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NTPS Graduate Assistant Program

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Overview

Established in 2007, the NTPS Flight Test Engineer (FTE) GA program was launched to produce well-rounded FTE graduates with industry leading education and training coupled with real-world FTE experience. During this 3 year FTE scholarship program, GAs have the opportunity to pursue a Professional Course FTE certificate, Masters Degree in Flight Test Engineering and obtain 3 years of practical FTE experience. NTPS prides itself in enabling individuals in this program to achieve FTE certification and break into the Flight Test industry.

The GA program is unique across the industry as a means for passionate individuals to obtain formal test pilot school qualifications outside of military service and is a key way in which the NTPS supports the development of professionals in the flight test and wider aviation industry.

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Curriculum Support

GAs are essential to the core business and day-to-day success of NTPS operations. GAs become proficient with NTPS support equipment and facilities such as simulators, telemetry, Uncrewed Aerial Systems and flight test instrumentation, and support curriculum activities through provision of these services. Additionally, GAs will often fly aboard rotary and fixed wing aircraft for functional check flights, instrumentation operation, system development, student assistance or professional development.

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Research and Development

Another key aspect to GA utilization is research and development. As a test pilot school with a broad and varied aircraft fleet, the NTPS is positioned well to support industry through research and development of emerging technologies or innovative use of existing technologies as applied to flight test or aviation activities. GAs are the prime workforce to conduct these activities, which further hones essential design, test management, planning, execution and reporting skills.

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Alumni

Graduates of the GA program are well-rounded testers with a combination of strong academic understanding and practical experience, thus are highly regarded when entering the workforce after completion of the program.

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GA Application

GA program applications are open early-December until mid-January each year, usually for selection of two candidates for a June and December start date of the following calendar year. Generally, applicants should be within 0-5yrs of graduation from a science or engineering degree, with experience in design, manufacture or maintenance and a strong passion to be an FTE. Applicants should be skilled in teamwork, while also being self-motivated, and have exceptional verbal and writing skills.

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Applications are welcomed from domestic and international candidates, noting requirements for degree accreditation checks and ITAR regulations.

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Welcome to the Career Page of the National Test Pilot School

Join Our Team of Flight Test Professionals!

Are you passionate about aviation and pushing the boundaries of flight? Are you looking for a career that challenges you to excel in a dynamic and innovative environment? At the National Test Pilot School, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals interested in positions as test pilot instructors, flight test engineering instructors, in aircraft maintenance as well as support roles. Join us in shaping the future of aviation through cutting-edge training, research, and testing.

Why Choose a Career at NTPS?

NTPS is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing the field of aviation through education, training, and research. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who are committed to excellence and pushing the envelope of aerospace technology. As a part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Contribute to Aviation Education and Safety: Our mission is to educate and train military and civilian aviation personnel so that each graduate increases flight test competency, improves flight test and aviation safety, and enhances the aerospace profession worldwide.
  • Research and Support Flight Test Engineering: Work on research projects and contribute to the development of systems and technologies.
  • Collaborate with Industry Leaders: Interact with industry experts, the FAA and other civil aviation authorities, government organizations, and leading aviation companies, expanding your professional network.
  • Participate in Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing professional development, staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and the latest advancements in aviation and flight testing, in the Antelope Valley, the birthplace of flight test.
  • Gain Hands-On Experience: Apply your skills in real-world scenarios, making a tangible impact on aviation safety and performance.
  • Inspire Future Generations: Share your expertise by training the next generation of aviation professionals and enthusiasts and promoting STEM.

 

Career Opportunities:

Join the World’s Test Pilot School (TPS) providing instruction for professional aviators and engineers to train in the science and discipline of Flight Test. NTPS represents several firsts in the Flight Test Education world:

 

         FW Test Pilot Instructor

         RW Flight Test Engineer Instructor

         Quality Inspector

         Aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation Technician / Engineer

         Avionics Technician

         A&P Mechanic

         A&P Apprentice/Flight Line Support

         Graduate Assistant

 

How to Apply:

If you're excited about the prospect of being part of a dynamic team that's at the forefront of aviation training, we encourage you to explore our current career opportunities. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you're interested in joining NTPS (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Aviation!

At NTPS, we believe that innovation thrives in an environment that values diversity, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. If you're ready to take your aviation career to new heights, consider joining us at the National Test Pilot School. Together, we'll continue to redefine the boundaries of flight.

Veterans and Military Benefits

The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) Office of the Student Services serves as the liaison between NTPS, its students, and the various federal, state, and local agencies concerned with Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits and Department of Defense (DoD) tuition assistance.
NTPS has made a good faith effort to comply with the Principles of Excellence established by Executive Order 13607. NTPS participates in the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership program so that eligible active duty service members are able to obtain Tuition Assistance from their military branch as administered by the Department of Defense. The VA Certifying Officer in the Student Services Office serves as the first point of contact for Veterans education benefits assistance and DoD tuition assistance.
NTPS certifies enrollment for Veterans education benefits for students in degree seeking programs, and students in VA approved certificate programs offered through the NTPS. Non-matriculated and unapproved certificate programs are not eligible. All students eligible to receive Veterans education benefits or DoD tuition assistance while attending NTPS are urged to complete arrangements with the appropriate agency in advance of enrollment.
NTPS is required to certify only those courses that meet minimum graduation requirements. Courses not directly related to a student's degree program or courses beyond those required for a specific degree program are not certified. Graduate students should have Student Services approve their study lists as meeting graduation requirements on a quarterly basis.
To comply with federal regulations concerning credit for previous training (38 CFR 21.4253), NTPS is required to evaluate all previous education and training completed elsewhere to determine what credit, if any, should be granted to students eligible to receive Veterans education benefits or DoD tuition assistance. NTPS is required to complete an evaluation; credit is granted when appropriate. Credit is evaluated toward the degree program registered with Veterans Affairs or DoD as determined by the Office of Student Services in conjunction with the relevant academic committee. All relevant policies regarding transfer credit apply. In addition, this evaluation occurs each time a student's degree program is changed. Subject to current federal and NTPS guidelines, students eligible for receipt of Veterans education benefits or DoD tuition assistance have their prior education and training evaluated up to the credit limits outlined in the "the Transfer of Credits” section of the NTPS Catalog.

For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

National Test Pilot School is a world-renowned, accredited university program that will provide you with graduate level education in the science, engineering and discipline of Flight Test.

In our core, we are concerned about your success in our program.  We have found that the better a student is prepared before arriving at NTPS, the greater their success while completing the program.  At the following links you will find text material as well as tutorials for you to work through in preparation for a fast-paced and concentrated period of academic and flying training.  You must recognize that the curriculum follows a building block approach where each academic module builds on and expands upon the module before it.  As such, failure to master concepts prior to moving forward will only lead to greater frustration and risk of failure.

You are highly encouraged to take advantage of these resources to prepare for the academic rigors and also to self-identify places where you may want to find increased study.  During the first week at NTPS you will be given a Math and Physics examination to determine your readiness to proceed further into the curriculum. 

 

Available for your download and independent study are two of our text book Volumes:

Volume I - Math and Physics for Flight Testers

Volume II - Aerodynamics for Flight Testers

 

Also, the following document is a tutorial with exercises to practice or assess your knowledge.

PreTPS Tutorial 

PreTPS Tutorial Solutions

 

 

 

 

2022 Started Graduated Retained Not-Retained (Withdraw) Not-Retained (Fail)
Master's Degree Program 29 17 18 0 0

 

 

2021 Started Graduated Retained Not-Retained (Withdraw) Not-Retained (Fail)
Master's Degree Program 46 12 34 0 0

 

 

2020 Started Graduated Retained Not-Retained (Withdraw) Not-Retained (Fail)
Master's Degree Program 26 11 14 1 0

 

 

2019 Started Graduated Retained Not-Retained (Withdraw) Not-Retained (Fail)
Master's Degree Program 21 21 0 0 0

 

 

2018 Started Graduated Retained Not-Retained (Withdraw) Not-Retained (Fail)
Master's Degree Program 35 34 0 1 0

NTPS News

NTPS President and CEO Retires, Names Re…

NTPS President and CEO Retires, Names Replacement On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the National Test Pilot School announces that Patrick Garman, President and CEO of NTPS, is retiring at the end of 2023. Mr. Jeff Trang has been named... Read more

NTPS Acquires Flight Research INC

On behalf of the NTPS Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of Flight Research, Inc, we are pleased to announce the acquisition of Flight Research Inc assets and the creation of a new NTPS not for profit Business... Read more

NTPS staff and students attend 66th annu…

Last week, NTPS staff and students attended the 66th Annual Society of Experimental Test Pilots Symposium in Anaheim, CA. While the event offers the chance to foster professional relationships within the flight test community, it is also an opportunity to enhance... Read more

For the Mojave Test Pilots, the Sky Has …

NTPS is in the news! Check out this article "For the Mojave Test Pilots, the Sky Has No Limits" by Italian reporter Francesco Militello Mirto of EmmeReports. Find the article in Italian here: https://www.emmereports.it/2022/10/01/per-i-test-pilot-del-mojave-il-cielo-non-ha-limiti/ For the Mojave Test Pilots, the sky has no... Read more

 

Contact Info

National Test Pilot School
P.O. Box 658
Mojave, CA 93502-0658 USA
Phone: +1 (661) 824-2977
Fax: +1 (661) 824-2943