Flight testing in aircraft design teaching: implementation and impact on student experience

Aero engineering students at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) study aircraft design at level 6, having gained an understanding of the relevant theory across modules at levels 4 and 5. Last year, the use of flight simulation at SHU was augmented by taking the students on a flight test course at Cranfield University. Feedback from the students showed that this was a beneficial and enjoyable learning experience. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the positive impact of the inclusion of the flight test course on student experience by: • reviewing the teaching and learning strategies on the aircraft design module; • showing how the flight test course complemented student learning experience; • examining student feedback on the flight test course.