Short Courses
Our Aeronautics, Aircraft Systems/Operations and Aircraft-Engine/Gas Turbine Engine Short Courses.
why choose us
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT PAI 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.
In addition to our in-person short courses we offer virtual courses that stream live on MS Teams. Computer and Webcam required; course guidance/materials will be provided.
Contact us for additional details and to schedule your virtual course today!
Combined Years of Experience
Courses Offered
Students Taught
Suitable for Anyone
Our Introductory classes are suitable for anyone with interest; you don’t need to be an engineer or have a degree, nor do you need any experience to learn. Even those with years in the field have benefited from the practical perspective we bring to each topic.
Our Introductory Classes
Fundamentals of Flight
A Practical Overview of Aeronautics
This 20 hour short course is all about airplanes, how they fly and why they look the way they do.
Introduction to Aeronautics
A Practical Perspective
This 32 hour short course is packed full of examples. You will graduate with a solid understanding of the basics of aeronautics and the give-and-take inherent to aircraft design.
Introduction to Aircraft Systems
A Practical Perspective
This 20 hour short course introduces the major systems—their purpose, how they operate (including theory), integration considerations, certification challenges, and industry trends (including both military and civil designs).
Introduction to Operations in the National Airspace
This 20 hour short course introduces the major issues involved—which are even more critical when the air vehicles are unmanned/remotely operated.
Introduction to Jet Engines
A Practical Perspective
This 20 hour short course is all about Gas Turbine Engines (GTEs), how they operate and how they are used in various air-breathing propulsion systems.
Introduction to Gas Turbine Engine Mechanical Systems
A Practical Perspective
The focus of this 20 hour class is foundational understanding of gas turbine engine (GTE) “secondary” or “support” systems – bearings and lubrication, sealing, cooling, heating, gearing, fuel delivery, starting and power takeoff.
Our Advanced Classes
Suitable for those with a technical background
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. Fundamental understanding is driven home in a small group, workshop style learning environment using a contextual, systems-level framework with hands-on exercises and lots of attendee participation. Additionally, you will learn from the folks who literally wrote the book…the textbooks used in each of these courses are all authored by current or former PAI instructors! The potential to tailor the exercises to best meet customer needs exists.
Cycle Analysis of Gas Turbine Engines
This 36 hour workshop-style short course is for those with a technical background who desire a practical understanding of gas turbine engine cycle performance including design, analysis, and test applied to an air, ship, or ground vehicle.
Aircraft Engine Systems Design
Introductory Systems Analysis
Attendees to this 16 hour course are introduced to the aircraft-engine system design process in a very practical way – by responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) which defines aircraft requirements.
Aircraft Engine Systems Design
Intermediate Engine Design
Attendees to this 20 hour course are provided details of an engine on-design and off-design methodology like that used in industry.
Aircraft Engine Systems Design
Advanced Component Design
Attendees to this 36 hour course are provided foundational principles governing preliminary engine component design to include aerodynamics as well as stress and materials considerations.
Fundamentals of Aircraft Engine Controls, Accessories and Health Management
This 36 hour short course is for those with a technical background who desire a foundational understanding of aircraft engine control and accessory systems for both turbofan and turboshaft engines.
What’s Special about Practical Aero Courses?
Unique Content Design, Systems Focus,
Unique Teaching Style, Building Block Approach