Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/domenico-vinci

Domenico Vinci – Expert Flight Test Engineer & Aerospace Consultant

With over two decades of experience in experimental flight testing, aerospace engineering, and advanced avionics systems, I offer specialized consulting services to organizations seeking expertise in flight testing, certification, system integration, prototype development, and performance evaluation.

As an EASA Category 1 Experimental Lead Flight Test Engineer, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS), and a licensed commercial pilot, I have accumulated 900 flight hours in cutting-edge aerospace projects, including flight-by-wire helicopter control systems, rotorcraft performance optimization, and flight test data analysis. I have led and coordinated international teams in complex civil and military flight test programs, ensuring rigorous compliance with certification standards and operational requirements.

Expertise & Consulting Services

Flight Test & Certification

• EASA Category 1 Experimental Lead Flight Test Engineer – certified for conducting experimental flight testing.

• Graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) – specializing in rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft testing.

• EASA Commercial Pilot License (Airplane) & Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone License).

• Full-scope planning, risk assessment, execution, and reporting of experimental flight tests for rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

• Handling qualities, stability & control, performance testing 

• Shipboard dynamic interface trials (SHOL campaigns).

• Weapon systems testing leadership, including the first missile launch from a helicopter platform.

• Development and flight testing of auto-protection systems, including threat detection and countermeasure deployment for rotary-wing platforms.

• Avionics integration, pitot-static system calibration (patented technology), and rotor track & balance optimization.

• Prototype testing for next-generation aerospace technologies.

• Extensive experience in aircraft vs. military ship electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis and defining radio and radar transmission plans for aircraft operations on naval platforms.

Advanced Aerospace Engineering & Software Development

• Real-time flight test monitoring algorithms, predictive analytics, and automated telemetry solutions.

• Development of software for modeling aircraft performance, control response, and stability using Python, MATLAB, Simulink, VBA, and DiAdem.

• Time-domain analysis of aircraft control response, including near real-time evaluation of step inputs, time delays, control overshoot, response time constants, and actuator displacements.

• Helicopter performance comparison studies, analyzing power required vs. power available under different mission and environmental conditions using numerical simulation and AI-based deep neural networks.

• Flight test data automation, improving both efficiency and safety in progression toward aircraft limitations.

• Full analysis of flight incidents using recorded flight data (CVFDR - Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder), reconstructing in-flight events to determine contributing factors and enhance safety protocols.

Prototype Development & Innovation

• Expertise in prototyping and early-stage aerospace development, from concept validation to final certification.

• Proven track record in innovation and technology development, including award-winning patents.

• Leadership in flight test instrumentation development and avionics system testing.

Why Work With Me?

With a hands-on, data-driven, and analytical approach, I deliver tailored engineering solutions that help organizations accelerate innovation, streamline certification processes, and enhance flight safety. My experience spans military and civil applications, supporting aircraft manufacturers, research institutions, and regulatory agencies.

If you need expert guidance in flight testing, certification, system integration, prototype testing, weapons and auto-protection system validation, helicopter performance comparison, or aerospace innovation, get in touch to explore how I can support your project.