Message from the President

Enlightenment. Inspiration. Innovation. Energy.

Those were my key takeaways from the 56th SFTE International Symposium in Savannah.

From CRM to test techniques to AI, every session reminded us how vital flight test engineers are to the safe, effective, and visionary development of aerospace systems. The speakers’ insights challenged us to keep learning, keep sharing, and keep looking out for one another in this inherently Risky Business.

My thanks to the Coastal Empire Chapter for an outstanding event and to Chaska Moon for steering it to success despite the government shutdown challenges.



Congratulations to all our Award Recipients – your work exemplifies SFTE’s mission to advance the art and science of flight testing.  This year we also welcomed Paul Koks and Guy Gratton as our new SFTE Fellows adding to our distinguished legacy.



The SFTE “tent” is expanding — welcoming testers from every discipline and organization. We are in reality, if not yet in name, the Society of Flight Test Engineering. Three Flight test leaders attending their first SFTE symposium told me how impressed they were by the technical rigor, professionalism, diversity, and vitality of our members. One summed it up perfectly:

“It isn’t a bunch of old guys telling stories about themselves.”

They’re already planning to bring more FTEs to the 2026 Symposium (Oct 26-30 in Las Colinas, Texas).



SFTE’s greatest challenge remains equipping every flight test engineer with the competencies, skills, and professional development needed to excel. Our NTPS and ITPS scholarship programs, and recognition of the USAF 412th Test Wing as the first to meet SFTE Recommended Practices, are leading steps toward that goal.

Together, we can elevate standards, strengthen influence, and ensure the continued excellence and safety of flight testing worldwide.



If you’re not yet a member, now’s the time to join us. Be part of the movement shaping the future of flight test.

Join SFTE Today!