Aerospace Test and Measurements

Course Description

This combined lecture and laboratory course introduces students to the principles, instruments, and procedures used in test and measurement within the aerospace industry. Students develop hands-on competency in selecting, operating, calibrating, and interpreting data from a wide range of measurement instruments used on aerospace systems, launch vehicles, payloads, and ground support equipment. Emphasis is placed on measurement accuracy, uncertainty analysis, documentation, and compliance with industry standards including applicable MIL-STD, ASTM, and FAA requirements. This course is part of the Engineering Technologies > Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS), course ID ETI1852C.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and correctly use standard aerospace test and measurement instruments, including digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, signal generators, and data acquisition systems.
• Apply principles of measurement theory, including accuracy, precision, resolution, repeatability, and calibration traceability to NIST standards.
• Perform electrical measurements — voltage, current, resistance, continuity, and frequency — on aerospace circuits and assemblies using appropriate instruments and safety procedures.
• Interpret and apply technical documentation, including test plans, work orders, engineering drawings, and test procedures specific to aerospace systems.
• Demonstrate proficiency in calibration procedures and maintain calibration records in accordance with quality management system requirements.
• Record, analyze, and report test data using appropriate formats, including error analysis and documentation required for aerospace quality assurance.
• Apply aerospace safety practices and hazard controls related to test and measurement environments, including electrical safety, handling of energized systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Identify and measure mechanical parameters such as force, torque, pressure, temperature, and displacement using industry-appropriate gauges and transducers.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on program emphasis and available laboratory equipment:

• Configure and use automated test equipment (ATE) and programmable data acquisition hardware (e.g., PXI-based systems) for structured test sequences.
• Apply non-destructive testing (NDT) measurement concepts such as eddy current, ultrasonic, or dye-penetrant inspection relevant to aerospace structures.
• Utilize statistical analysis methods — mean, standard deviation, control charts — for evaluating measurement system capability (Gauge R&R).
• Interface with avionics communication buses (e.g., MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429) using appropriate test equipment to verify signal integrity.
• Demonstrate basic use of LabVIEW or similar data acquisition software for instrument control and automated data logging.
• Describe the role of environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC) in aerospace component qualification per MIL-STD-810 and DO-160.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Measurement Fundamentals — Units and systems of measurement (SI and U.S. customary), significant figures, measurement error, accuracy vs. precision, uncertainty analysis.
• Calibration and Traceability — Calibration standards, NIST traceability, calibration intervals, calibration records and labeling, out-of-tolerance conditions.
• Electrical Test Instruments — Digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, function generators, frequency counters, LCR meters; setup, operation, and safe use.
• Electrical Measurements — DC/AC voltage, current, resistance, continuity, insulation resistance, frequency, and waveform analysis.
• Mechanical Measurements — Pressure gauges, torque wrenches, load cells, thermocouples/RTDs, displacement transducers; proper selection and use.
• Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ) — Sensors and transducers, signal conditioning, analog-to-digital conversion, sampling rate and aliasing, data logging.
• Test Documentation and Reporting — Test plans, procedures, data sheets, discrepancy reports, and traceability of results; aerospace technical writing standards.
• Aerospace Industry Standards — Introduction to applicable standards: MIL-STD, ASTM, FAA regulations, and quality management system requirements (ISO 9001 / AS9100).
• Measurement Safety — Electrical hazard identification and mitigation, lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE selection, safe handling of energized systems, cleanroom and laboratory protocols.
• Laboratory Practice — Hands-on measurement exercises on representative aerospace assemblies, instrument setup, data recording, and reporting throughout the term.

Optional Topics

• Automated Test Equipment (ATE) — Architecture of ATE systems, PXI/VXI platforms, instrument drivers, and test sequencing for aerospace line-replaceable units (LRUs).
• Avionics Bus Testing — Introduction to MIL-STD-1553B and ARINC 429 communication protocols; using bus analyzers and protocol monitors.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Concepts — Overview of eddy current, ultrasonic, dye-penetrant, and radiographic techniques used in aerospace component inspection.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC) for Measurement — Basic statistics applied to test data, Gauge R&R studies, control charts, and measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Environmental and Qualification Testing — Overview of vibration, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC testing per MIL-STD-810 and DO-160; purpose and test setup.
• LabVIEW / Software-Based Instrumentation — Introduction to virtual instrumentation, DAQ configuration, automated data capture, and basic VI programming.
• Fiber Optic Measurement — Principles of optical power measurement, light loss testing, and fiber optic cable fabrication and inspection used in aerospace wiring systems.

Resources & Tools

• Test Instruments: Digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, LCR meters, insulation testers, torque wrenches, pressure gauges, thermocouples
• Data Acquisition: NI DAQ hardware and LabVIEW software (or equivalent), portable data loggers
• Reference Standards: NIST-traceable calibration standards; ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality management documentation
• Industry Publications: MIL-STD-45662A (Calibration Systems Requirements), ASTM standards, FAA Advisory Circulars, SpaceTEC Core Technician study materials
• Textbooks / References: Electronic Instrumentation and Measurements (Bell); SpaceTEC Core Aerospace Technician curriculum modules for Test & Measurements
• Software: LabVIEW (National Instruments), Microsoft Excel for data analysis and charting
• Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, insulated gloves, ESD wrist straps, appropriate footwear per laboratory policy

Career Pathways

Completion of this course supports entry into a broad range of aerospace and advanced manufacturing careers in Florida's Space Coast and statewide aerospace sector. Graduates may qualify for positions including:

• Aerospace Test Technician — Performing functional testing and troubleshooting of launch vehicle components and ground support equipment
• Quality Control / Inspection Technician — Verifying dimensions, electrical parameters, and material properties against aerospace specifications
• Calibration Technician — Maintaining and certifying test equipment to NIST-traceable standards in aerospace manufacturing or MRO environments
• Avionics Test Technician — Testing and verifying avionics LRUs, wiring harnesses, and communication systems
• Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Operator/Technician — Operating and maintaining measurement instrumentation used in launch vehicle processing
• Manufacturing / Production Test Technician — Supporting production-line functional testing in aerospace or defense manufacturing facilities

Employers in Brevard County and statewide include NASA Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and numerous aerospace subcontractors and MRO providers.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course directly prepares students for the SpaceTEC® Certified Aerospace Technician (CAT) Core certification examination, which includes Test & Measurements as one of its six required knowledge domains. The SpaceTEC CAT Core is an FAA-recognized, performance-based credential that is widely required or preferred by Florida aerospace employers. The three-part exam includes a computer-based written exam, an oral evaluation, and a hands-on practical skills assessment. Students who hold a two-year degree in an aerospace or engineering discipline, or who accumulate the required work experience, may sit for this certification exam.

This course also supports preparation for the CertTEC Basic Electricity and Electronics (BEE) credential and lays foundational knowledge applicable to ASTM NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certifications.

Program Context

ETI1852C is typically offered as part of the Aerospace Technology A.S. degree and the Aerospace Technician College Credit Certificate (CCC) at Florida colleges such as Eastern Florida State College (EFSC). The course is a combined lecture/laboratory ("C" suffix) course, integrating classroom instruction with substantial supervised laboratory hours each week. Students should be prepared for a hands-on, tool-intensive learning environment consistent with industry shop and lab settings.