Embry-Riddle to Offer Free Online Courses to Support the Expanding Aerospace Workforce in Asia

“Embry-Riddle is committed to the industry we support, and by offering these free online courses, our faculty and staff are able to share their expertise and world-renowned knowledge with our community and aerospace professionals,” said Dr. Ken Witcher, Embry-Riddle Worldwide Dean of Aeronautics. “As the aviation industry expands in Southeast Asia, Embry-Riddle will continue to be the leader in offering education in aviation maintenance and airport/airline operations to those who may be interested in joining or advancing within this exciting industry.”

Free and open to the public, the online courses are:

“The Human Factor in Aviation” (March 2016) focuses on a critical aspect in aviation disasters: the human factor. Emphasis is placed on psychological and physiological elements contributing to the possibility of aviation accidents and the potential loss of life. Topics include human performance, benefits of training, advanced technology, automation and situational awareness with the goal of strengthening safety in the aviation environment.

“Aircraft Accident Investigation” (May 2016) covers aspects of aircraft accident investigation from start to finish with emphasis on human factors, survival investigative techniques and the application of accident investigation findings in industry and research. Case studies will include critical analysis of select incidents, and participants will practice data-collection skills through Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s Virtual Crash Laboratory.

“Airline Operations” (August 2016) offers a behind-the-scenes overview of the long- and short-term planning and coordination required by international commercial air carriers to safely and efficiently operate thousands of passenger and cargo flights each day. Offered from the perspective of an airline Chief Operating Officer, Operations Managers and passengers, the courseware and student discussion is intended to provide an in-depth understanding of air transportation logistics and operations. Topics include airline history, organization, crewmember requirements and duty time limitations, aircraft airworthiness, dispatch, flight operations and maintenance. The course will explore issues affecting certificated air carriers operating domestic and internationally, during normal, abnormal, and emergency situations.

“Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul – Global Opportunities, Growth, and Challenges” (October  2016) offers a comprehensive examination of aircraft maintenance policies, programs and procedures impacting international commercial airline operators. Emphasis is placed on all aspects of aircraft maintenance, including organizational management, planning, forecasting, cost control, reliability, flight scheduling and safety.

These new courses follow Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s highly successful “Unmanned Aerospace Systems (UAS) – Key Concepts for New Users” MOOC launched last month. The two-week online course explored the increasing popularity of unmanned vehicles also known as “drones” and the safety challenges, regulations and policies surrounding them.  To date, Embry-Riddle Worldwide has offered five MOOCs with nearly 14,000 participants.

MOOCs are another way Embry-Riddle Worldwide provides flexible instruction to students around the world. These courses let students work on assignments based on their own schedules and offer an online learning platform that encourages student interaction through discussion boards and social media platforms such as Twitter. Embry-Riddle Worldwide (online.erau.edu) has been ranked No. 1 for online bachelor’s degree programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report listing released in December 2015.