Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the primary goal of the Eagle Flight Research Center at Embry-Riddle?

The primary goal of the Eagle Flight Research Center is to provide the aerospace industry and aviation community solutions for flight related problem while at the same time developing the next generations of industry engineers, specialists and leaders. 

What type of flight research is performed at the center?

The Eagle Flight Research Center performs a large variety of research activities from basic research to more pragmatic hands-on development and certification of prototype hardware.  Basic research may include the development of new algorithms, software and analytical techniques for the continued advancement of modern flight systems.  On the other side of the spectrum is the application of new technologies and innovative ideas to aircraft hardware through prototyping, testing and certification.    

What are the benefits of working with the Eagle Flight Research Center?

The primary benefit is the synergy that can be developed between the world’s largest fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, our students and our industry partners.  Although the center must be fiscally sound, our goal is to provide our students, faculty and staff with current industry topics.  In this way, our students benefit from real world experiences and our partners benefit from working in an academic environment without some of the economic pressures of industry. 

Can the Eagle Flight Research Center perform certification and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) services?

Yes, the center can provide these types of services with some reservations.  The center has a staff of personnel and consultants that include DER of various types and DARs that are capable of performing this work.  Experience has shown that our approach to certification services must be cautious due to the interaction with the FAA.  These projects budget and timeline are dependant upon the ability of the FAA to respond.  This is dependant upon the FAA’s workload which varies but is typically high.  To that end, the Eagle Flight Research Center must approach funding these types of projects as “time and materials” or “cost plus” structure.  In addition, if the project is a large one, the Eagle Flight Research Center will first conduct a study to develop some idea of the magnitude of the project scope for reference purposes.  Frequently, the scope of these projects are underestimated.  It is the Eagle Flight Research Center’s desire for our industry partners to be successful by understanding, up front, the magnitude of the project.      

Can the Eagle Flight Research Center provide professional short courses?

The Eagle Flight Research Center can develop professional short courses for industry or one can be selected from the courses that have already been developed.  These courses include introduction to flight testing, avionics, modeling and simulation and others.  Upcoming public short courses will be posted on the website.

Can the Eagle Flight Research Center provide aviation production capabilities? 

The research center can assist with prototyping, development and the pursuit of a production certificate.  The center, however, does not maintain a production facility.  In some cases, the University may assist industry partners in the development of production facilities at the Daytona Beach airport.

Has the Eagle Flight Research Center worked with UAVs?

The center has ongoing projects with unmanned systems including projects with the FAA, industry and military. 

Can the Eagle Flight Research Center fund my idea?

There are many good ideas in aviation and aerospace.  The center, however, has no way of funding projects.  Each project taken on by the center is funded by a sponsor.