Commandants of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School

USAF Test Pilot School, Edwards AFB, California

The commanding officer of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) is known as its Commandant. The commandant leads the school which combines Air Force Materiel Command's (AFMC) most complex flying unit encompassing nearly 4,000 flight hours in over 30 aircraft types annually, and Air University's (AU) most demanding Master of Science degree encompassing over 50 credit hours.[1] The position is usually held by a colonel selected by the AFMC commander although this authority may be delegated to the commander of the Air Force Test Center (AFTC).[2] The commandant oversees all flying training, academic instruction, budgeting, and curriculum administration at the school.[3] The commandant also chairs a board of officers that selects the school's students. The selection board consists of flight test squadron commanders with a majority of the board members being TPS graduates.[4] Every three years, the commandant conducts a review of the school's curriculum with participation from flight test squadrons, the U.S. Naval TPS, and operational squadrons.[5]

The school's mission is to "create test leaders, develop school staff and conduct test research to accelerate multidomain capabilities to the warfighter." Its vision is "testers, leaders, thinkers and innovators in the mold of Jimmy Doolittle." Its ethos is "credible, adaptable, warfighter-focused."[6] The school has three courses: the Flight Test Course (FTC), the Space Test Course (STC), and the Enlisted Test Course (ETC). The FTC develops Experimental Test Pilots, Experimental Flight Test Engineers, Experimental Test Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots, and Experimental Test Combat Systems Officers.[7] The STC develops Space Testers and the ETC develops Enlisted Testers across a wide range of Air Force Specialty Codes.[7] In total, the school graduates approximately 90 students each year.

The school was established on September 9, 1944 as the Flight Test Training Unit at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) in Dayton, Ohio.[8] To take advantage of the uncongested skies and superb flying weather, the school was moved on February 4, 1951 to its present location at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert of Southern California.[8] Edwards AFB is the home of the Air Force Test Center and has been an integral part of flight testing since the 1940s.[9]

Between 1962 and 1972, the Test Pilot School expanded its role to include astronaut training for military test pilots.[10] Thirty-seven TPS graduates of this era were selected for the U.S. space program, and twenty-six went on to earn astronaut's wings by flying in the X-15, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs.[11] Although the school no longer trains astronauts, many TPS graduates since 1972 have been selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for duties in space. The school encourages applications from civilians, personnel from other U.S. military services, and individuals from foreign countries.[12] An exchange program allows selected students to attend other test pilot schools including the United States Naval Test Pilot School, the United Kingdom's Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS), and France's École du personnel navigant d'essais et de réception (EPNER).[13]

Commandants

[edit]

The following list provides a complete list of commandants of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. The table contains their name, rank, dates as commandant, the TPS class from which they graduated (if applicable), and notable events that occurred during their tenure at the school.

Key

[edit]
Rank Military rank The rank shown is at the time the individual served as commandant.
Class Year/Letter The year and order in which a class started. For example, 07A was the first of two classes to start in 2007.[14]
Roman Numeral Four Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS) classes designated I, II, III, and IV, that prepared students for manned spaceflight operations. These classes were dropped when the USAF lost its manned spaceflight mission.[15]
Events "introduced" Indicates an aircraft type was first made available for use by TPS students. This date is usually much later than the aircraft entered USAF service.

List of Commandants

[edit]
Buzz Aldrin
Steve Cameron
Ken Chilstrom
Gene Deatrick
Jim Doolittle, III
Guy Gardner
Joe Guthrie
Ralph Hoewing
Lars Hoffman
George Ka'iliwai III
Michael Kostelnik
Mike Luallen
Charles Webb
Chuck Yeager
Noel Zamot

  *   Individual was killed in an aviation-related accident.

No Name Rank From To Class Notable events during tenure Ref
1 Ralph C. Hoewing O-04Maj. 1944-09Sep 1944 1945-01Jan 1945 n/a [16]
[17]
[18]
2 "Dick" Muehlberg O-05Lt. Col. 1945-01Jan 1945 1946-01Jan 1946 n/a [16]
[19]
3 Ralph C. Hoewing O-04Maj. 1946-01Jan 1946 1947-05May 1947 n/a
  • Curriculum expanded to include Stability and Control testing
 [19]
[20]
4 Leonard I. Wiehrdt O-04Maj. 1947-05May 1947 1947-10Oct 1947 1946-0446D
  • Aug 1947—F-80 introduced
 [19]
[20]
5 Leo C. Moon O-05Lt. Col. 1947-10Oct 1947 1949-10Oct 1949 1947-0147
  • 47—First USAF class. First class to fly jets
  • School renamed Air Material Command Experimental Test Pilot School
 [19]
[21]
[22]
6 Ken Chilstrom O-04Maj. 1949-10Oct 1949 1950-10Oct 1950 1945-0145
  • 50C—Last class at Wright Field
 [23]
[24]
7 John R. Amann O-05Lt. Col. 1950-10Oct 1950 1956-05May 1956 1949-0449D
  • Feb 4, 1951—School moved to Edwards AFB (south base)
  • 51A—First class held at Edwards AFB
  • May 1951—T-28, B-26 introduced
  • Apr 2, 1951—School renamed Air Research and Development Command Experimental Test Pilot School
  • Jan 1, 1953—School renamed USAF Experimental Test Pilot School
  • 1953—T-33, F-84 introduced
  • Jun 9, 1955—School renamed USAF Flight Test School
  • Mar 14, 1956—School moved to main base building 1220
  • 1956—F-86, F-100 introduced
 [24]
[25]
[26]
8 Herbert V. Leonhardt O-05Lt. Col. 1956-05May 1956 1959-06Jun 1959 1955-0355C
  • Jul 3, 1956—School emblem approved
  • Jun 17, 1957—First student field trip overseas
  • 1957—NB-57 introduced
  • Curriculum expanded from six to eight months
  • Number of classes per year reduced from four to three
  • 1958—TF-102 introduced
 [27]
[28]
9 Richard C. Lathrop O-04Maj. 1959-06Jun 1959 1961-06Jun 1961 1955-0455D
  • 60B—US Army helicopter test pilot course
  • UH-1, F-104 introduced
 [29]
[30]
10 Robert M. Howe O-05Lt. Col. 1961-06Jun 1961 1962-07Jul 1962 1949-0449D, 52B
  • Jun 5, 1961—Aerospace Research Pilot Course introduced
  • 1961—T-27 space flight simulator introduced
  • Oct 12, 1961—School renamed USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School
  • Late 1962—T-38 introduced
 [30]
[31]
[32]
[33]
11 Charles E. Yeager O-06Col. 1962-07Jul 1962 1966-07Jul 1966 1946-0346C, 51A [30]
[34]
[35]
12 Robert S. Buchanan O-06Col. 1966-07Jul 1966 1967-05May 1967 1957-0157A, I [34]
[36]
13 Eugene P. Deatrick Jr. O-06Col. 1967-05May 1967 1968-06Jun 1968 1951-0151A, 53C [34]
[36]
14 George D. Hendrix O-05Lt. Col. 1968-06Jun 1968 1968-08Aug 1968 1957-0157A
  • n/a
 [36]
15 Harold W. Christian, Jr. O-06Col. 1968-08Aug 1968 1971-01Jan 1971 1952-0352C [36]
[37]
16 William J. Campbell O-06Col. 1971-01Jan 1971 1971-07Jul 1971 1962-0362C, IV
  • ARPS courses eliminated
 [15]
[38]
17 Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin O-06Col. 1971-07Jul 1971 1972-02Feb 1972 n/a
  • Systems Test Phase introduced
 [37]
[38]
18 Joseph A. Guthrie, Jr. O-06Col. 1972-02Feb 1972 1975-07Jul 1975 1958-0358C
  • Jul 1, 1972—School renamed USAF Test Pilot School
  • RF-4 introduced
  • Feb 26, 1973—Flight test engineer course initiated
  • Calspan NT-33, NKC-135 introduced
  • 74B—First student navigator and first female student flight test engineer
  • Sep 1, 1975—Course expanded from 44 to 46 weeks
 [38]
[39]
19 Warwick H. Glasgow O-06Col. 1975-07Jul 1975 1977-12Dec 1977 1965-0365C [39]
[40]
20 Donald T. Ward O-06Col. 1978-01Jan 1978 1979-06Jun 1979 ETPS FW Course 25
  • May 19, 1979—Boyd Hall dedicated
 [39]
[40]
[41]
21 Larry G. Van Pelt O-05Lt. Col. 1979-06Jun 1979 1979-08Aug 1979 1966-0166A
  • n/a
 [39]
[40]
22 Norman L. Suits O-06Col. 1979-08Aug 1979 1980-06Jun 1980 1968-0168A
  • n/a
 [39]
[40]
23 Donald E. Madonna* O-06Col. 1980-06Jun 1980 1982-03Mar 1982 1966-0166A [39]
[42]
[43]
24 Michael E. Sexton O-05Lt. Col. 1982-03Mar 1982 1982-07Jul 1982 1969-0169A [42]
[44]
25 Kenneth E. Staten O-06Col. 1982-07Jul 1982 1983-08Aug 1983 1968-0168A
  • n/a
 [44]
[45]
26 Melvin Hayashi O-06Col. 1983-08Aug 1983 1985-07Jul 1985 1972-0272B
  • Calspan Avionics Systems Test and Training Aircraft (ASTTA) NC-131 introduced
 [46]
[47]
27 Michael D. Marks O-06Col. 1985-07Jul 1985 1987-03Mar 1987 1975-0175A
  • Dec 5, 1986—Scobee Auditorium dedicated
 [46]
[47]
28 Michael C. Kostelnik O-06Col. 1987-03Mar 1987 1989-07Jul 1989 1977-0177A
  • 88B—First female student test pilot enrolled
  • Integrated Flight Data Acquisition System (IFDAPS) introduced
 [44]
[46]
[48]
[49]
29 Elton T. Pollock O-06Col. 1989-07Jul 1989 1991-06Jun 1991 1976-0276B
  • First USAF Reservist joined TPS staff
  • Test management phase added to curriculum
  • C-23 introduced
 [47]
[50]
[51]
30 Guy S. Gardner O-06Col. 1991-06Jun 1991 1992-08Aug 1992 1975-0175A [50]
[52]
[53]
31 Harold T. Strittmatter O-06Col. 1992-08Aug 1992 1994-04Apr 1994 1981-0281B [50]
[52]
32 James H. Doolittle III O-06Col. 1994-04Apr 1994 1996-08Aug 1996 1979-0279B
  • Sep 9, 1994—50th anniversary of USAF Test Pilot School
  • 95B—First class to use individual student cubicles and Pentium laptops
  • T-2, NF-16D Variable-Stability Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), F-15E introduced
 [47]
[50]
[52]
[51]
33 Barton E. Henwood O-06Col. 1996-08Aug 1996 1998-04Jul 1999 1984-0184A
  • NT-39 introduced
  • First students to visit Russia's Air Force Flight Test Facility
 [47]
[54]
[55]
34 Steve Cameron O-06Col. 1998-04Jul 1999 2001-01Jan 2001 1985-0285B
  • Students expand envelope of AGM-65 Maverick missile
  • Students test crash avoidance system
  • Test Pilot School renovated, school temporarily located in Hangar 1870
  • VISTA joins TPS fleet at EDW
 [56]
[57]
[58]
35 George Ka'iliwai III O-06Col. 2001-01Jan 2001 2003-06Jun 2003 1984-0284B
  • First flight test engineer and non-rated TPS Commandant
  • First TPS sponsorship of AFIT doctoral program
 [59]
[60]
[61]
[62]
36 Ernie H. Haendschke O-06Col. 2003-06Jun 2003 2005-07Jul 2005 1987-0287B
  • 2003—Aerospace Vehicle Test Course introduced
  • Nov 18, 2003—TPS receives Richard G. Cross Award from ITEA
  • June 15, 2004—Pete Knight classroom dedicated
 [63]
[64]
[65]
[66]
[67]
[68]
37 Andre A. Gerner O-06Col. 2005-07Jul 2005 2007-07Jul 2007 1991-0191A
  • 06B—First husband and wife team graduates
  • Process begins to make TPS a Master of Science Program
 [69]
[70]
[71]
38 Mike Luallen O-06Col. 2007-07Jul 2007 2010-07Jul 2010 1992-0292B [69]
[71]
[72]
[73]
[74]
39 Noel Zamot O-06Col. 2010-07Jul 2010 2012-06Jun 2012 1993-0293B [75]
[76]
[77]
[78]
[79]
[80]
40 Paul Meyer O-06Col. 2012-06Jun 2012 2012-08Aug 2012 n/a
  • First commandant from the Air Force Reserves
  • First non-TPS graduate to serve as commandant since Buzz Aldrin
 [81]
[82]
41 Lars Hoffman O-06Col. 2012-08Aug 2012 2012-08Jul 2014 1997-0297A
  • Classroom renovations
  • Modernized Systems curriculum
 [81]
[83]
[84]
42 Charles Webb O-06Col. 2012-08Jul 2014 2017-07Jul 2017 2003-01TBS [85]
[86]
43 Matthew Higer O-06Col. 2017-07Jul 2017 2018-07Jul 2018 2003-0103A
  • TPS receives AF Organizational Excellence Award
 [87]
[88]
[89]
44 Ryan Blake O-06Col. 2018-07Jul 2018 2020-07Jul 2020 2008-0108A
  • TPS 75th Anniversary
  • New curriculum dedicated to space hardware
 [90]

[91]
[92]

45 Sebrina Pabon O-06Col. 2020-07Jul 2020 2023-09Jul 2023 2006-0106A
  • First female, flight test engineer commandant
  • Oct 1, 2020—Multi-Domain Test Force activation
  • TPS collaborates with Republic of Korea Air Force
  • Feb 23, 2023—Space Test Course (STC) established
 [93]
[94]
[95]
[96]
46 James Valpiani O-06Col. Jul 2023 2024-01Present EPNER Class 2014
  • TPS conducts world's first AI-controlled dogfights--X-62A vs F-16
  • TPS is a Collier Trophy Finalist
  • Secretary of the Air Force flies with TPS
  • TPS's first control of a satellite, in the STC
  • Modernization per 2024 Strategic Plan--emphasis on Data-Driven Test
  • AI-based mission systems upgrade for X-62
  • A-29s added to fleet--first new aircraft in 30 years
 [97]
[98]
[99]
[100]
[101]
[102]
[6]
[103]
[104]
[105]

Notable alumni

[edit]
Main article: List of U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School alumni

USAF TPS has produced many notable alumni including astronauts, record-setting aviators, and senior Air Force leaders.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Air University (AU) > Registrar > Air University Academic Catalog". www.airuniversity.af.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
  2. ^ Department of the Air Force Instruction 99-107, Test Pilot School. May 31, 2024. p. 9.
  3. ^ Department of the Air Force Instruction 99-107, Test Pilot School. May 31, 2024. p. 12-14.
  4. ^ Department of the Air Force Instruction 99-107, Test Pilot School. May 31, 2024. p. 17-18.
  5. ^ Department of the Air Force Instruction 99-107, Test Pilot School. May 31, 2024. p. 15.
  6. ^ a b Huntington, Harley (2024-09-09). "Air Force Test Pilot School Begins Transformation for Great Power Competition". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2024-09-09. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  7. ^ a b Department of the Air Force Instruction 99-107, Test Pilot School. May 31, 2024. p. 5.
  8. ^ a b "U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School History". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  9. ^ "Edwards' History". United States Air Force. 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  10. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 233.
  11. ^ Young, J. Forging Aerospace Power for America. pp. 3–4.
  12. ^ USAF TPS Graduate Course Catalog. p. 19.
  13. ^ USAF TPS Graduate Course Catalog. p. 18.
  14. ^ USAF TPS Graduate Course Catalog. p. 8.
  15. ^ a b USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 50.
  16. ^ a b USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 35–36.
  17. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 240.
  18. ^ "Colonel Hoewing is New NRD Executive" (PDF). The Missileer. 5 (22). Washington, D.C.: United States Air Force: 1. 1966-04-07. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-05-13. Retrieved 2014-05-10.
  19. ^ a b c d USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 241.
  20. ^ a b USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 38.
  21. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 40.
  22. ^ Lopez. Fighter Pilot's Heaven. p. 129.
  23. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 69.
  24. ^ a b USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 242.
  25. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 41–45.
  26. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 70.
  27. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 43–46.
  28. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 243.
  29. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 45.
  30. ^ a b c USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 244.
  31. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 47–48.
  32. ^ Allen. Space Flight Simulator. pp. 793–9.
  33. ^ Burgess. Fallen Astronauts. p. 13.
  34. ^ a b c USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 48–50.
  35. ^ Marrett. Contrails Over the Mojave. pp. 59–64.
  36. ^ a b c d USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 245.
  37. ^ a b USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 50–51.
  38. ^ a b c USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 246.
  39. ^ a b c d e f USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 51–53.
  40. ^ a b c d USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 247.
  41. ^ "Ward Biography". Texas A&M University. Archived from the original on 2017-04-17. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  42. ^ a b USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 248.
  43. ^ "An Abbreviated History of the Class of 1959". United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates. Archived from the original on 2008-07-23. Retrieved 2008-09-07.
  44. ^ a b c USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 52–54.
  45. ^ "Staten Biography". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2008-06-15. Retrieved 2008-06-22.
  46. ^ a b c USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 249.
  47. ^ a b c d e USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 54.
  48. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 57.
  49. ^ "Kostelnik Biography". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2008-06-13. Retrieved 2008-06-22.
  50. ^ a b c d USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 250.
  51. ^ a b USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. pp. 58–59.
  52. ^ a b c USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 55.
  53. ^ "Gardner Biography". National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Archived from the original on 2008-06-15. Retrieved 2008-06-22.
  54. ^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. p. 251.
  55. ^ "Test Pilot School visits Russia". United States Air Force. 1997-05-27. Archived from the original on 2001-05-23. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
  56. ^ "Simulator lets students pilot variety of aircraft". Airman Magazine Online. United States Air Force. February 2001. Archived from the original on 2001-03-12. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
  57. ^ "Student test pilots tackle real projects". Desert Wings. United States Air Force. March 1999. Archived from the original on 2001-05-23. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
  58. ^ Sturim, Captain James (2000-11-03). "Class project tests crash avoidance system". Desert Wings. United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2001-05-10. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
  59. ^ "AIAA Ka'iliwai Biography" (PDF). AIAA Distinguished Lecture Program 2005. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. p. 40. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-05-18. Retrieved 2008-09-07.
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  62. ^ Hague, Capt. Catie (2003-07-18). "TPS sponsors AFIT doctoral program, searches for applicants". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2006-07-28. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
  63. ^ "Haendschke Biography" (PDF). Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Retrieved 2008-07-02. [dead link]
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  68. ^ Davis, Second Lt. Brooke (2004-06-18). "TPS dedicates classroom to honor late aviation legend". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2006-07-26. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
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  97. ^ Cloys, Robert (2023-09-05). "ETFC: Developing future test & evaluation leaders". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2024-01-07. Retrieved 2024-01-07. During the ceremony, Col. James Valpiani, United States Test Pilot School commandant, addressed the class.
  98. ^ Kohler, Chase (2024-04-17). "USAF Test Pilot School and DARPA announce breakthrough in aerospace machine learning". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  99. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (2024-09-24). "New Radar Sought To Help X-62A Test Jet Take Next Leap In Autonomy Testing". The War Zone. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
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  102. ^ Casem, Giancarlo (2024-06-17). "Space Test Course integrates satellite operations into curriculum for first time". United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 2024-06-20. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
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  104. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (2024-09-24). "New Radar Sought To Help X-62A Test Jet Take Next Leap In Autonomy Testing". The War Zone. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
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References

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