This paper presents a virtual-physical testing methodology for the design and dimensioning of a variable-axial structural guide vane manufactured by Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP). Within the context of a jet engine, a validation pyramid based on the building block approach is developed, considering different levels of complexity from coupon- up to system-level. Both virtual and physical sections of the validation pyramd are defined. Focussing on the coupon- and element-level, a method to determine a material model for the TFP structural vane is proposed, considering the complex environment of the jet engine. A work flow for the specific TFP element-specimen design process using the software EDOstructure for variable-axial components is developed.