3D Metrology Course for Aircraft
Online course of 300 hours in 3D metrology for aircraft: 6 modules covering aerospace dimensional metrology, coordinate measuring machines, portable large-volume metrology, 3D scanning and non-contact measurement and software and digital integration, with an assigned technical tutor.
3D Metrology Course for Aircraft — studying from the United States
The United States leads global aerospace, anchored by clusters in Seattle, Wichita, Hartford, Huntsville and the Houston area. Major employers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX and GE Aerospace drive demand for engineers in airframes, propulsion, avionics and systems integration. Urban air mobility and commercial drone operations are expanding quickly, creating new roles in eVTOL design, airspace integration and UAS operations. Civil and military programs both rely heavily on certified design, testing and airworthiness processes, making this a strong field for engineers seeking complex, high-impact work.
Fees for the United States: US$720 (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
Which professional bodies in the United States recognize engineers in aerospace, and does a private qualification help with licensing?
Aerospace engineering in the US is supported by bodies such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and ABET, which accredits engineering degree programs. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is granted by individual state licensing boards, not by a federal body. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not state degrees, so they do not by themselves lead to PE licensure. Whether they are recognized for any purpose is decided by employers or the relevant professional body.
Do US employers in aerospace, drones or space value a private engineering postgraduate qualification?
Hiring in US aerospace and space companies, including defense contractors and drone firms, typically weighs accredited degrees, licenses, security clearances and hands-on experience heavily. A private online qualification is judged case by case by each employer, and its value depends on the skills it demonstrates and the candidate's track record. It should be seen as a way to build specialist knowledge rather than a guaranteed credential for any role.
Can I realistically study this from the United States while working full time, and how is it paid for?
The programmes are fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home and no student visa is needed. A master's requires about 1,900 hours, a postgraduate diplomas about 800 hours, and specialist courses about 300 hours, so planning weekly hours is essential. Fees can be paid in instalments, and some employers sponsor staff training, which you should confirm with your own employer.
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
Calculate measurement uncertainty in line with the GUM guide.
Interpret geometric tolerances and reference systems.
Programme measurements on coordinate measuring machines.
Apply laser trackers and photogrammetry to large structures.
Inspect surfaces using 3D scanning.
Integrate measurement data into the digital thread.
Design a metrology strategy for an aerospace assembly.
Who it's for
- Metrology technicians working in aerospace plants.
- Industrial metrology engineers responsible for measurement strategies.
- CMM programmers preparing inspection routines.
- Aerospace quality inspectors carrying out dimensional checks.
- Laser tracker specialists working on jigs and large structures.
- First article engineers preparing EN 9102 packages.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter aerospace manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10360 (acceptance and reverification tests for coordinate measuring systems)
- JCGM 100:2008 (GUM) (guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement)
- ISO 1101:2017 (geometrical tolerancing)
- ASME Y14.5-2018 (dimensioning and tolerancing)
- ISO 14253-1:2017 (decision rules for verifying conformity)
- EN 9102 (aerospace first article inspection)
- ANSI/DMSC QIF 3.0 (Quality Information Framework)
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (competence of testing and calibration laboratories)
- PolyWorks Inspector
- Hexagon PC-DMIS
- New River Kinematics SpatialAnalyzer
- Zeiss Calypso
- GOM Inspect
6 modules
1.1Concepts of measurement, error and uncertainty1.2Metrological traceability and calibration1.3The GUM guide to uncertainty1.4GD&T geometric tolerances1.5Reference systems and datums1.6Measurement requirements in EN 91001.7Temperature and its effect on measurement1.8Relationship between tolerance and uncertainty1.9Measuring equipment management1.10Case study: uncertainty budget for a measurement
2.1Architecture of a CMM2.2Touch-trigger probes and scanning2.3Verification to ISO 103602.4Alignments and coordinate systems2.5CNC programming of the CMM2.6Measuring geometric features2.7Comparison with the CAD model2.8Sampling strategies2.9Inspection reports2.10Workshop: measurement programme for a fitting
3.1Articulated measuring arms3.2The laser tracker and its principles3.3High-accuracy industrial photogrammetry3.4iGPS systems and measurement networks3.5Metrology-assisted assembly3.6Measuring assembly tooling3.7Wing and fuselage alignment3.8Bundle adjustment and networks3.9Uncertainty in large volumes3.10Practical exercise: laser tracker network on a jig
4.1Structured light scanners4.2Laser line scanners4.3Industrial computed tomography4.4Point clouds and meshes4.5Colour deviation maps4.6Measuring aerodynamic surfaces4.7Inspection of composites4.8Gap and flush measurement4.9Automation with robots4.10Case study: scanning inspection of a blade
5.1PolyWorks and SpatialAnalyzer software5.2Inspection based on MBD and PMI5.3The QIF format and quality data5.4Statistical control of measurements5.5First article inspection with EN 91025.6Integration into the digital thread5.7Measurement programme management5.8Reducing inspection times5.9In-line production metrology5.10Lab: deviation report in PolyWorks
6.1Selection of the part or assembly6.2Analysis of tolerances and requirements6.3Choice of measurement technology6.4Measurement strategy and programme6.5Uncertainty calculation6.6Reporting and integration of results6.7Integration of results into the digital thread6.8Proposal to reduce inspection time6.9Report and presentation6.10Final 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 each intake, so you can combine the programme with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PolyWorks Inspector, Hexagon PC-DMIS, New River Kinematics SpatialAnalyzer, Zeiss Calypso and GOM Inspect, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: programming CMM measurements, laser tracker networks on tooling and 3D scanning inspection with deviation maps. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integration project.
Standards covered: ISO 10360, JCGM 100:2008 (GUM), ISO 1101:2017, ASME Y14.5-2018, ISO 14253-1:2017, EN 9102, ANSI/DMSC QIF 3.0, ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
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 PolyWorks Inspector, Hexagon PC-DMIS, New River Kinematics SpatialAnalyzer, Zeiss Calypso and GOM Inspect, 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 a computer able to run the programme software, an internet connection 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.
Related programmes
SWIM course in modern avionics
Online course of 300 hours in SWIM in modern avionics, structured in 6 modules covering ATM information management, AIXM, FIXM and IWXXM exchange models, SWIM technical…
Part-21G Production Course
Online course of 300 hours in Part-21G production, structured in 6 modules covering the production regulatory framework, the production management system, conformity and release, production control,…
Redundancy course in critical avionics systems
Online course of 300 hours in redundancy in critical avionics systems, structured in 6 modules covering fault tolerance, redundant architectures, fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration, reliability…
More in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
All Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships