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In 1943, ETPS became the world’s first school dedicated to the teaching of test flying. With the rapid technological advances in aircraft design and performance necessitated by war, the need for specialist format training was greater than ever. ETPS was formed and to this day continues to flourish, equipping the best pilots, engineers and aircrew with the specialist skills required to run effective military and civilian flight test programmes.

Whilst the school is extremely proud of its aviation heritage, ETPS’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of test aircrew training is unshakeable. Building on this strong legacy, the school’s successful transition to a modern and innovative training concept is testament to the exceptional team that has continued to train the newest generations of flight test professionals on our state-of-the-art, systems-rich aircraft.

The Foundation of Expertise

Founded on a rich legacy of integrity and service to Defence, ETPS has been a leader in the development of aviation technology. Test pilots trained at ETPS have been at the forefront of many ground-breaking advancements, from supersonic travel to complex integrated sensors and weapon systems. The school's commitment to cultivating top-tier talent has not only defined its past but also sets the stage for an even more remarkable future.

Adapting to Change

In an era marked by rapid technological evolution, adaptability is key. ETPS understands this well, incorporating modern synthetic training, advanced data analytics, and cutting-edge methodologies into its programmes. By staying ahead of the curve, the school ensures its graduates are equipped to handle the challenges of tomorrow's aviation landscape and emerging challenges.

Our bespoke digital learning management system (LMS), for example, is the first of its kind among the leading flight test schools. Providing advanced, specialist tools for interactive digital and face-to-face teaching, the LMS is accessible from anywhere in the world on almost any conceivable system, and offers unrivalled flexibility and resilience in the delivery of flight test training. Most significantly, the LMS enables teaching to occur at a time and place optimised to our students’ training requirements.

A Collaborative Ecosystem

The synergy between test pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals is at the heart of ETPS. The school fosters a collaborative ecosystem where diverse expertise converges to tackle complex challenges. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances the learning experience of our students, but also mirrors the real-world collaboration that drives the progress across such rapidly emerging aviation capabilities.

Sister school partnerships

ETPS is extremely proud of the close working relationships with test & evaluation schools from the US Navy, the US Air Force, and the French Air and Space Force. These partnerships include staff and student exchange programmes, as well as the sharing of technical information, assets and experiences. Such collaboration is testament to each unit’s shared strategic aims, as test pilot schools and as a wider, national military alliance.

Human Factors in the Age of Automation

As automation and generative autonomy continue to transform aviation, ETPS remains central to understanding the intricate relationship between human factors and technology. Training at the school goes beyond technical skills, instilling a deep understanding of how human intuition and experience play a crucial role in optimising the performance of cutting-edge aircraft.

Beyond the Horizon

Looking ahead, ETPS is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of test professionals. The school's commitment to excellence, coupled with a forward-thinking ethos, ensures that its graduates will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in aviation.

ETPS continues to be inspired by the aviation community it serves and we are proud of our role in addressing the shared challenges that lie ahead. The school’s legacy is not merely within the stories of its past, but in the ongoing commitment to shaping the future of flight. As we navigate the skies of tomorrow, we aim to remain a guiding force, propelling us into new frontiers of innovation and excellence.

Get in touch

For further information, please contact ETPSSales@QinetiQ.com.

You can also keep up-to-date via the ETPS LinkedIn page.

Careers at ETPS

If you’re interested in joining the team at ETPS, please contact ETPSSales@QinetiQ.com.