13.06.2022 17:30

Educational flight tests with Leonardo Helicopters for Polimi students

Interview with the footballer and Civil Engineering student at the Politecnico di Milano

One year after the first experience in the field for a group of students of the Politecnico di Milano, the second edition of the educational flight test campaign at the Leonardo Helicopters premises in Cascina Costa di Samarate (Varese) has ended. The tests were held as part of the Flight-Testing course of the Aeronautical Engineering MSc.

From 16 to 24 May, eight students accompanied by two professors from the Department of Aerospace Science and Technologies were able to put into practice what they have learned so far on a theoretical level in the field of Flight Test Engineering (FTE). The activities initially involved in-depth familiarization with the helicopter, security aspects and emergency management procedures, planning and review of test cards and test points, with the full involvement of Leonardo's Test Pilots and Flight Test Engineers.

Activities peaked with eight flights, preceded by pre-flight briefings, four on # AW109 GrandNew and four on # AW189 respectively, instrumented for the occasion. During these activities, which lasted about eight hours in total, assessments of controllability and static stability were carried out.

These are unique opportunities for young students who have the chance to confront themselves in real contexts and at the highest level with the phases of planning, execution, data collection, analysis, and finally reporting of flight test activities, appreciating the applicability of the reference methodologies and related standards.

A new important opportunity for discussion between industry and the world of education, to prepare the young generations today to be the professionals and specialists of tomorrow, in this fundamental and innovative sector of activity in the aeronautical field.