The Conference will be structured around the design 
process, from concept and specification through analysis 
and detailing to achievement of certification. The topics 
will be addressed by speakers with current first-hand 
experience of design and design analysis.  

Computing tools will be reviewed. This will range from the 
use of spreadsheets to handle traditional data and 
analytical formulae for working up a design, through to 
discussion of specialised software for drafting, design 
optimisation, and analysis. The CFD session will introduce 
tools from 2-D for aerofoil design to 3-D for analysing the 
entire aircraft. The trade-off between accuracy and 
computational expense will be discussed. The Structures 
session will look at the price/capability options in FE 
commercial software. It will also address an audit trail 
for the certification process and the correlation of 
analysis with testing. Design data is essential. 
Traditional sources - textbooks and papers - can be found 
with the aid of libraries, including the RAeS library and 
its new satellite, the National Aerospace Library. ESDU 
remains a key source of well scrutinised and prepared 
design data. The internet has also become a significant 
source of material, with much old but still valid research 
to be found. 

The valuable synergy between CAD and CAM can be of use to 
the SME or individual. Opportunities in this area will be 
reviewed, such as the use of PC-driven CNC routers to make 
moulds for composite parts lay-ups.

Throughout there will be a focus on what is possible, with 
pointers on what to look for and where to look.

The Conference will be of interest to amateur and 
professional aircraft designers, University students and 
lecturers, as well as those with an interest in the 
technical development of light aircraft.