Society of Flight Test Engineers

SFTE Introduces Students to Flight Test at EAA AirVenture 2023

Making Aerospace Dreams a Reality - SFTE Inspires Future Testers at Oshkosh

July 31, 2023

The Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) had its debut participation supporting a STEM course at the 2023 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. Partnering with our host, AIAA's Digital Avionics Technical Committee (DATC), SFTE volunteers helped introduce future aerospace pioneers to the world of flight test.

Over the past years, the DATC developed an immersive short course held at the EAA Training Center, designed to expose aspiring engineers and aviators to the aircraft lifecycle – design, build, test, and flight. This year, SFTE was invited to provide the flight test segment of this program.

The resounding success of this initiative was also made possible through a partnership with Microsoft Flight Simulators, who generously supplied simulators and on-site personnel. Using these sims, SFTE volunteers guided student test teams through the collection and analysis of flight test data.

This event at Oshkosh has opened up a new STEM opportunity. We're delighted to announce that SFTE has been invited to reprise our role at the Oshkosh event in October 2024! In addition, plans are underway for our return to the action-packed Reno Air Races this September.

It's time to put your passion for STEM to good use. Join us as a volunteer and help pave the way for the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals. For more information, or to get involved, send us a message or call at 425-243-9321.


At the event, volunteers Rachel McFalls-Brown and Joey Brown (in flight suits) guide students through an exercise using Microsoft Flight Simulator to collect and analyze flight test data.	Event organizers and volunteers, left to right: Tiffany Manigault (SFTE Business Development), Joey Brown (volunteer), Jen Uchida (SFTE President), Amanda Dischinger (SFTE Member and Primary Organizer), Rachel McFalls-Brown (SFTE Board of Directors), Jeff Canclini (SFTE Treasurer), Seth Shaw (Pax River Chapter President), Sheila Hodgson (ITPS)	Amanda Dischinger (SFTE Member and Primary Organizer), Rachel McFalls-Brown (SFTE Board of Directors)