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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.

Duration3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor

Basic flight simulation course — 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: 610 US$ (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.

Relevant bodies in the United States

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • SAE International
  • RTCA, Inc.

Typical roles

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Flight Test Engineer
  • Propulsion Systems Engineer
  • UAS Systems Engineer

Questions from the United States

Are SEIUM qualifications accredited in the United States?

SEIUM qualifications are private qualifications and are not official state degrees or accredited higher education awards. Please check with the relevant employer or licensing board about how any credential will be viewed for your purposes.

Will this help me become a licensed Professional Engineer?

SEIUM programmes do not replace the education, examination and experience requirements set by state licensing boards. They can support your professional development, but licensure requirements must be confirmed directly with your state board.

Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the architecture of a flight simulator.

02

Implement the six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion.

03

Model aerodynamic, propulsive and landing gear forces.

04

Analyse the stability and dynamic modes of an aircraft.

05

Integrate the model with visualisation and instruments.

06

Validate the simulator against reference data.

07

Develop a working basic simulator of an aircraft.

Profile

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.
Standards & tools

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
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1History and types of flight simulators
  2. 1.2Components of a simulator
  3. 1.3Reference frames and Euler angles
  4. 1.4Forces and moments on the aircraft
  5. 1.5Six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion
  6. 1.6International Standard Atmosphere
  7. 1.7Real-time numerical integration
  8. 1.8Integration step and stability
  9. 1.9Simulation loop and frequencies
  10. 1.10Lab: first simulation loop in Python
  1. 2.1Aerodynamic coefficients and derivatives
  2. 2.2Drag polar
  3. 2.3Aerodynamic tables and interpolation
  4. 2.4Ground effect and flap configuration
  5. 2.5Propeller modelling
  6. 2.6Simplified turbojet modelling
  7. 2.7Landing gear forces
  8. 2.8Mass, centre of gravity and inertias
  9. 2.9Cessna 172 reference data
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: tabulated aerodynamic model
  1. 3.1Linearisation and trim points
  2. 3.2Longitudinal modes: phugoid and short period
  3. 3.3Lateral modes: Dutch roll and spiral
  4. 3.4Control surfaces and controls
  5. 3.5Static and dynamic stability
  6. 3.6Basic autopilot
  7. 3.7Response to disturbances and wind
  8. 3.8Turbulence with the Dryden model
  9. 3.9Flying qualities
  10. 3.10Lab: identification of eigenmodes
  1. 4.1World and terrain model
  2. 4.2Navigation and geographic coordinates
  3. 4.3Basic flight instruments
  4. 4.4Simulation of VOR and ILS radio aids
  5. 4.53D visualisation and graphics engines
  6. 4.6Joystick and pedal interface
  7. 4.7Network communication with FlightGear
  8. 4.8Sound and sensory cues
  9. 4.9Flight data logging
  10. 4.10Workshop: connecting the model to FlightGear
  1. 5.1Validation against flight data
  2. 5.2Objective qualification tests
  3. 5.3FSTD simulator levels
  4. 5.4Basic training scenarios
  5. 5.5Simulation of system failures
  6. 5.6Standard manoeuvre tests
  7. 5.7Analysis of results and plots
  8. 5.8Limitations of a basic simulator
  9. 5.9Simulators for research
  10. 5.10Practical exercise: validation of a turn manoeuvre
  1. 6.1Selection of the aircraft
  2. 6.2Collection of model data
  3. 6.3Implementation of the dynamics
  4. 6.4Aerodynamic and propulsion model
  5. 6.5Integration with visualisation
  6. 6.6Test scenarios
  7. 6.7Validation 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 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.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 2533:1975, EASA CS-FSTD(A) and FAA 14 CFR Part 60 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:FlightGear, JSBSim, MATLAB/Simulink, Python and X-Plane, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a working basic flight simulator of a chosen aircraft, with its dynamic, aerodynamic and propulsion models validated against reference data, 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.

Aircraft and data
Select the aircraft and collect the data for its model.
Dynamics implementation
Implement the six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion.
Aerodynamic and propulsion model
Build the tabulated aerodynamic and propulsion models.
Visualisation and scenarios
Integrate the model with visualisation and define test scenarios.
Final project
Validate the results and document the simulator for review by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Flight simulation engineerAircraft model developerSimulator test engineerSimulator maintenance technicianFlight dynamics researcherTraining software developer
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 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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