International Test Pilots School

National Aviation Week is an opportunity to recognize not only how far aviation has come, but where it is going next.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems are an increasingly important part of that future, expanding the way aviation supports training, testing, research and operational capability.

At ITPS Canada, UAS training is integrated into our broader flight test ecosystem. From Introduction to Flight Test - UAS through to advanced professional development, students gain practical exposure to the unique considerations of planning, executing and evaluating uncrewed flight test programs.

A key strength of this approach is the development of Category 2 Flight Test Engineers who can specialise in UAS flight testing while remaining interchangeable with crewed flight test programs. That breadth creates adaptable flight test professionals who understand common test principles, can work effectively across different aircraft architectures and can support the continued integration of crewed and uncrewed capabilities.

As aviation continues to evolve, that versatility will be increasingly important to delivering safe, effective and innovative aerospace solutions.

📸 ITPS CANADA PHOTO CONTEST! ✈️
The International Test Pilots School is heading to Airshow London from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, 2026, and we want to see the show through your lens! Photos & short videos taken on Saturday, August 22, 2026, will be accepted. Capture and submit your best shot featuring airborne ITPS fleet in action:
🚁 Bo 105 helicopter
✈️ L-39 Albatros jets
🔥 Hawker Hunter, the 5th Generation Surrogate Training Aircraft (5STA)

Our static display will also feature:
✈️ The legendary Grumman HU-16 Albatross, our Amphibious Training and Laboratory Aircraft System (ATLAS)
✈️ Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfín jet trainer
📡 Custom Mobile Ground Control Station (GCS) and Telemetry Relay vehicle
🚁 Freespace Operations Callisto-50 heavy-lift UAV and SYPAQ PPDS “cardboard drone”

See Canada’s only test pilot school and the world’s largest independent school of experimental flight testing.
Visit www.itpscanada.com/contest/ for full contest details and get your cameras ready!

This photo contest is independently organised by ITPS Canada, and not affiliated with Airshow London‘s “Spirit of SkyDrive Photo Contest.”

We’re pleased to be featured by TechAlliance and to see continued attention on the importance of building strong aerospace capability in Canada.​

At ITPS Canada, we are focused on developing the people, expertise and advanced training capabilities that help strengthen Canada’s aerospace and defence sector, while supporting broader security objectives.​

That means continuing to invest in innovation, operational excellence and collaborative partnerships, while maintaining the highest standards of safety in everything we do.​

We’re proud of the role our team plays in advancing Canadian aerospace capability and preparing professionals for the increasingly complex demands of flight test and advanced tactical training.​

Read the TechAlliance feature here:​

https://www.techalliance.ca/news/itps-canada-building-the-infrastructure-behind-canadian-aerospace-sovereignty/

International Test Pilots School (ITPS) and International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) are heading to MSPO 2026!

📅 8–11 September 2026
📍 Kielce, Poland

Representing ITPS and ITTC, our team will be exhibiting in the Canadian Pavilion and ready to discuss advanced flight test education, tactical training and innovative aerospace solutions.

Connect with our team:
Dave Lohse, CEO
Paul Fortin, Government Relations
Michael K Mulquiney, Head of UAS Training and Operations
Matthew Jacobs, Business Development Manager

Planning to attend? Reach out to Matthew Jacobs at [email protected] to start the conversation and book a meeting with our team.

ITTC’s training culture is grounded in experienced military fighter pilot instruction, disciplined operations and professional, military-grade standards. These elements are central to how ITTC delivers advanced tactical and air combat training for NATO, Allied and trusted partner air forces.​

The training environment combines live flying, advanced simulation, ground school, and customizable programs designed around operational relevance. This allows pilots to progress through demanding training while being supported by instructors who understand the realities of military aviation.​

The objective is not simply to complete the program. It is to build readiness through structured, professional and operationally grounded training.​

Visit www.ittc-canada.com to learn more about our training environment.​

Congratulations to our Fixed Wing Test Pilot EASA Category 1 Upgrade Course graduates!

It was a pleasure to welcome both students back to ITPS this year. Their hard work and dedication throughout both periods of training culminated in earning an EASA Category 1 credential. Based on the academic work completed during their training, both graduates also earned a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering.

Thiago Macedo, Head of Training, served as master of ceremonies, while Dave Lohse, CEO, offered a toast honouring the graduates and their achievements.

“Our students worked tremendously hard throughout their training and consistently set a positive example through their professionalism, dedication and commitment to excellence. As ITPS celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, we are pleased that they are part of this important milestone,” said Thiago.

ITPS is proud to offer this specialized upgrade pathway to selected candidates committed to advancing their flight test expertise. We are confident that these graduates will return to their organization as safe, competent flight test professionals, ready to meet the challenges of the future.

✈️ Celebrating Aviation, Community and the Hadfield Legacy in Sarnia 🚁

ITPS and CANDA staff were proud to participate in the SOAR Sarnia Fly-In on Saturday, August 8. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with local residents, pilots, aircraft operators and aviation enthusiasts, support the region’s vibrant aviation sector, and witness the official naming of Sarnia - Chris Hadfield Airport.

The event brought together aviation heritage and innovation, giving visitors an opportunity to experience an impressive mix of vintage aircraft alongside emerging technologies.

On display was the International Test Pilots School BO-105 helicopter, used for test pilot and flight test engineer training. Also featured was the ITPS custom Mobile Ground Control Station (GCS)/ Telemetry Relay vehicle, Freespace Operations Callisto-50 heavy lift UAV and the SYPAQ PPDS "cardboard drone". Located in London, Ontario, ITPS trains both civil and military students from NATO and Allied Forces.

A special thank you to the many volunteers whose hard work and commitment made the event possible, ensuring community activities and flying operations were conducted safely throughout the day.

The occasion reflected the collaboration and forward-looking spirit that continue to shape the future of flight. 🇨🇦✈️

This week, hosted a delegation from the The Republic of Singapore Air Force. The visiting team had the chance to visit our International Test Pilots School (ITPS) facilities in London, as well as our newly opened International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) at Jack Garland Airport in North Bay.

They also experienced a hands-on demonstration of our rapidly evolving Uncrewed Aircraft System Test & Evaluation training capabilities, led by our Head of UAS Training & Operations, Michael K Mulquiney. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the breadth and depth of our flight test and tactical training courses. The World comes to ITPS!

Advanced tactical training isn't built around a single course or qualification. It requires a structured progression that develops capability, confidence and sound operational judgment over time.​

ITTC supports that progression through experienced military fighter pilot instructors, live flying, advanced simulation, ground school, and customizable tactical training programs for NATO, Allied and trusted partner air forces.​

Learn more about ITTC’s tactical training capability: www.ITTC-Canada.com​

From Theory to Variable Stability Flight Testing

ITPS rotary wing students recently travelled to the National Research Council Canada's Aerospace Flight Research Laboratory in Ottawa for a specialized evaluation exercise using the NRC's Variable Stability System research helicopters. The VSS enables the simulation of a wide range of flying qualities and flight control characteristics in real time, allowing students to experience multiple helicopter configurations during a single flight.

Exposure to different aircraft, technologies, and flight test organizations is an essential part of developing well-rounded test pilots and flight test engineers. Each evaluation strengthens the technical judgement, disciplined observation, collaboration, and safety-focused decision-making required for complex flight test programs.

Thank you to the NRC team for sharing their expertise and supporting the next generation of flight test professionals.