About

The Society of Flight Test Engineers was founded by a group of young flight test engineers working on Boeing's 737 program in 1968, with the goal of improving communication between our members throughout the industry, and to promote technical resources, safety best practices, socialization, and educational outreach.

Since then, SFTE has grown into a truly international organization, with members spanning the globe and all aspects of flight testing. Our mission remains as relevant today as it did in 1968.

The Society is organized into geographically-arranged Chapters, with each local Chapter hosting events for members in the area, and representing those members at the international level. Members can easily move between chapters when they change jobs, or find fellow SFTE members in the area if they are traveling.

Each year, typically around October, SFTE presents an annual Symposium hosted by a local chapter on a rotational basis. This Symposium provides a unique opportunity for our members, who represent diverse areas of the industry and the world, to gather together to present papers, discuss industry issues, share safety lessons, and gain critical technical knowledge through tutorials and courses. Additionally, several Chapters host their own regional Symposia.

SFTE is proud to be partnered with several other professional organizations:

Society of Experimental Test Pilots

Flight Test Safety Committee

American Instutite of Aeronautics and Astronautics

History

1968

• October 7, 1968: Seattle Boeing FTEs aim to establish a society
• October 24, 1968: First SFTE weekly meeting.
• October 29, 1968: First Publicity Committee Meeting
• November 13, 1968: Board sets paperwork deadlines
• November 27, 1968: Initial draft of Constitution and Bylaws
• December 4, 1968: Nominating and Elections Procedures, Formation of Chartered Chapters
• December 11, 1968: Constitution December 18, 1968: Bylaws
• December 26, 1968: Secretary of State approves the Articles of Incorporation.

1969

• February 5, 1969: First report of Members: 7 applicants received at this point
• April 9-10, 1969: Flight Test Management Technical Meeting hosted by SFTE
• May 1969: Final Constitution Acceptance
• May 1969: First National Election
• June 1969: Final Bylaws Acceptance
• June 4, 1969: Induction of additional chapter (Antelope Valley) Switched to holding monthly meetings
• September 3, 1969: Non-Profit Status approval was announced to the Board of Directors.
• October 1969- May 1970: Six Chapters created, each holding monthly dinner meetings with either local or visiting speakers or flight test films.
• October 3, 1969: Antelope Valley Chapter established
• November 5, 1969: Long Island Chapter established

1970

• February 2, 1970: North Texas Chapter established
• April 1, 1970: Patuxent River Chapter established
• May 6, 1970: Los Angeles Chapter and Wichita Chapter established
• October 5-7, 1970: First Annual Business Meeting Held in conjunction with Long Island Chapter‘s Technical Meeting Computer Aided Flight Testing in the 1970s; 2 Journal issues published; monthly newsletter now implemented; 457 total members; 404 Members, 38 Associates, 15 Affiliates

1972

• October 3, 1972: Second Annual Business Meeting; First National Board of Directors Meeting Elections for a National Board of Directors Board composed of AV and LA Chapter Members; Mailing address becomes associated with Lancaster, CA

1973

• August 20, 1973: Society Award Program – Award to be presented annually to a member who excelled in his particular flight test field. Kelly Johnson received the award, and the award was then named in his honor.