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Flight Controllers and Autopilot Configuration

Configure and tune open-source and commercial flight controllers, missions and failsafes.

Indicative 2 weeksTechnicalMin age 18+
2 weeksDuration (indicative)
8–12Group size
18+Minimum age
EnglishLanguage of teaching
Course overview

About this technical course

Modern drones are flying computers. This course teaches how flight controllers sense, decide and command the motors, and how to configure and tune them for real work. You use open-source tools and learn the principles that apply to commercial systems.

FormatLab-based, about 60% practical
LanguagesEnglish
CertificateIDA certificate: Autopilot Configuration
FeesOn request. Contact admissions for the current fee and batch dates.
Who it is for

Is this course right for you?

  • Drone builders and integrators
  • Electronics and instrumentation engineers
  • R&D teams and start-ups
  • Advanced FPV pilots
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

  • Explain sensors, estimation and control loops in plain terms
  • Install firmware and configure a controller
  • Tune stability and response
  • Plan automatic missions and failsafes
  • Log, read and use flight data to fix problems
  • Integrate a companion computer or payload at a basic level
Syllabus

What the course covers

Module 01

Concepts

  • Sensors: IMU, compass, barometer, GNSS
  • State estimation
  • Control loops
Module 02

Configuration

  • Firmware and ground station software
  • Radio, modes and failsafes
  • Calibration
Module 03

Tuning

  • Rate and attitude tuning
  • Vibration and filtering
  • Autotune and manual tuning
Module 04

Missions and data

  • Mission planning
  • Log analysis
  • Payload triggers
Lab work

Hands-on training

  • Configure a controller on a test airframe
  • Tune a quad on a safe test rig and in flight
  • Analyse a log to find a fault
Assessment

How you are assessed

  • Lab practical
  • Log analysis exercise
  • Written test
Prerequisites

Before you join

  • Basic electronics knowledge
  • Drone technician or FPV course recommended
India context

What to know in India

  • Matches the needs of Indian start-ups building custom aircraft
Careers

Roles this course supports

Drone integration engineerR&D technicianAutopilot support engineer
Certification

What you receive

IDA certificate: Autopilot Configuration. Certificates are issued by International Drone Academy, part of World Skill University and powered by AIESF and WSSH Australia. Where a regulator licence or permission is also required, IDA explains the steps at enrolment.

Questions

Frequently asked

Which software do you use?

Open-source flight stacks and their ground stations, plus a short overview of commercial systems.

Where and when does it run?

Batch dates and academy locations change through the year. Send an enquiry and admissions will share the next start dates for your city.

How do I enrol?

Use the enquiry form on this page, or email admin@internationaldroneacademy.org.

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