Eagle Flight Research Center

The Embry-Riddle Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC) serves as Embry-Riddle's Aerospace R&D facility. The state-of-the-art center is equipped to conduct a variety of projects, including: Experimental flight testing Aircraft modifications for FAA certification Design and testing of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) Development and verification of high-fidelity (up to Level D) flight-data models used in engineering and training simulators Prototype engineering solutions to advance eco-friendly alternatives in aviation The EFRC is affiliated with the College of Engineering's Department of Aerospace Engineering and supports the class and individual projects of the university’s various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral engineering students. The students’ research and practical efforts are supported by a diverse and experienced faculty, with specialties in fixed- and rotary-wing flight dynamics and control, flight testing, aeroelasticity, electrical engineering, air-breathing propulsion, parameter identification, and aerodynamics. To aid in a variety of research projects, the EFRC maintains a dedicated experimental Cessna 172, which is equipped with an internal navigation system and flight-testing data acquisition and sensor package. The EFRC has an experienced staff of professors, staff, and consulting FAA-Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), pilots, and technicians. Our faculty, staff, and students are experienced with experimental aircraft, certification, instrumentation, and data gathering and analysis. To help further enhance our students’ experience, in addition to university- and program-related projects, the Flight Research Center does research work for commercial customers, including the aviation industry, government, and military. This gives our students excellent exposure to leading aviation and high-technology companies.