Shaping the Future of Aeronautical Engineering: Designing a Capstone Course

The rapid advancement of aerospace technologies and industry paradigms necessitates a transformative approach to engineering education. This paper presents a structured framework for designing a capstone course that addresses the evolving competencies required of aeronautical engineers. Focusing particularly on the Colombian context, the study analyzes current challenges and emerging trends in the aerospace sector to identify core technical and transversal skills, along with the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration. The proposed course integrates project-based learning and real-world engineering problems to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice. Furthermore, the paper benchmarks existing curricula and international best practices to ensure alignment with both accreditation standards and industry demands. The findings underscore the importance of continuous curriculum innovation to equip future engineers with the agility to respond to technological disruptions and lead sustainable development in a highly dynamic field.