Join the SFTE Recommended Practices Initiative: Elevate Flight Testing Standards

SFTE is excited to announce the imminent launch of a new Professional Development Recognition Program for flight test organizations, driven by insights from our individual and corporate member surveys. This program aims to elevate the industry by fostering safer, more effective, and efficient flight testing practices, and elevating the professional standing of Flight Test Engineers (FTEs). 

Why This Matters

This initiative seeks to address a critical need in our industry: ensuring all FTEs are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support systems to excel in their roles. By establishing and promoting organizational standards for individual FTE competency, we’re taking a decisive step toward a stronger, more cohesive flight test community.

1. Recognize Excellence
   Highlight flight test organizations with programs that:
   • Clearly document essential knowledge and skills for flight test roles.
   • Provide structured pathways for FTEs to acquire and maintain these competencies.
   • Track currency, evaluate competency, and encourage ongoing professional growth.
2. Incentivize Improvement
   Motivate more flight test organizations to implement comprehensive training and professional development programs through recognition and promotion.

HOW IT WORKS

The program will recognize organizations with internal flight test training, currency, and development programs that align with high-level guidelines developed by the SFTE Recommended Practices Committee.

The initial phase focuses on FTEs directly involved in test flight execution (e.g., crew, TM, etc.). Organizations meeting the criteria will gain recognition for their commitment to excellence in flight testing standards.

SFTE Volunteers are Helping Shape the Future of Flight Testing

A select cadre of highly experienced FTEs are helping to finalize the program’s guidelines and review process. Soon they will begin reviewing applications from flight test organizations seeking SFTE recognition.

We Need YOU to Help Raise the Bar.  Make an impact by advocating for your flight test organization to meet the Professional Development Guidelines below and apply for SFTE recognition.  SFTE's recognition of organizations having a robust FTE qualification and training program could inspire and encourage organizations to follow suit. This initiative is ultimately about advancing the entire profession by demonstrating a commitment to standards. It is a win-win for all!

If you’re ready to make a difference or want more information about applying for recognition, please contact us at practices@sfte.org. Together, we can drive meaningful change in flight testing standards and strengthen our profession.

For an organization to receive SFTE recognition, the applying organization must show alignment of their internal professional development program with the following requirements:

QUALIFICATION PROGRESSION

1. The organization's flight test department/group shall identify the disciplines of flight testing executed by their FTEs within appropriate categories (e.g., flying qualities, performance, systems, loads, etc.).
2. The organization shall possess a Standardization and Evaluation program for all FTE personnel to test in each discipline under #1 to the following competency levels:
   1. Novice - Participation in the missions with supervision
   2. Practitioner - Conduct missions without direct supervision
   3. Leader - Direct missions as sole FTE or lead test teams in executing missions
   4. Mentor - Instruct, mentor, and assess others in the qualifications of a) through c)
3. The organization adheres to the competency levels described in #2 when assigning crew to specific missions / sorties.
4. The organization progresses FTE personnel through the levels of #2 via both academic and practical, hands-on (live aircraft or simulations) training.

PROFICIENCY ASSURANCE AND DEVELOPMENT

1. The organization shall employ a training program with technical assessments (e.g., written exams, hands on simulations, etc.) that qualify/progress personnel through the competency levels (described in Paragraph 2 of the Qualification Progression section above) to include the following technical competencies:
   1. Fundamental knowledge training
   2. Flight Test Plan and Test Card Creation
   3. Risk Management
   4. Airmanship Acumen
   5. Test mission execution /  Methods & Tools
   6. Crew Resource Management (CRM)
   7. Instrumentation & Telemetry Systems
   8. Data Analysis Methods & Tools
   9. Flight Test Report creation
2. The following means can be used in the training program:
   1. Internal Formal Training
   2. Flight Test Training Schools (ITPS, Military TPS, NTPS)
   3. Flight Test Educators (e.g., Avian, Daedalus Aerospace, FTTEC, IIAS)
   4. University Flight Test Courses (e.g Politecnico di Milano, Univ of Nevada, Reno, Kansas University)
   5. Experiential (on-the-job) training
   6. Pilot & Ground School Training & Certification (FAA, EASA, etc)
   7. Military Aviator Training (Naval Flight Officer, Navigator, Pilot, etc.)
3. The organization shall employ currency requirements to maintain each test professional readiness to execute missions within safety parameters.
4. The organization shall instate a program of ongoing professional development (e.g. supporting attendance at flight test workshops and symposiums).

SUBMISSIONS

The application packet can be downloaded here. Please read the instructions carefully and complete each section as thoroughly as possible. For any inquiries, please reach out to practices@sfte.org. To upload your application, select the link below.

UPLOAD YOUR APPLICATION HERE

What benefits would my organization gain from this recognition?

SFTE will always promote the development of flight test professionals and support their growth in aerospace. SFTE recognition is intended to provide the following:

1. Competitive Advantage. By maintaining FTE recommended practices, organizations will benefit from a high performing team with consistent capabilities.
2. Attracting Talent. Committee members received confirmation from several flight test organizations that they are attracting both entry-level and experienced FTEs because of their robust training and development program. 
3. FTE job satisfaction and retention. By constantly received professional growth and development, FTEs are more satisfied with their roles and are more likely to continue working within that organization.
4. Expanded Talent Pool. Elevating standards across the flight test industry can expand the talent pool by reducing discrepancies in competency that can compromise safety and effectiveness
5. Industry and SFTE Recognition. By adhering to carefully studied and accepted recommended practices, an organization will increase its credibility and reinforce its reputation as a leader in professional development and flight test excellence
6. Publicity. SFTE is prepared to advertise those organizations that receive SFTE recognition and streamline recruitment and prestige.
7. Stakeholder Confidence. Since flight testing is such a critical aspect of aircraft development, stakeholders confidence will increase knowing that their flight test departments are recognized by SFTE for their standards.
8. Feedback from SFTE experts. Whether an applicant is successful or unsuccessful in receiving recognition, FTE experts will review the application and provide valuable feedback. SFTE will assign a series of evaluators from their highest ranks: the Fellows. As such, organizations will receive free advice that could help their flight test professionals and flight test programs.

Why does my organization need to identify the flight test disciplines they practice?

The recommended practices are designed to be applicable to any organization who does flight test activity. Certain organizations—avionics manufacturers, for example—may only execute avionics testing. The purpose of identifying the discipline is to align the training with that particular type of expected mission. If an organization does not perform flight qualities testing, there is no need for the training program to include those disciplines. As aerospace moves to highly specialized disciplines, we want to be fair and make sure we can recognize organizations who train their FTEs properly for their needs. Application reviewers should base the maturity and applicability of the training program based on the missions that the organization executes.

How would an organization apply for SFTE recognition?

The model proposed is designed to be simple and streamlined. The initial proposal will be to limit the application to 5 pages. The recognition would be valid for three years. SFTE will not request access to internal organization documents - it is based on an honor system. The process would be as follows:

1. Applicant submits documentation (~5 pages max) to Standards Committee.
2. The committee appoints three evaluators who are  SFTE Fellows or other highly accomplished and experienced FTEs.
3. Evaluators review the applications and, if needed, will extend questions. A final vote will be provided within one month.
4. The applicant is informed of the decision. Whether successful or unsuccessful, the applicant will receive valuable feedback from flight test experts.