Basic flight simulation course
Online course of 300 hours in basic flight simulation, structured in 6 modules covering the foundations of flight simulation, aerodynamic and propulsion modelling, aircraft dynamics and control, environment, instruments and visualisation, and simulator validation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Basic flight simulation course — studying from Canada
Canada has a substantial aerospace sector, anchored in Montréal and Québec City, with major manufacturers and suppliers such as Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada and CAE. Ontario's Greater Toronto and Ottawa regions host avionics, satellite and space technology firms, while the Canadian Space Agency coordinates national space programmes, including robotics for the International Space Station. Urban air mobility and drone operations are emerging under Transport Canada's regulatory framework. Engineers in this area typically work on airframe design, systems integration, certification and space mission support.
Fees for Canada: 848 CA$ (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Are SEIUM programmes official Canadian degrees?
No. SEIUM qualifications are private awards issued by SEIUM Institute and are not official degrees recognised by Canadian federal or provincial authorities.
How are fees shown for Canadian learners?
All fees on this site are displayed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Instalment plans are available, and employer sponsorship can be discussed.
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
Understand the architecture of a flight simulator.
Implement the six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion.
Model aerodynamic, propulsive and landing gear forces.
Analyse the stability and dynamic modes of an aircraft.
Integrate the model with visualisation and instruments.
Validate the simulator against reference data.
Develop a working basic simulator of an aircraft.
Who it's for
- Flight simulation engineers.
- Aircraft model developers.
- Simulator test engineers.
- Simulator maintenance technicians.
- Flight dynamics researchers.
- Training software developers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join simulator manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ISO 2533:1975 Standard Atmosphere (reference atmosphere model)
- EASA CS-FSTD(A) (certification of aeroplane flight simulation training devices)
- FAA 14 CFR Part 60 (flight simulation training device qualification)
- MIL-F-8785C (flying qualities of piloted aircraft)
- MIL-HDBK-1797 (flying qualities handbook)
- ICAO Doc 9625 (criteria for the qualification of flight simulation training devices)
- ARINC 610 (guidance for the use of avionics equipment in simulators)
- FlightGear
- JSBSim
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Python
- X-Plane
6 modules
1.1History and types of flight simulators1.2Components of a simulator1.3Reference frames and Euler angles1.4Forces and moments on the aircraft1.5Six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion1.6International Standard Atmosphere1.7Real-time numerical integration1.8Integration step and stability1.9Simulation loop and frequencies1.10Lab: first simulation loop in Python
2.1Aerodynamic coefficients and derivatives2.2Drag polar2.3Aerodynamic tables and interpolation2.4Ground effect and flap configuration2.5Propeller modelling2.6Simplified turbojet modelling2.7Landing gear forces2.8Mass, centre of gravity and inertias2.9Cessna 172 reference data2.10Practical exercise: tabulated aerodynamic model
3.1Linearisation and trim points3.2Longitudinal modes: phugoid and short period3.3Lateral modes: Dutch roll and spiral3.4Control surfaces and controls3.5Static and dynamic stability3.6Basic autopilot3.7Response to disturbances and wind3.8Turbulence with the Dryden model3.9Flying qualities3.10Lab: identification of eigenmodes
4.1World and terrain model4.2Navigation and geographic coordinates4.3Basic flight instruments4.4Simulation of VOR and ILS radio aids4.53D visualisation and graphics engines4.6Joystick and pedal interface4.7Network communication with FlightGear4.8Sound and sensory cues4.9Flight data logging4.10Workshop: connecting the model to FlightGear
5.1Validation against flight data5.2Objective qualification tests5.3FSTD simulator levels5.4Basic training scenarios5.5Simulation of system failures5.6Standard manoeuvre tests5.7Analysis of results and plots5.8Limitations of a basic simulator5.9Simulators for research5.10Practical exercise: validation of a turn manoeuvre
6.1Selection of the aircraft6.2Collection of model data6.3Implementation of the dynamics6.4Aerodynamic and propulsion model6.5Integration with visualisation6.6Test scenarios6.7Validation of results6.8Technical documentation6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with your tutor
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 FlightGear, JSBSim, MATLAB/Simulink, Python and X-Plane, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: simulation of a take-off and climb, mode identification of a light aircraft and validation of a coordinated turn. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Standards covered: ISO 2533:1975 Standard Atmosphere, EASA CS-FSTD(A), FAA 14 CFR Part 60, MIL-F-8785C, MIL-HDBK-1797, ICAO Doc 9625, ARINC 610.
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
- 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.
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 FlightGear, JSBSim, MATLAB/Simulink, Python and X-Plane, 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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