2016 is the 35th anniversary year of the National Test Pilot School we are pleased to announce that the 35th Anniversary Painting by acclaimed aviation artist Michael Machat has been delivered to the school and is proudly on display in the front lobby. Titled "Traditions and Transitions", the painting celebrates many of the traditional aircraft that have served the school over its 35 year history along with several new aircraft that are transitioning the school into the future. Obviously not every single aircraft ever used at the school could be featured but if you look close you are sure to see some of your favorites!

Prints of the painting are available to anyone who would like to purchase one at a price of $40 for a regular unsigned print, $80 for an artist signed and numbered print (500 available), and $100 for a signed and numbered artist proof (50 available). Specific print numbers can be requested subject to availability. The purchase price includes a shipping tube but shipping costs are in addition to the purchase price and will be determined at the time of sale based on destination. Contact Lynda or Sonnett in the front office to arrange a purchase.

Join NTPS is celebrating its long and proud 35 year history!

The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) is excited to announce that NTPS Instructor Nicola Pecile has been selected by Virgin Galactic (VG) as a test pilot and future astronaut for the SpaceShip2 program.  NTPS President and CEO Dr. AL Peterson stated “While we are sad to see Nicola depart the school, we are excited for him as he strives to fulfill a childhood dream of going to space. I think his selection also says a lot about the caliber of instructors that we have here at NTPS.”  Mr. Pecile will be transitioning from NTPS to VG this fall.

NTPS 3rd Annual Flight Test Camp Big Success Yet Again!

The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) completed its third annual one week Flight Test Camp (FTC) for 17 students from seven local high schools from 17-22 June 2015. The focus of NTPS FTC is STEM oriented and three-fold: 1) introduce high school students to engineering generally and flight test engineering specifically as possible fields of study and careers; 2) introduce our local young people to the amazing array of high tech aerospace companies that exist right in their back yard at the Mojave Air and Space Port (MASP); and 3) show the students the numerous interesting and exciting jobs they could have with an engineering background.

To do this NTPS developed a three-pronged approach such that in a typical day the students get some engineering academics, a flight in an aircraft or simulator, and a tour of a local aerospace company. The FTS students received lectures from NTPS staff instructors on aerodynamics, flight controls, handling qualities, performance, energy management, and job paths for Flight Test Engineers and Test Pilots. Every student flew two sorties in the Merlin Flying Classroom (for 5 students it was their first flight ever!) and learned how to take data, analyze the results and compare them against civil certification requirements. The students also got hands-on flying experience in six different simulators for airplanes, helicopters, jets, advanced sensors, advanced cockpit trainers, and air combat simulators. The MASP staff arranged student tours at the Fire Station, the Control Tower, the Orbital/ATK L-1011 launch vehicle, Maston Rockets, Virgin Galactic, Scaled Composites, and Stratolaunch. The tours were spectacular and thanks to very enthusiastic, professional briefers, the students were both awed and inspired.

The NTPS FTC finished on Saturday with a Family Day briefing and BBQ including a NTPS tour, a test pilot/FTE panel discussion, and an awards presentation. NTPS would like to thank MASP and all the companies that provided the great tours. We would also like to say a special thanks our sponsors Union Bank and SETP. NTPS has dedicated its efforts for the Flight Test Camp to the memory of Mr. Mike Hill, the Flight Test Camp’s first Director and biggest fan.

Sikorsky Test Pilot and NTPS Graduate Kevin Bredenbeck Co-Piloted the S-97 RAIDER helicopter on its first test flight on May 22nd, 2015. Together with fellow Sikorsky test pilot Bill Fell, they took the aircraft through a series of maneuvers designed to test the aircraft’s hover and low-speed capability. With first flight achieved, the RAIDER helicopter now moves into more progressive flight testing to demonstrate key performance parameters critical to future combat operations including armed reconnaissance, light assault, light attack and special operations.

Kevin previously conducted the first flight of Sikorsky's Collier-Award winning X2 Technology Demonstrator.

Sikorsky launched the S-97 RAIDER helicopter program in September 2010, with objectives of maturing the X2™ rotorcraft technology and demonstrating a helicopter that meets current U.S. Army special operations and armed reconnaissance needs, while maturing technologies for Future Vertical Lift (FVL).

Read the complete Sikorsky article

Photo Credit: Copyright Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. All rights reserved.