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Library > Fact Sheets > U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
U.S. AIR FORCE TEST PILOT SCHOOL
Posted 4/25/2012
Printable Fact Sheet
The Test Pilot School is where the Air Force's top pilots, navigators and engineers learn how to conduct flight tests and generate the data needed to carry out test missions. Human lives and millions of dollars depend upon how carefully a test mission is planned and flown. The comprehensive curriculum of Test Pilot School is fundamental to the success of flight test and evaluation.
To learn more about the history of Test Pilot School, click here.
Updates for applicants: Applications for the 2012 TPS Board are due to Air Force Personnel Center no later than 01 June 2012. Request Personnel Services Delivery Message (PSDM) 12-28 from your Military Personnel Office if it has not already been distributed to you.
How do I get the TPS Board Announcement?
TPS Boards are announced by the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), Randolph Air Force Base. They create announcements in the Personnel Services Delivery Messages (PSDM) system which are then circulated to the military personnel offices and then down through the chain of command. There is no longer a direct link to Personnel Services Delivery Messages (PSDM). For USAF personnel, PSDM can be found by searching for "PSDM" at the Air Force Personnel Services (AFPERS) web site. Please obtain the announcement from your military personnel office or supervisor if you cannot access it online. The board announcement is typically made at least 45 days prior to the application due date.
How are applicants selected?
TPS has an annual selection board. This board selects pilots, navigators, and engineers for the classes that start in the subsequent July and subsequent January. Check eligibility requirements specified in AFI 99-107 to see if you qualify.
Where can I get more information on applying to TPS?
Air Force Instruction 99-107 is the Air Force Instruction that details the TPS application process and requirements. This instruction is in Adobe Acrobat format. You can download the reader for free. AFI 99-107 is in revision. Additional requirements may apply. Consult the current TPS Board Announcement. The previous year announcement may be available in the PSDM until the announcement is made.
When are applications due?
Applications for the 2011 TPS Board are expected to be due 02 June 2011. This date will be finalized in the official board announcement that is expected to be distributed to bases in April 2011. For civilian engineers applying through their base Long Term Full Time (LTFT) education program, applications may be due to your base's LTFT Board a month or more prior to the published TPS Board due date. Give yourself plenty of time to apply. The TPS application process can be complicated and involves obtaining recommendations, transcripts and flight physicals.
How do I apply for TPS?
Applying to TPS requires two forms, Form AF-1711 and Form AF-1712. Instructions and examples for filling out these forms are contained in AFI 99-107. Ensure to read AFI 99-107 thoroughly to understand everything that is required from you and your sponsoring unit. AFI 99-107 is planned to be updated in 2010. Check your Air Force Publications source prior to application. In the event the AFI does not contain a 2009 or later document date, applicable changes to the 2002 AFI will be noted in the TPS Board Announcement released by the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC).
Download AF-1711: USAF Test Pilot School Application
Download AF-1712: Special Flying Program Recommendation (filled out by your supervisor)
These forms require the IMT Viewer software that can be found on the Air Force's e-Publishing website. Download the IMT Viewer.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The requirements for admission to TPS are outlined in this document. The eligibility requirements are in the process of being updated. Additional or different requirements may apply, and will be added to this year's TPS Board Announcement listed in the PSDMs.
What will I study at TPS?
The 48-week long course is broken into four branches: Performance, Flying Qualities, Systems and Test Management. Graduate course information can be found in the Air University catalog.
Is it true that TPS offers a Masters Degree?
TPS is now affiliated with Air University. Classes graduating from June 2007 to present earn a Master of Science Degree in Flight Test Engineering upon completion of the TPS program.
Do you offer short courses?
The USAF Test Pilot School responds to the needs of the aerospace community by teaching short courses throughout the year. The short courses are only available to US military or federal DoD employees. Most of the courses will require some engineering related background. Admissions to short courses will be approved on a case by case and space available basis. Please call (661) 277-6086 if you would like to find out more about short courses or e-mail TPS Admissions with the subject "short course" in the subject line of your message.
How do I contact TPS?
Please contact TPS Admissions at (661) 277-9933 if you would like to find out more about the 48-week long Test Pilot School program.
For short courses, call (661) 277-6086 or e-mail TPS Admissions. Make sure to include "short course" in your subject line.
Where can I get TPS Board Results?
Please contact your supervisors for TPS selection results. Supervisors will likely be notified through Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) sources sooner than the official public release message. Check the Personnel Services Delivery Messages (PSDM) for the TPS Board Results. USAF personnel can access PSDM online via the Air Force Personnel Services (AFPERS) web site.
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Public Affairs
412 TW/PA
305 E. Popson Ave.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Fax: (661) 277-2732 |
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