Systems

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to aircraft antenna systems, with a focus on real-world applications in aerospace communication, navigation, and sensing. Designed for professionals in the aerospace industry, this course emphasizes practical design methodologies, CAD tools, and performance analysis techniques relevant to modern aircraft systems.

January 21, 2026 to May 13, 2026, Live Online Training

Advanced Topics in System Safety for Commercial Certification

Advanced System Safety will elevate students' safety process acumen by diving deeper into the safety process and introducing a small cradle to grave project to provide practical experience in using the safety process to help design and develop the proper set of documentation for compliance to requirements.

September 14-18, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Aerodynamic Design of Military Aircraft

In this course it is demonstrated how the aerodynamic design of combat aircraft affect their overall performance. Particular topics that are treated are the effect of (supersonic) aerodynamics on trim, stability, control, and (supersonic) maneuverability.

September 14-18, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Aircraft Avionics Test and Evaluation Fundamentals

This course provides an overview of basic avionics systems flight test to include the understanding of test planning and risk management, as well as the necessity and complexity of flight test instrumentation and data collection. Students will understand the challenges of testing integrated systems, as well as understanding the importance of time, space and position information (TSPI), sources of TSPI and its use for data acquisition, reduction and analysis. They will review causes and methods of testing software and for identifying electromagnetic interference. Students will also receive a basic understanding of aerospace data bus architectures, communications and radio navigation systems, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, RADAR systems and electro-optical and infrared systems to help understand required flight test techniques. Students will also gain understanding in the challenges of human-machine interfaces which require crew station and workload evaluations as part of the aircraft and systems certification process.

Course preview webinar: Will Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Drive Changes to Avionics Systems Flight Testing?

April 13-17, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

Aircraft Electrification: Architectures, Technologies, and Components

This course will strengthen students' understanding of aircraft electrification for fixed-wing and VTOL aircraft segments.

May 18-22, 2026, BEST Conference Center

Aircraft Icing: Meteorology, Protective Systems, Instrumentation and Certification

This course covers the meteorology and physics of aircraft icing. Topics include forecasting, finding and avoiding icing conditions, designing and evaluating ice protection systems, and certification of aircraft for flight into known icing conditions.

April 13-16, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

Aircraft Structural Loads: Criteria, Analysis, and Validation

This course provides an overview of aircraft structural external loads analysis including: criteria, design, analysis, fatigue, certification, validation, and testing. It covers CFR Part 25 airplane load requirements and the historical CFR Part 23 requirements which are the basis of the current ASTM standards. These concepts are applicable to many military structural requirements, UAV's, and other experimental or novel configuration aircraft.

Course preview webinar: eVTOL - Loads and Dynamics Criteria and Considerations

November 2-6, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort

Aircraft Structures Flight Testing

The course will provide the students with a foundation for understanding structures flight testing to the extent that they can plan and participate in structures flight trials of air vehicles of all kinds. One half will consist of academics, building knowledge of aircraft structures and how they behave. The second half will transition this knowledge into flight test planning and execution techniques used in gathering data to validate predictions and demonstrate flight safety.

November 2-6, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort

Aircraft Structures: Analysis and Design

This course provides an introduction to the analysis and design of aircraft structures. Course content includes design criteria, structural design concepts, loads and load paths, metallic and composite materials, static strength, buckling and crippling, durability and damage tolerance, practical design considerations, certification and repair. Analysis exercises and a design project are included to better involve students in the learning process.

Course preview webinar: Sobering Stories of Aircraft Structural Inadequacy

April 13-17, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

Airplane Flight Dynamics

Participants in this course learn an overview of airplane static and dynamic stability and control theory and applications as well as classical control theory and applications to airplane control systems. An overview of flying qualities and regulations is included.

Course preview webinars: Flight Dynamics in Airplane Design: The Importance of Trim and Airplane Design: Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned

April 13-17, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

Airplane Preliminary Design

This course provides an overview of the fixed-wing airplane design decision-making process and the relation of design to manufacturing, maintainability and cost-effectiveness. It is applicable to jet transport, turboprop commuter transport, military (trainers, fighter bomber, UAV) and general aviation aircraft. The design process covers sizing (weight, wing area, thrust/power), aerodynamics, weight and balance, stability, control and cost. Numerous examples are shown. Lessons learned and "what to watch out for" are discussed.

November 2-5, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort

Cabin Safety and Crashworthiness of Aircraft Cabin Interiors

This course provides a fundamental review of transport airplane regulatory requirements and compliance-finding methodologies associated with cabin safety and crashworthiness regulations on aircraft cabin interior configurations. The course also reviews FAA/EASA criteria to determine the certification bases of Type Certification and Supplemental Type Certification projects.

September 14-18, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

DO-178C: Airborne Software Principles and Practices

All airborne software on commercial aircraft is mandated to follow DO-178C in their development and verification phases. This training will teach students all the rules contained within DO-178C and the underlying principles behind them. This class provides for a real-world application of DO-178C, teaching the student how to think like the FAA by introducing and describing the goals of DO-178C. The legal implications of DO-178C, and the evolution of the current guidance will also be covered.

April 13-15, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) and FAA Requirements

This course discusses the FAA Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and design concepts required to ensure all aspects of aircraft electrical wiring and installation are safe. It examines aircraft wiring as a system and reviews all Part 25 CFRs related to EWIS FAA certification.

Course preview webinar: EWIS - Demonstrating Compliance for Aerospace Compliance

May 18-22, 2026, BEST Conference Center
November 2-6, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort

Electromagnetic Effects Aircraft Level Testing and FAA Requirements

This course discusses the concepts of aircraft ground and flight testing that may be required to ensure that aircraft level systems are safe for operation when exposed to the effects of electromagnetic effects (EME), high intensity radiated fields (HIRF), lightning, precipitation static (P-static), and transmitting personal electronic devices (TPEDs).

April 13-17, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

FAA Type Certification Process

This course will focus on how to successfully complete an FAA type certificate project based on the published process outlined by the FAA, including a review of all required FAA forms and when to use them. Please note that as of 2024 this course has changed length from 4 days to 4.5 days.

May 18-21, 2026, BEST Conference Center

Flight Testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Unique Challenges

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are comprised of an unmanned vehicle (UAV), a manned control element(s), and various data and control links. Although unmanned, the vehicle is still an aircraft and must be tested with the same rigor and precision as manned systems. However, being "unmanned" and being part of an integrated system, UAVs demand unique flight test approaches that present corresponding challenges.

Course preview webinar: Taking the Pilot out of the Cockpit is a Big Deal!

September 14-16, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Fundamental Avionics

This course provides a very broad overview of avionics. It covers the historical evolution of the avionics industry and usage of avionics to the present day. You will learn why avionics is what it is today, in addition to understanding how it works. The course covers legacy systems still in use and the latest state-of-the-art systems currently being installed.

November 2-6, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort

Fundamentals of V/STOL Rotorcraft

This course will present key aspects of vertical flight and rotorcraft challenges through a review of their historical evolution, basic principles and enabling technologies. It will cover the fundamental principles underlying rotorcraft flight, flight performance, rotor limitations, configurations and conceptual design. Emphasis is placed on relating rotorcraft aerodynamics to airplane aerodynamics for those making the transition.

Course preview webinar: The History of Rotorcraft: Development of an Industry

May 18-21, 2026, BEST Conference Center

High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) Certification and Compliance

This course covers the design concepts required to ensure all aspects of aircraft HIRF electrical wiring, installations, and aircraft-level systems are safe for operation. It also covers the typical certification process for HIRF from a very practical, step-by-step perspective and examine all steps used by aircraft OEMs to show compliance to HIRF regulations. The 14 CFR 25.1317 for transport category airplanes will be used as the baseline regulation.


September 14-18, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Human Factors Engineering for Civil Flight Deck Design and Certification

This course is intended to give engineers, pilots, and managers involved in the design and certification of civil flight decks an introduction to the required human factors engineering activities. The course reviews the physical, physiological, psychological, and cognitive performance capabilities of flight crews. It explores the limitations of pilots' performance and how they are impacted by systemic variables in the flight deck environment. It then examines how pilots' capabilities and limitations impact crew workload and human error. The course builds a theoretical human factors engineering foundation for designing and assessing civil flight decks and their installed systems and equipment. The course provides flight deck design examples and accident analysis from a human factors point of view.

November 2-6, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort

Hydrogen-based Aircraft and Airports: Concepts, Technologies, and Configurations

This course will equip students with the skills necessary to understand hydrogen as an alternative fuel source including its integration with conventional and cleaner fuels for aircraft and airports.

September 14-18, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Introduction to Electromagnetic Effects (EME) and Aircraft Engineering Requirements

This course will provide participants with an understanding of electromagnetic effects related to aircraft engineering requirements, FAA certification requirements, testing requirements for both DO-160 bench testing and aircraft level testing related to EMC/P-Static/ESD/TPED's/HIRF/EWIS and lightning.
For a more in-depth focus on aircraft level testing and FAA requirements it is recommended to take Electromagnetic Effects Aircraft Level Testing and FAA Requirements, in-person or online after taking this course.


September 14-18, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Introduction to FAA Airworthiness Approval Requirements

This course will provide an overall understanding of the 14 CFR Part 21 requirements necessary to obtain design, production and airworthiness approvals for civil aviation products and articles. Title 14, CFR Part 21 regulations are the backbone of the regulatory framework that enables Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) to conduct its certification responsibilities on products and articles. Under 14 CFR Part 21, §21.1, the FAA defines a product as an aircraft, engine or propeller, while an article means a material, part, component, process or appliance. In addition to 14 CFR Part 21, this course will delve into certain aspects of 14 CFR Part 43, outlining the requirements to receive approval for alterations/repairs for civil aviation products and articles. An overview is provided on FAA organizational structure, additional 14 CFR Parts, regulatory/guidance material, and rulemaking procedures.

April 13-16, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter
September 14-17, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Introduction to Fuel Tank Safety and Ignition Prevention: Design, Certification and Compliance

This course provides details on all elements of fuel tank design needed for compliance with the regulation, with specific emphasis on electrical design aspects. Some review of regulatory history of 25.984 and 25.981 up to Amendment 25-146 is included for reference for TC, ATC, and STC work. Specific design implementations are examined and evaluated. The course will also include a high-level overview of electromagnetic effects and compatibility (EME/EMC), lightning effects (direct and indirect), high intensity radiated fields (HIRF), precipitation static (P-static), electrical bonding requirements, and requirements for electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS).

November 2-6, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort

Introduction to RTCA DO-160 Qualification: Purpose, Testing and Design Considerations

This is an introductory class, designed to educate system engineers, hardware design engineers and test engineers in the aspects of DO-160 as it pertains to equipment qualification in support of aircraft certification. For system and hardware engineers, the intent is to educate and empower them to develop equipment designs that are compliant with DO-160 by design, and avoid expensive redesigns to correct issues found late in the development cycle during test. For test engineers, it is intended to assist them to properly develop test plans for their products. For each test section of DO-160, we provide purpose, adverse effects, categories, a high-level, step-by-step guide through the test procedure and design considerations for passing the test. Also included is an overview of a top-down requirements management approach (systems engineering), review of related FAA advisory material, an overview of grounding and bonding, wire shielding practices and lightning protection for composites.

May 18-22, 2026, BEST Conference Center

Principles of Aeroelasticity

This course is designed to provide a qualitative understanding of aeroelastic behavior for aerospace vehicles. The class will explore different forms of aeroelastic phenomena and associated issues in structural dynamics and aerodynamic-structure interaction. The level of class instruction is appropriate for engineers and managers with an undergraduate degree in engineering.

April 13-17, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

Principles of Aerospace Engineering

The course will provide an introduction to aerospace engineering principles for non-aerospace professionals. Explanation of different disciplines in an aircraft development program are discussed. Class discussions include introduction to atmosphere, aircraft components, aerodynamics, weight and balance, stability and control, aircraft performance and an introduction to loads. Fixed wing aircraft, VTOL aircraft and helicopters as well as spacecraft (limited) will be introduced.

September 14-16, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Stress Analysis for Aerospace Structures

This course is designed for the practicing engineer who has an interest in the various aspects of stress analysis in aerospace structural-mechanical design and would like to enhance his or her expertise in this important field.

September 14-18, 2026, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

System Safety Assessment for Commercial Aircraft Certification

This course develops the skills necessary to write and review system safety assessments for regulatory compliance to 14CFR 2X.1309 and 23.2510. Class participants are walked through the evolution of the safety rule and specific techniques for compliance through a comprehensive look at the regulations and current regulatory guidance. In-depth reviews of industry standards in system safety such as SAE ARP4761A and SAE ARP4754B, and ASTM F3230-17 followed by exercises, examples, and class discussions strengthens the students understanding of safety for compliance. By the end of the class, students gain the ability to develop meaningful system safety requirements, design safety compliant systems and equipment, and improve their skills in developing system safety compliance documentation.

April 13-17, 2026, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter
November 2-6, 2026, Renaissance Orlando Resort