Proposal to the National SFTE Organization

for the Development and Implementation of an

FTE Certification Program

Presented by Robert J. Ingerham

VP – Programs, NTX Chapter

The Problem

New FTE’s direct from College with no aviation experience or with no experience of any kind. Many don’t know basic aeronautical terms.

(KIAS,TAS, and CAS for example) Some understand basic aviation, but have no test experience.

Lack of Training within many companies for new employees. Management of some companies complacent to put Elect. or

Mech. Engineers in FTE slots with no training. FTE’s from different companies talk different languages. Hiring Personnel have no standard to hold to when hiring an FTE.

Only the individuals word that they have the required experience.

The Need

An avenue to train new Flight Test Engineers from the Basics through to the Advanced Concepts of Flight Test Engineering.

A tool to standardize general processes and instruments (or best practices) throughout the flight test industry.

A way to verify knowledge, comprehension, and experience in Aeronautics and Flight Test Engineering.

The Solution

An Internationally recognized Society of Flight Test Engineers Certification Program.

Provides Third Party Verification of Individuals Knowledge and Experience.

Provides an up to date and relevant source of training for new FTE’s.

Provides, by fruition, standardized concepts and processes for the benefit of all participants.

Program Briefing Outline

Overall Concept, Proposed Levels, and Flow

Execution

Sources for Materials

Barriers

Additional Benefits

How to Proceed

Conclusions

Overall Concept, Proposed Levels, and Flow

The proposed concept is a three level certification system utilizing self paced workbooks, performance verification items, subject quizzes, and module exams.

The proposed levels would be: Aeronautics Certified, Flight Test Certified, and Test Conductor Certified (or Flight Test Analyst Certified).

Aeronautics Certified

Flight Test Certified

Flight Test AnalystCertified

Test ConductorCertified

Overall Concept, Proposed Levels, and Flow

Each certification level will contain multiple subject modules, with each module containing multiple segments.

Each segment would have segment quizzes and performance items.

Segment 1 Segment 4Segment 3Segment 2

Performance item 1

Performance item 2

Performance item 3

Module 1

Module Exam

CertificationModule 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5Next Level

Overall Concept, Proposed Levels, and Flow

Once all segments of a module are complete, the module would be turned in for review.

After review, if the module is accepted as satisfactory, the applicant would be approved to take the module exam.

CertificationModule 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5Next Level

Segment 1 Segment 4Segment 3Segment 2

Performance item 1

Performance item 2

Performance item 3

Module 1

Module Exam

Overall Concept, Proposed Levels, and Flow

Following the exam, assuming the applicant passed, they would then be allowed to proceed to the next module.

CertificationModule 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5Next Level

Segment 1 Segment 4Segment 3Segment 2

Performance item 1

Performance item 2

Performance item 3

Module 1

Module Exam

Overall Concept, Proposed Levels, and Flow

CertificationModule 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5Next Level

At the completion of all module exams, the applicant would receive certification at that level and be eligible for the next level of certification.

Execution

Applicants would apply for acceptance within the program. Acceptance criteria would be any of the following:

Membership in SFTE (non members charged a premium – see cost)

Currently employed in an FTE function Currently employed within a Flight Test Community (in any role)

Applying as required for employment (application must contain Letter of Request from applicants manager)

Applying with a recommendation from an SFTE executive officer, Senior Member, or Fellow. (Letter of Recommendation to be included and is based on applicants interest in Flight Test)

Once accepted, applicant would request first module and define terms of payment. (Again – See Cost)

Execution

Modules would be distributed as hard copy paperback workbooks containing subject context, segment quizzes, and performance requirements with sign off sheets.

Subject Context: Each Segment contains material to related to specific facets of

that particular Segment which relates to its module.

Segment Quizzes: Segment Quizzes highlight various facts within the material. They are numerous enough to adequately cover any of the

material that will be on the Module Exam, and do so without reproducing the exact questions on the Module Exam.

Execution

Performance Requirements: Performance requirements are tasks that require the individual

to physically demonstrate their knowledge and ability of some facet of the material being discussed.

They require someone with “signoff authority” (as determined by the certification council) to witness, verify, and endorse that the task was adequately performed in their presence, meeting the standards set down by the performance requirements sign off sheet.

Performance requirements can be located within any segment, after a segment, or as a recommended prerequisite to a segment.

On rare occasions, most likely as a part of higher certification requirements, they can be located within Module Exams.

Execution

Module Exams: Module Exams would be administered online after the related module

had been reviewed and deemed satisfactory. As they would be online and unsupervised, they would need to be

detailed, demanding, and timed to adequately test the individuals knowledge of the material.

Performance requirements within the Exam would either have to be performed in advance of the exam and the signoff mailed in, performed as an adjunct after the exam and signoff mailed after the exam, or performed during the exam and therefore scheduled and coordinated with the “signoff authority” and any required facilities necessary for adequate verification (i.e. control room, ops, etc.).

At the completion of the Module Exam the applicant would request and pay for next module.

Execution

Once all Module Exams, Performance Requirements, and Billing Requirements are satisfied, the individual will be issued a record of certification for the level completed along with an individual certificate and possibly an item of recognition (patch, ring, etc.).

After one level of certification has been completed the individual can apply for the next level. (No additional acceptance criteria required)

Sources for Materials

The program should be inclusive of all aspects of Flight Test Engineering. As such, it will require many different types of inputs from many different sources.

Note: Initial criteria for inclusion as a source should be that the organization is directly involved with the Testing or Test Conducting of Aircraft.

Examples of Source Types would be:

Internal Flight Test Engineer Certification Programs Corporate Programs Military Programs

Academic Programs Aeronautical Engineering Programs

Federal Regulations FAA JAA Transport Canada

Sources for Materials

Examples of Sources would be: Commercial Flight Test Facilities

Airbus Bell Helicopter Boeing Bombardier Cessna Embraer Raytheon

Military Flight Test Organizations Boeing (St. Louis) Lockheed Martin (Ft Worth, Marietta, and Palmdale) Northrop Grumman Military (Edwards, Pax River)

Academic Organizations Embry Riddle University of Texas, Arlington Wichita State University

Federal Agencies FAA JAA Transport Canada

Sources for Materials

Commercial Flight Test Facilities Military Flight Test Organizations

Academic Aeronautical Engineering Programs

Federal Agencies

Aero Cert

FT Cert

FTA Cert

TC Cert

Overcoming Barriers

Cost Development Cost Execution Cost Cost to Customer (FTE or Company)

Acceptance FTE’s Acceptance Corporate Acceptance

Validity Integrity

Overcoming Barriers – Cost

General Cost of Development and Execution will be passed down to the client. Proceeds should be used to help fund both local and national organizational

programs. (See Additional Benefits Below)

Development Cost Initial cost will include:

Procurement of content – In order to minimize cost the collection of content should rely mostly on donated material from society members within source organizations and publicly published information and standards.

Development of curriculum – Dependence on a source material should help define curriculum flow thereby reducing the effort required in development.

Publishing of materials – Cost of publishing could be the most expensive portion of Development. Workbooks and worksheets should be hard copy but any and all reference materials could be put on CD.

Setup of Website – The Website should be restricted to application processing, purchase of materials, and administration of Module Exams. One time purchase of COTS Software could be used to accomplish this.

Advertisement – Cost associated with getting the idea out would be related to fliers, emails, selective corporate and/or government briefings, and symposium presentations.

Overcoming Barriers – Cost

Execution Cost Application Acceptance – Cost associated with application processing could

be minimized by requiring use of an online application and an associated database.

Distribution – Physical distribution via lowest cost mail service (i.e. USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.). Use lowest cost option like 4 day ground unless applicant is willing to pay additional fee for postage and handling (i.e. actual cost of shipping plus an additional handling fee).

Performance Requirements – Verification of performance requirements would be the responsibility of locally authorized “signoff authority” auditors (volunteers) to witness and validate applicants ability to perform. Written verification would then be added to applicant electronic file. Original copies would be kept with applicants workbook records.

Workbook Review – Workbook exercises would be recorded on paper to be mailed in to be reviewed and accepted. Some automations could be put in place to reduce inefficiencies.

Website Administration – Updates and Maintenance of the Website could be automated. Website interaction should also be limited to application processing, ordering of materials, and administration of Module Exams.

Overcoming Barriers – Cost

Cost to Client (FTE or Company) Client Cost will be derived from development and execution cost plus any fees required.

Keep in mind that cost, if excessive, could be a big deterrent for clients.

In order to reduce the impact of cost, especially during the initial promotional period, the following guidelines should be used: Average cost should be kept in line to the cost of other professional certification programs. Lower level modules should be less expensive than upper level ones. Lower level certification should have more modules than upper levels. Work with companies to get Certification paid for via training budgets. Work out payment options for individuals not covered under corporate moneys.

Credit Cards, Monthly Payment options, etc.

Membership has it’s privileges. Fee Structure should encourage membership in SFTE. Non member fees applied to each module should be in excess of a membership for a year.

Suggest a minimum $75 non-member fee with each Module. No “free” yearly membership with order.

Overcoming Barriers – Acceptance

FTE’s Acceptance Benefit of a Nationally recognized Certification to the FTE

Sets you apart from non-certified individuals. Your considered a Subject Matter Expert. Provides you with additional credentials when job hunting. Gives you leverage for negotiating higher salaries. Provides additional job security. Provides training to bring you up to speed, in a short period of

time. You gain years of experience in whatever time it takes you to complete the certification.

Self pace style allows you to go as fast or as slow as you want or need to.

Overcoming Barriers – Acceptance

Corporate Acceptance Benefits of providing or encouraging certification for FTE’s in

your organization Provides standardized and skill diversified training for employees,

from aeronautical basics to advanced flight test concepts. No setup or planning required and minimal expense to company. Provides verification of employees knowledge, comprehension,

and experience in Aeronautics and Flight Test Engineering Provides built-in benchmarks for companies to use for gauging

the qualifications of applicants. Company gains a more diversified overview of flight test. Increases employees awareness of safety issues thereby

providing for a safer test environment.

Overcoming Barriers – Validity

Integrity Integrity is a key concern for any certification program.

Removal of individuals, thru automation, from pass/fail criteria. Workbook modules reviewed only to verify all sections

complete. Testing done online. Completion of all module requirements plus payment of all

moneys due qualifies for certification. “Signing authority” for any certification requirements also comes

with repercussions for misuse. Fines Loss of own certification

Additional Benefits

Increase in membership Answer to the age old question “why join, what does the society have

that I want?” Fee structure encourages membership

Increase in cash flow Distribution of proceeds

National receives Majority of tuition paid All additional fees (i.e. non-member fees, fines, etc.)

Local organizations receive A percentage of tuition paid for each chapter member. (10-25%**) A percentage of tuition paid for each local non-member*. (15-30%**)

* Local non-member should be defined by predetermined geographical boundaries** Percentages suggested here are for example only

Proposal of How to Proceed

Brief Proposal at Symposium and Vote Establish Committee or Council and Assign Chair Solicit members for Source Materials Develop course outlines for each level Review Develop logistical plan from initial deployment thru continued

operations. Start Advertisements (fliers, emails, selective corporate and/or

government briefings, and more symposium presentations) Incorporate subject materials in to course Final Review Program Launch

Conclusions

An Internationally recognized SFTE Certification Program will provide: An increase in membership Prestige for the members Greater confidence and self esteem for certified individuals Increase in opportunities for certified individuals Increase in cash flow for the organization, providing more options for

local and national activities Improved / more efficient and safer testing for companies Standardized and skill diversified training package for companies Verification of employees knowledge, comprehension, and experience

in Aeronautics and Flight Test Engineering for companies A built-in benchmarks for companies to use for gauging the

qualifications of applicants

Questions for the Panel