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CourseAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

Advanced simulation course with X-Plane

Online course of 300 hours in advanced simulation with X-Plane, structured in 6 modules covering X-Plane architecture, aircraft design with Plane Maker, plugin programming, external communication and interconnection, and scenarios, testing and training, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the architecture and physics engine of X-Plane.

02

Model aircraft with Plane Maker and tune them with real data.

03

Programme plugins with the SDK and DataRefs.

04

Interconnect X-Plane with MATLAB, autopilots and hardware.

05

Design test scenarios with weather and failures.

06

Validate results against reference data.

07

Develop a complete advanced simulation environment.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Simulation engineers.
  • Simulation plugin developers.
  • Aircraft model designers.
  • Simulator training instructors.
  • Interface test engineers.
  • Simulation cockpit integrators.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to join pilot training centres.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FAA AC 61-136B (approval of aviation training devices)
  • EASA CS-FSTD(A) (certification of aeroplane flight simulation training devices)
  • FAA 14 CFR Part 60 (flight simulation training device qualification)
  • ICAO Doc 9625 (criteria for the qualification of flight simulation training devices)
  • ARINC 424 (navigation system database standard)
  • ISO 2533:1975 (standard atmosphere)
  • X-Plane 12
  • Plane Maker
  • WorldEditor (WED)
  • XPPython3
  • MATLAB/Simulink
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1Versions and professional licences
  2. 1.2File and folder structure
  3. 1.3Blade element theory
  4. 1.4Differences from tabulated models
  5. 1.5Physics engine and calculation rate
  6. 1.6Hardware and monitor configuration
  7. 1.7The .acf aircraft format
  8. 1.8Scenery and the DSF format
  9. 1.9Certifiable use and X-Plane Professional
  10. 1.10Lab: installation and advanced configuration
  1. 2.1Fuselage and wing geometry
  2. 2.2Aerofoils with Airfoil Maker
  3. 2.3Control surfaces and deflections
  4. 2.4Engines, propellers and performance
  5. 2.5Weights, balance and inertias
  6. 2.6Landing gear and brakes
  7. 2.7Electrical and hydraulic systems
  8. 2.8Cockpit and instrument panels
  9. 2.9Tuning against manufacturer data
  10. 2.10Workshop: modelling a light aircraft in Plane Maker
  1. 3.1X-Plane SDK in C and C++
  2. 3.2DataRefs and commands
  3. 3.3Flight loop and callbacks
  4. 3.4Creating windows and interfaces
  5. 3.5Python plugins with XPPython3
  6. 3.6Lua with FlyWithLua
  7. 3.7Reading and writing data in real time
  8. 3.8Debugging plugins
  9. 3.9Distribution and compatibility
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: flight data logging plugin
  1. 4.1X-Plane UDP protocol
  2. 4.2Sending and receiving data
  3. 4.3Connection with MATLAB/Simulink
  4. 4.4Integration with external autopilots
  5. 4.5Link with PX4 and ArduPilot
  6. 4.6Cockpit hardware and panels
  7. 4.7Multi-monitor and projection systems
  8. 4.8Multi-user networked simulation
  9. 4.9Time synchronisation and latency
  10. 4.10Lab: external control from Simulink
  1. 5.1Creating scenery with WorldEditor
  2. 5.2Configurable weather and turbulence
  3. 5.3Injection of system failures
  4. 5.4IFR procedures and approaches
  5. 5.5Aircraft performance tests
  6. 5.6Validation of the model against data
  7. 5.7Use in training under the regulations
  8. 5.8Human-machine interface testing
  9. 5.9Analysis of exported data
  10. 5.10Case study: stall test with engine failure
  1. 6.1Definition of the simulation objective
  2. 6.2Aircraft model in Plane Maker
  3. 6.3Scenery and conditions
  4. 6.4Data acquisition plugin
  5. 6.5Interconnection with an external tool
  6. 6.6Test campaign
  7. 6.7Analysis of results
  8. 6.8Technical documentation
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with your tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, 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 your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The working software is X-Plane 12, Plane Maker, WorldEditor (WED), XPPython3 and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: modelling and tuning a light aircraft, testing an instrument approach with failures and controlling the aircraft from an external autopilot. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Standards covered: FAA AC 61-136B, EASA CS-FSTD(A), FAA 14 CFR Part 60, ICAO Doc 9625, ARINC 424, ISO 2533:1975.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of FAA AC 61-136B, EASA CS-FSTD(A) and FAA 14 CFR Part 60 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:X-Plane 12, Plane Maker, WorldEditor (WED), XPPython3 and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a complete advanced X-Plane simulation environment, with a tuned aircraft model, data acquisition plugin and external tool interconnection, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Simulation objective
Define the objective and scope of the simulation.
Aircraft model and scenery
Build the aircraft model in Plane Maker and set up the scenery and conditions.
Data acquisition plugin
Programme a plugin to acquire flight data in real time.
External interconnection and tests
Connect X-Plane to an external tool and run the test campaign.
Final project
Analyse the results and document the environment for review by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Simulation engineerSimulation plugin developerAircraft model designerSimulator training instructorInterface test engineerSimulation cockpit integrator
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is 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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with X-Plane 12, Plane Maker, WorldEditor (WED), XPPython3 and MATLAB/Simulink, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute certificate, 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.

No prior qualification is required; you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme 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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