San Diego Aerospace Short Course Schedule and Registration
KU Aerospace Short Courses in San Diego
Course Schedule & Registration
Learn the latest industry knowledge from expert instructors
Click on any course title below to see the course description, and click on the blue button at the bottom of the course description to get additional course details and to register for the course.
Early registration deadline: July 31, 2026
Instructor: Pierre Trudel
September 14-18, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Friday
Advanced System Safety will elevate students' safety process acumen by diving deeper into the safety process and introducing a small cradle to grave project to provide practical experience in using the safety process to help design and develop the proper set of documentation for compliance to requirements. Advanced topics that will be addressed in this training will include:
Revisiting Functional Hazard Assessment addressing partial failure conditions, recursive introduction of functional monitors within the Functional Hazard Assessment, and severity substantiation strategies (test, analysis, etc.) along with Human Factors and Crew Contingency Aspects of mitigations.
Understanding undetectable failures in a design and how to address them in analysis. We will also discuss prevention strategies and common errors that could increase the potential for latency failures to be introduced in a design.
Advanced fault tree modeling techniques and the ability to practice on an industry grade fault tree software.
Earn 31.5 classroom hours and 3.15 CEUs.
Who should attend?
This training primarily targets aerospace companies developing aircraft and aeronautical technologies under the oversight of regulators. The training will benefit engineering teams associated with the design and the showing of compliance for a given design (aircraft, systems, or parts). Other segments of industry (such as space and autonomous vehicles) that do not have a strongly defined regulatory enforcement can also benefit from this training. It is recommended that you have taken the following course prior to taking this course:System Safety Assessment for Commercial Aircraft Certification.
$2,595 (early registration)
$2,795 (regular registration)
Register for Advanced Topics in System Safety for Commercial Certification
Instructor: Roelof Vos
September 14-18, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
In this course it is demonstrated how the aerodynamic design of combat aircraft affect their overall performance. Particular topics that are treated are the effect of (supersonic) aerodynamics on trim, stability, control, and (supersonic) maneuverability. It is demonstrated what means are available to the designer in terms of (the interposition of) lifting surfaces, the use of high-lift devices, and the design of intake and exhaust to satisfy disparate requirements on high-g maneuvers, supersonic dash, and field performance. Through many historic and contemporary examples the participant learns to relate the functionality of the combat airplane to its aerodynamic design. In addition, it is shown how many technologies that were pioneered on combat aircraft have spilled over to civil aviation. This is an intermediate level course. To get the most out of this course, it is good to have a basic understanding of flight mechanics, flight dynamics, and aerodynamics. This course is of a qualitative nature and therefore does not require the participant to know the mathematical models that are used in each of these disciplines.
Earn 35 classroom hours and 3.5 CEUs.
Who should attend?
This course is targeted to aeronautical engineers, pilots with some engineering background, government research laboratory personnel, engineering managers and educators.
$2,595 (early registration)
$2,795 (regular registration)
Instructors: Prashant Chillamcharla
September 14-18, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Friday
This course provides a fundamental review of transport airplane regulatory requirements and compliance-finding methodologies associated with cabin safety and crashworthiness regulations on aircraft cabin interior configurations. The course also reviews FAA/EASA criteria to determine the certification bases of Type Certification and Supplemental Type Certification projects.
Earn 31.5 classroom hours and 3.15 CEUs.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for FAA designees, FAA organizational designees/authorized representatives and certification engineers associated with STC cabin interior projects.
$2,595 (early registration)
$2,795 (regular registration)
Register for Cabin Safety and Crashworthiness of Aircraft Cabin Interiors
Instructor: William Norton
September 14-16, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Wednesday
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are comprised of an unmanned vehicle (UAV), a manned control element(s), and various data and control links. Although unmanned, the vehicle is still an aircraft and must be tested with the same rigor and precision as manned systems. However, being "unmanned" and being part of an integrated system, UAVs demand unique flight test approaches that present corresponding challenges. If these challenges go unmet, the UAS Development Test and Evaluation (DT&E) program often experiences unacceptable cost and schedule overruns, which could lead to program termination.
This course introduces the primary challenges associated with flight-testing remotely piloted and command-directed (a.k.a. autonomous) vehicles, with primary emphasis on Tactical, MALE and HALE class systems. The course also recommends solutions to these challenges that are meant to either mitigate or eliminate potential problems before they become unmanageable.
Earn 21 classroom hours and 2.1 CEUs.
Who should attend?
The course is designed for practicing flight test engineers, test pilots, test managers, aircraft engineers, aircraft designers and educators who already possess a fundamental understanding of flight test principles and practices. The course content is also appropriate for civilian, military and academic researchers.
$1,995 (early registration)
$2,095 (regular registration)
Register for Flight Testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Unique Challenges
Instructor: Tae Yoon
September 14-18, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Friday
This course covers the design concepts required to ensure all aspects of aircraft HIRF electrical wiring, installations, and aircraft-level systems are safe for operation. It also covers the typical certification process for HIRF from a very practical, step-by-step perspective and examine all steps used by aircraft OEMs to show compliance to HIRF regulations. The 14 CFR 25.1317 for transport category airplanes will be used as the baseline regulation. A review of FAA Advisory Circulars and practical applications of the information will be presented, and teams will be selected to simulate the HIRF certification process. HIRF requirements for aircraft maintenance and inspection will also be discussed. The course will also include a high-level overview for electromagnetic effects areas; topics discussed include electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), precipitation static (P-static), lightning, ESD, and electrical bonding requirements. An overview of the new requirements for electrical wiring Interconnection system (EWIS) will also be addressed.
Earn 31.5 classroom hours and 3.15 CEUs.
Who should attend?
The course is designed for all aircraft design areas including electrical and avionics, along with HIRF engineers, laboratory and aircraft technicians. Aircraft managers and project engineers working in electrical/avionics related areas should also attend. It is recommended you have taken the following course prior to taking this course:: Introduction to Electromagnetic Effects (EME) and Aircraft Engineering Requirements.
$2,595 (early registration)
$2,795 (regular registration)
Register for High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) Certification and Compliance
Instructor: Pascal Thalin
September 14-18, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Friday
This course will equip students with the skills necessary to understand hydrogen as an alternative fuel source including its integration with conventional and cleaner fuels for aircraft and airports. The stakes, applications and constraints are addressed in detail. Use cases (airports/aircraft), as well as short-, medium- and long-term aircraft implementations, are presented from the perspectives of architectures, technologies and operational ecosystems. Design and validation methodologies and means are an integral part of the course. Informed case studies also illustrate how design criteria specific to the addressed aircraft segments are considered while focus is made on integration aspects. Finally, safety considerations when handling and utilizing hydrogen are reviewed for aircraft as well as airport planning and infrastructure.
Earn 31.5 classroom hours and 3.15 CEUs.
Who should attend?
$2,595 (early registration)
$2,795 (regular registration)
Register for Hydrogen-based Aircraft and Airports: Concepts, Technologies, and Configurations
Instructor: C. Bruce Stephens
September 14-18, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Friday
This course will provide participants with an understanding of electromagnetic effects related to aircraft engineering requirements, FAA certification requirements, testing requirements for both DO-160 bench testing and aircraft level testing related to EMC/P-Static/ESD/TPED's/HIRF/EWIS and lightning. NOTE: For a more in-depth focus on aircraft level testing and FAA requirements it is recommended to take Electromagnetic Effects Aircraft Level Testing and FAA Requirements, in-person or online after taking this course. Students will work in teams to gain hands-on experience building a new STC Electrical/Avionics System Installation to meet Direct Effects of Lightning certification requirements and the internal EME certification requirements. They will also prepare Electromagnetic Effects CFR compliance statements incorporating the information they learn as they progress through the course.
Earn 31.5 classroom hours and 3.15 CEUs.
Who should attend?
The course is designed for all aircraft design areas including certification engineers and managers, electrical, avionics, HIRF & lightning engineers, DO-160 laboratory and aircraft technicians. Aircraft managers, project engineers, and all other system engineers working in electrical/avionics/HIRF/lightning/EWIS-related areas should also attend.
$2,595 (early registration)
$2,795 (regular registration)
Register for Introduction to Electromagnetic Effects (EME) and Aircraft Engineering Requirements
Instructor: Travis Dahna
September 14-17, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday
This course will provide an overall understanding of the 14 CFR Part 21 requirements necessary to obtain design, production and airworthiness approvals for civil aviation products and articles. Title 14, CFR Part 21 regulations are the backbone of the regulatory framework that enables Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) to conduct its certification responsibilities on products and articles. Under 14 CFR Part 21, ยง21.1, the FAA defines a product as an aircraft, engine or propeller, while an article means a material, part, component, process or appliance. In addition to 14 CFR Part 21, this course will delve into certain aspects of 14 CFR Part 43, outlining the requirements to receive approval for alterations/repairs for civil aviation products and articles. An overview is provided on FAA organizational structure, additional 14 CFR Parts, regulatory/guidance material, and rulemaking procedures.
This is the first course in the following three-part FAA course series and serves as a prerequisite for subsequent FAA courses.1. Introduction to FAA Airworthiness Approval Requirements
2. FAA Type Certification Process
3. FAA Type Certification Plan Development
Earn 28 classroom hours and 2.8 CEUs.
Who should attend?
Certification Engineers, Design Engineers, Engineering Management, Program Managers, Business Development Personnel, and Designated Engineering Representatives (DER)/Organization Designation Authorization Unit Members (ODA UM).
$2,295 (early registration)
$2,495 (regular registration)
Register for Introduction to FAA Airworthiness Approval Requirements
Instructor: Willem AJ Anemaat
September 14-16, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Friday
The course will provide an introduction to aerospace engineering principles for non-aerospace professionals. Explanation of different disciplines in an aircraft development program are discussed. Class discussions include introduction to atmosphere, aircraft components, aerodynamics, weight and balance, stability and control, aircraft performance and an introduction to loads. Fixed wing aircraft, VTOL aircraft and helicopters as well as spacecraft (limited) will be introduced.
Earn 21 classroom hours and 2.5 CEUs.
Who should attend?
Certification Engineers, Design Engineers, Engineering Management, Program Managers, Business Development Personnel, and Designated Engineering Representatives (DER)/Organization Designation Authorization Unit Members (ODA UM).
$1,995 (early registration)
$2,095 (regular registration)
Register for Principles of Aerospace Engineering
Instructor: Dennis C. Philpot
September 14-18, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Friday
This course is designed for the practicing engineer who has an interest in the various aspects of stress analysis in aerospace structural-mechanical design and would like to enhance his or her expertise in this important field. The approach taken in this course is to start with a strong theoretical foundation and then build upon that foundation with practical applications that can be immediately put into practice in the workplace. In this manner, both the theory and practice of classical "hand" analysis techniques are presented as well as the more modern (numerical/computational) methods used in the industry. The subject-matter difficulty level is intermediate.
Earn 31.5 classroom hours and 3.15 CEUs.
Who should attend?
$2,595 (early registration)
$2,795 (regular registration)