Building SFTE’s Future Together- A Message from your President

Greetings Flight Testers,

Flight testing continues to evolve as aerospace systems become increasingly complex, software-driven, automated, and uncrewed. As roles and responsibilities across flight test teams expand and overlap, the need for strong Flight Test Engineer competency, effective collaboration, and continued professional development becomes even more important.  SFTE must continue evolving as well. Our programs, resources, and member support should help enable safe, effective, and efficient flight testing while strengthening the professional community that makes that possible. 

At the recent Seattle Board Offsite, the SFTE Board of Directors discussed a broad range of topics focused on the Society’s mission and long-term direction. Topics included strategic priorities, standards, communications, outreach, constitutional amendments, chapter support, membership, symposium planning, succession planning, operations, and long-term sustainability.

Over the last 18 months, we have made meaningful progress toward the goals established in 2024. Notable achievements include the launch of Recommended Practices to promote organizational FTE standards, expansion of FTTEC, the AIAA Aviation partnership, TPS scholarships, expanded outreach, restoration of the Safety Committee, establishment of three new chapters, website enhancements, and continued improvement in SFTE operations and financial health. Those are important steps, but there is more work to do. Continued membership growth, volunteer engagement, chapter revitalization, and sustained high-level operations remain key priorities for the Society. 

As I have visited SFTE chapters, spoken at symposia, and met with flight test organizations across industry, government, and academia, I have encouraged flight testers of all backgrounds to view SFTE as a professional home and to participate in our growing technical community. Many want to become more involved, but one recurring challenge I hear is obtaining organizational recognition of the skills, professional development, and resources needed for FTEs and flight test professionals, including support to attend symposia and training events. flight test professionals, along with funding to attend symposia and training events.

Addressing this challenge is one of the motivations behind SFTE’s Recommended Practices initiative. Recommended Practices provide organizations with a framework for strengthening FTE development, qualification progression, proficiency assurance, mentoring, and professional culture across the flight test community. 

At the same time, professional growth also depends on individual commitment. Each of us should continually ask: What can I do to strengthen my skills, contribute to the profession, and help elevate the role of flight test professionals within my organization?

Another topic discussed at the offsite was SFTE identity and whether our current name fully reflects the broader flight test community we serve today. During my travels, I have heard a wide range of thoughtful perspectives on this topic. Some members believe names shape identity, belonging, and participation. Others feel a deep connection to the heritage and legacy associated with the Society’s current name or believe our focus should remain on other ways to strengthen membership and engagement.

The Board ultimately decided not to include a name change proposal in the 2026 constitutional amendments at this time and agreed that additional dialogue and broader feedback from both members and the wider flight test community are important before considering any future proposal.

Regardless of where this discussion ultimately leads, there is broad agreement that the future of flight testing presents expanding opportunities for FTEs and flight test professionals to lead and influence their organizations and the industry. I encourage you to step up your involvement, volunteer, invite your colleagues to participate, and advocate for strong flight test professionalism within your organizations.

Please share your thoughts with me directly and to join me during the 28 May President’s Office Hours to discuss these or any other topics important to the future of SFTE.

Respectfully,

Jeff 

President, SFTE