Wichita Flight Testers join Forces for Local Symposium

Flight Testers gathered in Wichita on April 10th to share their experiences and make connections at the joint SFTE and SETP Central Section Symposium, hosted by Textron Aviation at Beech Field.



Presentations by teams from Bombardier, Boeing and Textron Aviation were shared, along with presentations by both SFTE and SETP board members on the continued forward progress being made by both societies in ensuring the future health of our profession. In addition, around 20 students from local universities were invited to join and learn more about potential careers in Flight Testing.



As well as presentations on ongoing flight test programs, several more unusual topics were explored, including the art of Flight Test Photography, the 20 minute flight test for Aircraft Purchasers and a lunchtime presentation exploring Pivotal's fairly unique eVTOL design.



The day ended with presentation of the annual Lloyd C Stearman Award for best paper to SFTE Member Ryan Grabman and SETP Fellow Ed Grabman for their presentation of "Pegasus: The Flight Test Safety Paradox", which can be viewed at the 2025 SFTE Symposium Page.



Thanks to all who supported and coordinated the highly successful event!