National Test Pilot School

National Test Pilot School The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) is a not-for-profit educational institute incorporated in the

The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) is a not-for-profit educational institute incorporated in the State of California . It was established in 1981 to meet the flight test training needs of the US domestic and foreign aerospace industries and governments, both military and civil certification agencies. NTPS is the only civilian school of the seven largest test pilot schools in the world. The prim

ary objective of the NTPS is to educate and train test pilots and flight test engineers to be immediately capable upon graduation of participating in a military acceptance program, an aircraft development program within an aerospace company, or to complete a civil certification of a new or modified aircraft, either fixed-wing or rotary-wing. NTPS has, since its inception, striven to address a broad constituency. As such we offer 32 unique courses, ranging from one-week, academic-only courses, to the 50 week Professional Course. Beyond that, unique customer requirements may be met by specialized courses tailored to the need if none of the standard courses suffice.

NTPS Summer Graduation Ceremony – Class 2025BWhat a proud evening! On June 19th, we celebrated the graduation of NTPS Cl...
06/26/2026

NTPS Summer Graduation Ceremony – Class 2025B

What a proud evening! On June 19th, we celebrated the graduation of NTPS Class 2025B and the presentation of Master of Science diplomas at the National Test Pilot School.

The ceremony honored months of hard work, late nights, and the discipline that flight test demands — learning to fly aircraft and run test programs in situations where the answer isn't known in advance, then gathering the data and judgment to make flight safer for everyone who follows.

We were especially honored to welcome our guest speaker, Kelly Latimer — retired test pilot, astronaut, and President of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Kelly's extraordinary career has carried her from the U.S. Air Force to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, to Boeing, and to Virgin Galactic, where she earned her astronaut wings flying VSS Unity to the edge of space. With more than 50 aircraft types and over 7,000 flight hours, her words carried real weight for our graduates.

To our graduates: you didn't get here alone, and you won't succeed alone. Behind every flight stood instructors who pushed you, maintainers who made certain each aircraft was ready, and staff who quietly made the difficult look routine. You are now part of a community — and a lineage — that stretches back through every pilot and engineer who advanced this profession.

Congratulations, Class 2025B! We couldn't be prouder. As you move forward to innovate, mentor, and shape the future of flight test, know that your success will always be part of the NTPS legacy.

With heavy hearts, the National Test Pilot School joins the broader aviation and flight test communities in mourning the...
06/16/2026

With heavy hearts, the National Test Pilot School joins the broader aviation and flight test communities in mourning the loss of eight crew members in the B-52 Stratofortress accident at Edwards Air Force Base on June 15, 2026.

These were military members, government civilians, and industry partners — professionals dedicated to one of the most demanding callings in aviation. Their work pushes the boundaries of flight test.

To their families, to the 412th Test Wing, the 419th Flight Test Squadron, and to everyone in the Edwards community: please know that you are not carrying this alone. The flight test family in the Mojave and beyond grieves with you, and NTPS stands ready to offer our support in any way we can.

We will remember them.

Students from National Test Pilot School recently visited NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center as part of the NTPS–NASA...
06/04/2026

Students from National Test Pilot School recently visited NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center as part of the NTPS–NASA collaboration.

The visit included an inside look at NASA Armstrong flight operations and research programs involving the F-15, F/A-18, Gulfstream G-III, ER-2, and small UAS platforms. Students also had the opportunity to see the Lockheed Martin X-59 up close.

An incredible experience connecting classroom knowledge with real-world experimental flight test and aerospace research.

NTPS thanks the NASA Armstrong team for hosting our students and supporting the next generation of flight test professionals.

NTPS was saddened to learn of the passing of former Trustee Walter J. Schob, Jr. earlier this month at age 91.Walter was...
04/29/2026

NTPS was saddened to learn of the passing of former Trustee Walter J. Schob, Jr. earlier this month at age 91.

Walter was a retired USAF officer, experimental test pilot, and aviation safety instructor. His career spanned flight testing, aircraft accident investigation, aviation safety education, and aerospace project management.

He held an M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Princeton University and a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A graduate of the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School (now the USAF Test Pilot School), he later returned as both an academic and flight instructor.

Walter logged over 6,000 flight hours and conducted extensive testing on advanced weapon systems, including developmental work on the F-15 fighter.

He was also the founding director of Sun Safety, an organization dedicated to advancing aviation safety, and taught aviation safety at the University of Southern California for 31 years.

During his more than decade-long service on the NTPS Board of Trustees, Walter played a key role in guiding NTPS through major milestones, including accreditation to award the M.S. in Flight Test Engineering and certification by EASA as an Authorized Training Organization.

NTPS extends its deepest condolences to Walter’s wife, children, and grandchildren.

Address

1030 Flight Line # 72
Mojave, CA
93501

Telephone

+16618242977

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