practical, relevant aeronautics classes

To Motivate, Inspire and Develop the Aviation Workforce of Today and Tomorrow

About us

Professional workforce development short courses

Started and owned by USAF veterans, PAI provides unrivaled big picture, systems-level workforce development/continuing education short courses in aeronautics, jet engines, and aircraft systems/operations to increase confidence, boost motivation, and improve communication.

working with us

why choose Practical Aero?

Practical Aero Courses

More than ever, today’s aircraft are complex systems requiring skilled professionals to combine their specific expertise into a fully integrated vehicle. The professionals who engineer, test, manufacture, and in any way support these aircraft are accomplished specialists, but often lack an overall understanding of the airplane system as a whole. Fundamental understanding of the airplane-engine system gives you improved ability to communicate more effectively and frame thinking beyond your area of expertise.

how we help

Our Team

Who We Are

We are a team of dynamic, engaging instructors with professionally recognized expertise as pilots, test pilots, test navigators/combat systems operators and engineers, highly experienced with military and civilian aircraft/engines! Courses are team-taught by award winning educators, typically an aviator and PhD engineer.


what we Teach

Our Courses

Our Aeronautics, Aircraft Systems/Operations and Aircraft-Engine/Gas Turbine Engine Short Courses.

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Introductory Courses

Our introductory classes are suitable for everyone with an interest, such as program managers, engineers, contract managers, financial analysts, technicians, supply chain managers, or interns. You don’t need to be an aeronautical engineer or have a degree and you can be completely new to aviation. Even those with years in the field have benefited from the practical perspective we bring to each topic.

Advanced Courses

Our advanced classes are for engineers/scientists and those with a technical background, any discipline. Like all PAI courses, focus is on foundational understanding of the underlying governing principles and does include mathematical explanations.

Which Course is right for you?

Anyone looking for a “big picture” understanding of aeronautics, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, and/or gas turbine propulsion and mechanical systems should attend our introductory courses.

Our advanced classes are designed for those with a technical background desiring a broader understanding of aircraft-engine systems design, analysis, controls and health monitoring.

our Students

testimonials

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Great class! Was a practical approach to the industry side of turbine gas engines. My aerospace engineering class for jet engines was more theoretical so I missed the practical side like diving into an intro of subsystems for jet engines.
Daniel Tonnesen
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Took the Cycle analysis of gas turbine engines course and it was amazing. Enjoyed the class. Knowledgeable instructors, very approachable and patient in answered questions. Look forward to taking the follow on course!
Dan Nyagol
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The best time I have ever spent in a classroom. It was not the detailed slides or the breaks every hour (which were awesome), it was the instructors! Their experience made the course a fun environment with constant interaction along with dozens and dozens of real world examples and everyone felt welcome to participate.
James Braun
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“I love the energy the students come back to the branches with.”  
Branch Manager
Stay in Touch

Contact Information

address

P. O. Box 461434
Aurora, CO 80046-1434

Call Us

(719) 659-7319

What’s Special about Practical Aero Courses?

Unique Content Design, Systems Focus,
Unique Teaching Style, Building Block Approach