ETPS Archive

The meeting rooms in this module have been configured for student-to-student collaboration without the need to have an instructor present.  You will enter the session as a moderator allowing you to share your screens.

To begin the prep course, we will be exploring the building blocks that comprise maths in an engineering context. These are:

• Algebra
• Differentiation
• Integration
• Determinants
• Matrices

The objective here is to grow our understanding of these forms of mathematics to ensure that we are suitably ready to begin using them in an engineering context on ETPS courses.

With our understanding of Mathematics developed, we can now delve into the application of this maths in our engineering, specifically, how it applies to the mechanical principles that describe almost everything we do in our day to day lives. This will involve us studying:

• Equilibrium
• Linear Motion
• Newton's Laws of Motion
• Circular Motion
• Work, Energy & Power

These principles underpin almost every aspect of aerospace engineering so it is essential that we appreciate them before undertaking a course at ETPS.

Like almost everything in the modern age, delivering flight test activities requires extensive use of computation to save time, lower costs and increase our output. It is therefore essential that all Flight Test Professionals are competent users of this technology. To establish the basics, we will be studying:

• Numerical Software
• Spreadsheet Design
• Graph Plotting

These skills will be called upon extensively during the ETPS course in the delivery of assignments so it is vital that we are suitable equipped to use the software fully.

Careful planning must be undertaken in order to evaluate an aircraft in a manner that is safe, correctly tailored to the needs of the customer, and able to gather high quality data. This planning leads to the generation of a Trials Instruction, containing all the information required to set up and conduct the trial.

By undertaking this process one can ensure that risks (both safety-related and project-related) are identified and mitigated, that all resources needed are identified and made available, and that the trial can proceed in a deliberate and efficient manner.

In this module, we will study the elements that make up this planning process and identify their importance, before going through the structure of a Trials Instruction.

Flight Test activities typically require the recording and analysis of data parameters far beyond those normally recorded on standard aircraft data recording systems. Therefore, in order to capture this additional information, additional systems must be added. These systems are usually (but not always) temporary fits, and must accurately record the correct data whilst not interfering with operation of the aircraft.

Modern aircraft are increasingly complex machines, meaning that the suite of test techniques and data capture required in order to fully assess them is constantly growing more varied and sophisticated.

In this module, we will introduce the topic of FTI as well as discussing the systems in place on the aircraft that make up the ETPS fleet

Reporting is a crucial skill for a test pilot or flight test engineer. Its primary purpose is to provide the rationale for the assessment's conclusions and recommendations, showing and assessing the findings of the trial, and acting as a record of all technical information, decisions, and judgements. A well-written report contains all of the information that a reader would need to fully understand the purpose of the trial, how it was conducted, the findings, and their meaning in an easily-digested and clear format.

This module has been designed to teach you how to present trial findings in a concise, consistent, and unambiguous manner. A selection of different report types will be discussed, covering the majority of report styles you will need to be familiar with.

When performing test and evaluation of an aerial platform, it is essential that we understand the properties of the air around the aircraft as it has a significant effect on its operation, performance and safety.

The key properties that we must consider include pressure, altitude, temperature, density, airspeed, Mach number and relative airflow angles which we collectively label as Air Data.

In this module, we will study the theory that underpins each of the Air Data properties and learn how to measure and/or calculate each one in the subsonic environment.

FTE convex introduces the students to the role of the FTE in flight test. Covering all aspects of a flight trial from the derivation of requirements to reporting on test results. The practical aspects of the module will provide an opportunity for them to become familiar with the school aircraft and to become comfortable and effective in the airborne environment.

The PC-21 is a high-performance turboprop training aircraft with advanced navigation and simulated weapons systems, designed for advanced fast-jet flying training. This module will introduce you to the PC-21 and train you to the standard required for instructional and exercise flights during your time at ETPS, including acting as Pilot-in-Command with a non-handling pilot, student FTE or staff FTE in the rear seat.

The Calspan LearJet you will fly is one of a fleet of aircraft modified by the Calspan Corporation as a Variable Stability Simulator (VSS) aircraft for flight test training. The aircraft will be used for both initial and consolidation flights within the Longitudinal and Lateral-Directional flying qualities modules, as well as for High-Order Flight Control Systems teaching in the Advanced fixed-wing course.

The Grob 120TP is a medium-performance turboprop training aircraft designed for ab intitio training. This module will introduce you to the Grob 120TP and train you to the standard required for instructional and exercise flights during your time at ETPS, including acting as Pilot-in-Command under supervision from the Right seat with a pilot instructor in the Left seat.

Student pilots are required to operate the A109E & S as Pilot in Command (PIC), to enable them to conduct exercise flights without a Flight Test Instructor (FTI) on board. This module will cover the technical aircraft knowledge required to pass an exam, before undertaking three instructional sorties on the aircraft, followed by a competency check. After successful completion of the competency check, the students will undertake their first solo flight where they will be PIC (in this context, solo means without an FTI on-board). The student pilots will also undertake 4 hours of simulator training on emergencies. By the end of this module, the student pilots will be cleared to conduct exercise flights in the A109E & S without an FTI on-board. FTEs will attend the theoretical lectures, to aid in their understanding of the aircraft and its systems, but are not required to undertake the theoretical examination. However, they will receive emergencies training in the simulator.

The aim of this module is to achieve a basic level of familiarity with the aircraft and operation of its systems prior to instructional sorties. After an introductory technical and safety brief, each student will receive a flight in the aircraft with the opportunity to ask questions, fly the aircraft and operate the systems.

Communication between aircraft and ground stations is achieved through a variety of technologies and protocols. Analogue voice communication on UHF or VHF radios is a global standard, but these are supplemented by a wide range of analogue and digital communication methods each optimised for their own particular application. This module explores the specific characteristics of each type and presents them in a way that allows effective test and evaluation to be performed.

Integrated Systems refers to systems that are part of larger systems, usually connected by databases or other interfaces. When implemented correctly, the combination and mixing of data, functionality and performance (data fusion) from individual systems can produce a more effective and coherent Human Machine Interface (HMI) enabling the operator to successfully perform their role.

Electronic warfare refers the use of any part of the electromagnetic spectrum for the purposes of protection, offense or warfare support in a hostile environment. This might consist of detection of missile launch or radar tracking, deployment of countermeasures. This module teaches the essential principles of a selection of electronic warfare systems together with the methods necessary to perform effective test and evaluation.

Weapons testing is a potentially hazardous activity that requires rigorous planning across a wide range of specialist disciplines, and co-ordination between a number of resources. Identification, assessment and mitigation of risk is a vital part of the process and in this module you will have the opportunity to prepare a trial test plan that not only must satisfy technical requirements, but also pass the scrutiny of a safety review board.

Laboratory and flight test evaluations have consistently demonstrated the potential for Helmet-Mounted Systems (HMS) to enhance operational capability. Many modern military aircraft are fitted with HMS including Apache, Typhoon and F-35. ETPS students will be exposed to the technology behind modern HMS. They will be required to understand how HMS capabilities can be varied within the cockpit environment and assess the functionality of a modern HMS.

You will have been introduced to the theory behind pressure errors in the Foundation Course. This joint module will build upon that theory by introducing test techniques for the measurement of pressure errors, culminating in independent exercise flights for the RW and FW classes. By the end of this module, you will be able to plan, execute, analyse and report on tests to determine an aircraft’s pressure errors.

The process of characterising the take-off and landing performance characteristics of an aircraft will often include some of the highest-risk testing during the entire certification campaign, especially for large aircraft. Consequently, manufacturers spend a great deal of time, money and effort to make this testing as safe and efficient as possible. In this context, by ‘performance’ we mean not only the distances required to complete take-off and landing, but also the acceleration and stopping performance required to take-off and land safely even in the event of an engine failure or other significant malfunction.

The mechanical characteristics of a flight control system have a major influence on the flying qualities of an aircraft, especially its 'feel' and its trimmability. Often, if a military aircraft fails to be 'fit for purpose' in terms of stability and control, or a civil aircraft fails to meet specific 'control and manoeuvrability' requirements, the root cause lies in one or more deficiencies in its flight control mechanical characteristics. It is via the aircraft’s flight control system that the crew interface with the aircraft and it is therefore essential that flight test crews have a good understanding of the flight control system, its mechanical characteristics and the test techniques required to evaluate those characteristics.

The lateral and directional stability characteristics of an aeroplane are fundamentally linked. Any lateral or directional disturbance to steady flight will result in a combination of both lateral and directional motion, and so they are studied, characterised and reported on together.

High-Order Flight Control Systems (HOFCS) allow the aircraft designer to provide excellent handling qualities for the pilot and to optimise the performance of an aircraft to the task.

A spin is defined as an auto-rotating descent of a stalled aircraft in a helical pattern about the vertical axis. The spin has three distinct stages apparent to the pilot: the incipient spin, with autorotation generated by large imbalances in lift and drag between the wings; the spin proper, with high rates of steady or oscillatory motion about the vertical; and the recovery to un-stalled flight, with an inevitably significant loss of height.

This module will provide you with your first QualEval experience on ETPS, applying the test techniques you have learned to the single-engined G120TP.  By the end of this module, you will be prepared to conduct and write a post-flight report on a QualEval sortie.

The conduct of a qualitative evaluation (QualEval) is key to the test pilot and flight test engineer’s skillset. The concept of the QualEval is to perform a brief assessment of an aircraft’s suitability for a certain role, using an uninstrumented aircraft.

The Gamebird GB1 aircraft was designed by Phillipp Steinbach to be an Unlimited Aerobatic Competition aircraft with the additional ability to be a long-range 2-seat touring aircraft. It first flew in 2015 and was certified by EASA in 2017. It has an all composite construction allowing +/-10G performance, it is powered by a 303hp Lycoming engine which allows for some lively performance.

Performance 3 builds on the performance teaching in the Intermediate Fixed Wing Course, and introduces advanced test techniques required for testing of large and multi-engine aircraft at critical, low-speed conditions typically encountered during take-off and landing.

An understanding of how aircraft manoeuvre and what governs their manoeuvre performance is essential for flight test professionals.  This is applicable whether testing high performance combat jets, determining high-speed buffet boundaries for civil aircraft or simply using the applicable test techniques to determine the optimum turn speeds and climb schedule for an aircraft. In this module you will learn the theory that explains how aircraft manoeuvre and transition from one energy state to another and fly a demonstration of the applicable test techniques.  The sortie will be followed by a data analysis tutorial. The content of this module is applicable to all advanced course students but particularly to those destined for Fast Jet flight test roles, and it underpins elements of the flights conducted subsequently on the Saab Gripen.

The objective of this module is to allow you to demonstrate and consolidate your ability to plan, execute and report on a trials activity in the role of lead FTE. It will bring together the skills and knowledge you have accumulated during the course to date, encompassing elements of trials management and planning, longitudinal flying qualities, HOFCS and reporting. In so doing it will satisfy both the HOFCS and Final Evaluation Exercise requirements of the EASA Competency Level 1 syllabus.

This module will provide you with the opportunity to apply test methods for aircraft handling and performance to demonstrate an understanding of the response characteristics and handling qualities specific to High Order Flight Control Systems.

The complexity of modern systems is a result of ever-evolving, and increasingly challenging, operational requirements. In order to address these requirements, designers have developed software-intensive solutions that normally rely on a series of complex sub-systems. It is the interactions between the systems and subsystems which often present the greatest challenge for a test team, and hence they cannot be tested and evaluated in isolation.

This module is part of the broadening aspect of the course, and is designed to introduce rotary wing pilots and flight test engineers to the cockpit environments and control philosophies of fixed wing crewed aircraft.

Chasing is a common activity in Flight Test. Chase objectives include Safety Chase and Photo Chase. Chasing can be a challenging activity. Challenges include differences in aircraft type/configuration, type of environment, test manoeuvres flown, attaining/maintaining the desired formation position, and maintaining formation standards and responsibilities.

You will have been introduced to the theory behind pressure errors in the Foundation Course. This joint module will build upon that theory by introducing test techniques for the measurement of pressure errors, culminating in independent exercise flights for the RW and FW classes. By the end of this module, you will be able to plan, execute, analyse and report on tests to determine an aircraft’s pressure errors.

Evaluation of helicopter level flight performance (LFP) is fundamental to the development and modification of all helicopter types. For civilian aircraft, it forms the basis of the cruise charts in the RFM, which operators can use to plan the most efficient usage of their aircraft. For military aircraft it will provide key information on range and endurance and play a large part in determining the operational capability of the platform. Aircraft manufacturers need to be able to accurately measure the LFP of their aircraft. Even where much of the data is generated through modelling, accurate test data will be required to validate the flight model.

There is little need to emphasize the importance of knowing the vertical climb and hovering performance of a helicopter. Information about power required and power available is needed to determine the helicopter's suitability for a given role, to check the performance against specification requirements, and to provide data for inclusion in a substantiated database from which the operating data manual (ODM) is derived. Testing will normally take into account OAT, Hp, height above ground, external configuration and aircraft AUM. Other factors that may be documented are relative humidity (RH), the effect of wind and the selection of airbleeds. The objective of vertical and hover performance testing is thus to document the variation of power required as a function of some or all of the above parameters and to determine the maximum power available subject to aircraft and engine limitations.

Have you ever wondered why an aircraft reacts a certain way to a given control input or an external disturbance? The academic principals that underpin the answer to that question are covered here, in stability and control (S&C). Having a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of stability and control is essential before we delve into the topics of aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional stability later in the course.

Evaluation of helicopter Stability and Control characteristics is fundamental to most developmental and experimental flight test programmes. Aircraft manufactures need to able to characterise the various aspects of lateral-directional static and dynamic stability and understand the aerodynamic and design factors that influence them. This is essential if they are to be able to design out any undesirable aircraft handling or control issues (or design a flight control system to subdue them. By the end of this module, you will be able to plan, execute, analyse and report on tests to determine an aircraft’s lateral-directional static and dynamic stability and control characteristics.

You have already been introduced to the HQR scale and understand how these can be used to make an assessment of aircraft handling. This module will introduce you to Aeronautical Design Standard-33, which was originally published in support of the light helicopter experimental project (LHX) and was later used to develop the RAH-66 Comanche and more recently, the NH90.

Vibration levels and their control has always been a key concern for the helicopter designer and operator. It can affect many things from the life of the airframe and systems, to the vision of the aircrew. This module covers the main aspects of vibration – with a focus on the main rotor vibration, control of vibration and tuning. It also introduces you to the various vibration phenomena and how some of these are tested.

This module will provide you with the skills needed to conduct a QualEval, using the AW109. By the end of this module, you will be prepared to plan, conduct and write a post-flight report on a QualEval sortie.

This module will prepare you to participate in the planning, conduct, analysis and reporting of tests to support the expansion of a helicopter flight envelope.

The specific methodology for envelope expansion will depend on the parameter to be expanded, however the general principles will remain the same. In this module, the altitude envelope of the aircraft will be used to demonstrate the principle of envelope expansion.

You have been taught the theory of how the aeroderivatives directly affect the stability of the aircraft and have been introduced to this concept in the simulator. This module will take this one step further and you will detach to the Flight Research Laboratory in Ottawa, which is run by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). At NRC, you will have the opportunity to receive S&C training sorties on their Variable Stability System (VSS) aircraft. The use of VSS aircraft allows the NRC Instructors to change the aeroderivatives during flight, to consolidate your previous learning on forward flight S&C.

Enormous operational capability can be gained from integrating air platforms to operate from ships. This module will introduce you to the specific ship-air integration topic of the derivation of Ship-Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOL). 

This module forms a part of the practical phase of the Advanced Systems Course. By the end of the module, you will be able to plan, manage and report on an airborne evaluation of a complex integrated air system.

In this module you will be introduced to the unique considerations and handling characteristics of a tandem rotor aircraft.

This module will provide you with further experience in the conduct of QualEvals and is linked to some of the subjects you have recently studied – in this case as it is a teetering head aircraft, your QualEval should have a focus on the S&C aspects of the aircraft. By the end of this module, you will be prepared to plan, conduct and write a post-flight report on a QualEval of a teetering head helicopter.

In this module you will be introduced to rotary wing control philosophies and cockpit environments in order to obtain a basic level of familiarity with rotary wing aircraft.

Experience in different aircraft types is key to the test pilot and flight test engineer’s skillset. The concept of the Famil enables a brief assessment of an aircraft’s suitability for a certain role, using an uninstrumented aircraft through the use of a structured sortie provided by the aircraft operators. The Rotary Wing UK Ministry of Defence Demonstration is an excellent opportunity to see how a front line aircraft is operated and is a good form of continuing professional development.

Evaluation of engine failure characteristics is fundamental to the design and test of all helicopter types, however the single-engine helicopter is of particular interest. This module will provide a recap on the theory of autorotative flight and present some additional theoretical detail. It will also cover the theoretical aspects of failure testing. The practical aspects of autorotative performance assessment will be reinforced through an instructional sortie in the aircraft, during which you will gather data. By the end of this module, you will be able to plan, execute, analyse and report on tests to determine an aircraft’s autorotative performance.

Building on the previous engine failure testing modules, by the end of this module, you will be able to plan, execute, analyse and report on tests to determine the handling qualities of an aircraft in an engine off landing, in order to give advice on the optimum technique and speed/height combinations for entering the flare.

Evaluation of engine failure characteristics is fundamental to the design and test of all helicopter types. For multi-engine helicopters, aircraft manufacturers need to be able to characterise the entire failure case, including engine failure cues, the profile to fly for minimum height loss over the different flight phases for flyaways, vertical rejects and determination of the aircraft’s Category A certification – and through this, demonstrating regulatory compliance.

The aircraft’s stability and control characteristics are a fundamental design consideration. However, it is often necessary for the designer to develop a flight control system in order to achieve the desired handling characteristics. This module will introduce you to the concept of the flight control system and will cover basic rate damping, attitude hold systems and basic autopilot functions. Higher order flight control systems are covered separately in a later module.

Helicopter operations are becoming increasingly automated and evidence of this can be found throughout the military and civilian domains. In the Flight Control Systems module, you saw the fundamental aspects of flight control from SAS through to the Autopilot and this module will build on your previous knowledge of Autopilots and focus on the specific testing of automatic transitions.

This module is designed to touch each element of the project lifecycle and give you the opportunity (within your teams) to run a flight trial, whilst simultaneously counting as your end of course (Cat 1 / Class A) check. This module will build on many of the previously studied modules and will draw heavily on those that directly relate to the planning and direction of flight test – such as the trials management and planning module.

In order to qualify as an EASA Cat 1 / Military Class A Test Pilot, you need to undertake an end of course check. The check is comprised of you planning and undertaking an assessment on a type that you have not yet flown during the course. The scope of the assessment is limited to what you have learned so far on the course and this module will introduce you to the aircraft you will fly for your check and explain what is required from you for planning, conduct and reporting. This module marks the completion of the EASA Cat 1 / Military Class A Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer courses.

This module introduces you some of the theoretical concepts surrounding HMD systems, including design characteristics, integration challenges, human factors and advances in technology that are likely to impact future design. The flight test manual and test method brief will cover the assessment of these systems. In particular; planning (including how human factors will impact on the assessment), consideration of test conditions (including consideration of anthropometrics and biomechanics), test conduct (from lab testing through to flight testing), the main test methods to be used, flight test instrumentation requirements and safety considerations.

Although not all flight testers will be involved in the dedicated testing of engines, the discipline affects many other aspects of testing. Any high AoA, environmental trials or weapon firing trials will inevitably bring you into contact with propulsion test methods and considerations.

The course is designed to introduce basic Test and Evaluation (T&E) principles and techniques to aircrew who are selected to join Test and Evaluation Squadrons, primarily to conduct Operational Evaluation flying. The Evaluator Aircrew (EA) requirements are documented in RA2370 and the training provided by this course supports a recognised path to achieving this T&E qualification.

The course is designed to introduce basic Test and Evaluation (T&E) principles and techniques to aircrew who are selected to join Test and Evaluation Squadrons, primarily to conduct Operational Evaluation flying. The Evaluator Aircrew (EA) requirements are documented in RA2370 and the training provided by this course supports a recognised path to achieving this T&E qualification.

Staff within the Engineering Services IDT and the Air business, work within the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre (ATEC) alongside military personnel from the Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC) to deliver technical evaluations and advice to provide safe and effective frontline capability across the portfolio of air systems to DE&S and a wide range of other users.

To enable this work to be delivered successfully, staff need to understand the basis in how QinetiQ/ATEC conduct evaluations and provide advice. This includes the underlying processes both QinetiQ and external which are required to be followed, and influence the work undertaken. The Air Systems Evaluator Course (ASEC) will provide an individual with an initial understanding of elements which allow successful evaluations, assessments and advice to be delivered now and in the future.

The course is designed to introduce basic Test and Evaluation (T&E) principles and techniques to personnel who are selected to join Test and Evaluation Squadrons, primarily to conduct Operational Evaluation. Requirements are documented in RA2370 and this course supports the training requirements.

The course is designed to introduce basic Test and Evaluation (T&E) principles and techniques to aircrew who are selected to join Test and Evaluation Squadrons, primarily to conduct Operational Evaluation flying. The Evaluator Aircrew (EA) requirements are documented in RA2370 and the training provided by this course supports a recognised path to achieving this T&E qualification.

The course is designed to introduce basic Test and Evaluation (T&E) principles and techniques to personnel who are selected to join Test and Evaluation Squadrons, primarily to conduct Operational Evaluation. Requirements are documented in RA2370 and this course supports the training requirements.

Novel and hybrid powertrains are common in UAS so a broad knowledge of modern propulsion methods will provide useful background to your powertrain and performance testing. Propulsion systems also inevitably impact on other air vehicle systems and testing.

This module will provide the framework within which the exercise is conducted and offer some generic guidance on undertaking the exercise. Your supervising Instructors will give you a detailed description of the role you are to assess against and provide the scope of the assessment.

This module marks the completion of the UAS STS course.

Careful planning must be undertaken in order to evaluate an aircraft in a manner that is safe, correctly tailored to the needs of the customer, and able to gather high quality data. This planning leads to the generation of a Trials Instruction, containing all the information required to set up and conduct the trial.

By undertaking this process one can ensure that risks (both safety-related and project-related) are identified and mitigated, that all resources needed are identified and made available, and that the trial can proceed in a deliberate and efficient manner.

In this module, we will study the elements that make up this planning process and identify their importance, before going through the structure of a Trials Instruction.

Specifications and Certification play a huge role in aircraft procurement and therefore understanding these concepts is critical. Whether in military terms (e.g. in the UK the Defence Standard 00 series) or in civil terms, regulations exist and need to be understood and abided by via appropriate Means of Compliance.

In this module, we will introduce the topics of Specification and Certification in both military and civil contexts.

When performing test and evaluation of an aerial platform, it is essential that we understand the properties of the air around the aircraft as it has a significant effect on its operation, performance and safety.

The key properties that we must consider include pressure, altitude, temperature, density, airspeed, Mach number and relative airflow angles which we collectively label as Air Data.

In this module, we will study the theory that underpins each of the Air Data properties and learn how to measure and/or calculate each one in the subsonic environment.

The practical aspects of the module will provide an opportunity for students to become familiar with the school UAS platforms aircraft and to become comfortable and effective in the airborne environment.

The characteristics of any Aircraft’s control system obviously affect the pilot or operator's ability to control the aircraft but these characteristics cannot be considered in isolation. The feel of the controls must be considered in addition to any stability characteristics of the aircraft and its reaction to both control movements and outside disturbances must also be considered if the controls are to be well matched to the aircraft and its roles. This module introduces the various and generic FCMC considerations for all sizes and control options for UAS.

Communication between aircraft and ground stations is achieved through a variety of technologies and protocols. Analogue voice communication on UHF or VHF radios is a global standard, but these are supplemented by a wide range of analogue and digital communication methods each optimised for their own particular application. This module explores the specific characteristics of each type and presents them in a way that allows effective test and evaluation to be performed.

This weapons systems module will enable you to describe the potential effects of external stores on handling, performance and structural characteristics, define the essential ground qualification testing required before flight trials, define the incremental approach to a stores clearance programme. You will also be able to construct a risk assessment for stores carriage, release and jettison testing and apply the correct test techniques to stores clearance trials.

A Flight Termination System (FTS) is a safety mechanism used in Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operations to ensure the safe and controlled termination of a flight in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. The primary purpose of an FTS is to prevent the uncrewed aircraft from posing a risk to people, property, or other airspace users if it goes off course, loses control, or becomes unresponsive to commands.

Observations leading to an informed opinion, by a trained flight test professional, applicable to an air vehicle’s intended role. The concept of the QualEval is to perform a brief assessment of an air vehicle’s suitability for a certain role, likely using an un-instrumented platform.

Following on from Engineering Maths 1, we will continue to develop our understanding of maths in an engineering context. The topics that we will be covering in this course are:

• Units and Dimensions
• Dimensional Analysis
• Error Analysis

The continued objective is to further our appreciation of mathematics and ensure that we are well placed to begin using them during our time on ETPS courses.

All Flight Test Professionals require a sound knowledge of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics as they help us define why our aircraft stay in the air. We must therefore investigate the principles upon which all aeronautical research and testing is based. We will study:

• Basic Aerodynamics
• Gas Properties
• International Standard Atmosphere
• Compressible Aerodynamics

Once at ETPS, these topics will be explored in much greater depth but it is vital that we all appreciate the foundation principles which underpin our work as Flight Test Professionals.

The use of technology is not merely limited to the delivery of flight test activities. Modern aircraft are marvels of technology and aerosystems are a key component of this. All Flight Test Professionals must therefore appreciate how these systems work and interact with one another. To get us started, we will learn about:

• Human Characteristics
• Information Systems (Avionics)
• EM Radiation

These topics will all be broken down and explored in much greater detail during ETPS courses but is vital that we understand the building blocks ahead of time to maximise our learning.

The importance of the human machine interface in uncrewed aviation cannot be understated. The potential capabilities of any platform can only be achieved if there is an effective interface between the operator and the air system. The ground control station presents all the information to the remote pilot, enables them to generate and maintain situational awareness of the air vehicle and its systems, and in instrumental in the management of workload.

Uncrewed systems are as dependent on software and programmable electronic hardware as the most modern manned aircraft. The flight control systems, navigation system logic and all mission programming is held within the air vehicle systems and is key to mission success or failure.

This module forms a part of the practical phase of the Advanced Systems Course. By the end of the module, you will be able to plan, manage and report on an airborne evaluation of a complex integrated air system.

Flight Trials inherently have great potential increased risk to people and equipment, even when conducted entirely within the previously cleared envelope of the aircraft. Therefore, it is imperative to identify potential hazards beforehand and assess whether they can be mitigated down to an acceptable level before any trial activity is started.

Having a proper Risk Management process is a way of ensuring that all potential hazards are identified, recorded, managed, and mitigated. Once this is complete, an informed decision can be made as to whether the trial can be performed as planned or requires adaptation in order to be acceptably safe.

Reporting is a crucial skill for a test pilot or flight test engineer. Its primary purpose is to provide the rationale for the assessment's conclusions and recommendations, showing and assessing the findings of the trial, and acting as a record of all technical information, decisions, and judgements. A well-written report contains all of the information that a reader would need to fully understand the purpose of the trial, how it was conducted, the findings, and their meaning in an easily-digested and clear format.

This module has been designed to teach you how to present trial findings in a concise, consistent, and unambiguous manner. A selection of different report types will be discussed, covering the majority of report styles you will need to be familiar with.

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, the abundance of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) has ushered in transformative possibilities across numerous sectors. From revolutionizing industries such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and filmmaking, to enabling efficient search and rescue missions and enhancing military reconnaissance, UAS operations have become an integral part of our modern landscape.

As these autonomous flying platforms continue to evolve and find new applications,comprehending their operations becomes paramount. A profound understanding of UAS operations not only ensures safe and responsible integration into airspace, but also empowers us to harness their potential for innovation and efficiency, while navigating the complex web of technical and regulatory considerations that accompany their use.

Novel and hybrid powertrains are common in UAS so a broad knowledge of modern propulsion methods will provide useful background to your powertrain and performance testing. Propulsion systems also inevitably impact on other air vehicle systems and testing.