SFTE President Visits Turkish Aerospace Flight Test Community

As part of SFTE's ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships within the international flight test community, SFTE President Jeff Canclini recently spent two days visiting SFTE Corporate Member Turkish Aerospace near Ankara, Türkiye.



The visit provided an opportunity to engage with flight test professionals from both Turkish Aerospace and the Turkish Air Force Flight Test Squadron while gaining insight into the breadth of aerospace development activities underway within Türkiye. Turkish Aerospace is developing and testing an impressive portfolio of advanced aerospace systems, including fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and uncrewed air vehicles.



A highlight of the visit was the opportunity to exchange perspectives with fellow flight test professionals on topics including flight test operations, risk management, workforce development, and SFTE's Recommended Practices initiative, which is helping organizations strengthen flight test competency and promote best practices across the international flight test community. While organizations may differ in structure and mission, the commitment to effective, safe, and efficient flight tests remains a common bond shared by flight test professionals worldwide.

 

The visit included facility tours, technical briefings, discussions with flight test personnel, and opportunities to learn more about Turkish Aerospace's flight test capabilities and ongoing programs. These interactions reinforced the importance of international collaboration and the value of sharing lessons learned across organizational and national boundaries.

The visit concluded with the presentation of several aircraft models, including a KAAN model, symbolizing both the technological achievements of Turkish Aerospace and the friendships formed during the visit.



SFTE extends its sincere appreciation to Flight Test Engineer Emre Can Kaya, Helicopter Test Pilot Arif Ateş, KAAN Chief Test Pilot Barbaros Demirbaş, and the many members of the Turkish Aerospace and Turkish Air Force flight test organizations who generously shared their time, expertise, and hospitality throughout the visit.

International engagement remains an important part of SFTE's mission to advance flight test safety, effectiveness, and professional development. Visits such as these strengthen relationships among flight test professionals, foster the exchange of ideas, and support the continued advancement of the global aerospace test and evaluation community.

SFTE values its partnership with Turkish Aerospace as a Corporate Member and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing flight test safety, workforce development, and the exchange of best practices throughout the international flight test community.