Developing training programs for Airworthiness Engineering

Aircraft of all types provide resources to support humanitarian efforts through the world. Advanced UAS operations like Zipline blood/vaccine delivery in Ghana and Rwanda, transport of COVID vaccines on multiple types of aircraft, and new and novel search and rescue aircraft (public and military aircraft) are a few examples of aircraft employed for humanitarian missions. Engineers need strong airworthiness training to ensure safety of pilots, passengers, and people overflown. Engineers and professionals who understand the science of airworthiness are critical to safety, functionality, and certification of aircraft. Until recently, training in airworthiness engineering was done through company and agency training programs, mentorship, and tacit knowledge sharing. Aerospace engineering programs educated individuals on the fundamentals of aircraft design and manufacturing, but not the skillsets and requirements for the airworthiness certification of aircraft and safety of flight assurance. The number of professionals who have this needed experience and qualifications are limited and thus there developed a clear need create a baseline for formal educational programs in Airworthiness Engineering for undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels of attainment. The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Defense and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University took on a project to invigorate and expand the airworthiness talent pool, to define common curricula for Airworthiness Engineering programs and define professional levels based on experience and responsibility. This effort would ensure and improve airworthiness compliance and safety for civil and military aerospace systems and embed airworthiness discipline as part of the design and development life cycle of aircraft. The paper we will present will share the approach taken by an integrated group of industry, government, and academia to develop standards defining the minimum requirements for formal education for undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.