International Test Pilots School
 | |
| Company type | Test pilot school |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1986 [1] |
| Headquarters | , Canada |
Area served | Global |
| Services | Test pilot and flight test engineer training |
| Website | https://www.itpscanada.com |
The International Test Pilots School Canada (ITPS Canada) located in London, Ontario, is one of the eight test pilot schools recognized globally by the international Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the Society of Flight Test Engineers.[2][3] The school trains test pilots and flight test engineers. It is the first civilian test pilot school in Canada.[4][5] ITPS Canada is registered as an Authorized Training Organization by the European Aviation Safety Agency.[6] It shares some facilities with and neighbours the Jet Aircraft Museum at London International Airport.[7][8]
History[edit]
ITPS first offered flight test training in 1986, when established by a previous senior staff member of the Empire Test Pilots School in the United Kingdom.[1] The school was first located in Cranfield in England, working alongside the prestigious College of Aeronautics at Cranfield University.
In 2001, the school moved its operations to the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment located at CFB Cold Lake before moving to its current location at London International Airport, Ontario in 2005. The school was recognized by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots in 2017 and by the Society of Flight Test Engineers in 2018.[2] In 2022, ITPS Canada hosted the international 10th Annual Flight Test Seminar.[9] Operations include a 10,000 square foot modern offices and classrooms and a 27,000 square foot hangar.[4]
Training[edit]
The curriculum includes both long and short courses focusing on flight tests. Flight test graduate, diploma and certificate courses are offered, the former typically for military students.[4] Test planning, test flying, data analysis and report writing are all part of the training.[7] Students from around the world are trained using various military fighters, training jets, light airplanes, helicopters and flight simulators.[4] One of Australia's first RAAF female pilots, Robyn Clay-Williams, trained at ITPS[10]
Staff[edit]
ITPS Canada has staff members from multiple countries including academics, military veterans, maintenance personnel and test pilot graduates (test pilots and flight test engineers).[11] Notable staff over the years included retired Canadian Space Agency astronaut and pilot Bjarni Tryggvason who flew on Space Shuttle Discovery.[12]
Aircraft[edit]
As of November 2023, ITPS Canada has the following aircraft registered with Transport Canada and the FAA and operate as Nav Canada airline designator SA, and telephony STALLION.[13][14]
| Number | Origin | |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary wing | ||
| Airbus Helicopters AS355 | 1 | France |
| Bell 206 | 1 | Canada |
| MBB Bo 105 | 1 | Germany |
| Sikorsky S-76 | 1 | United States |
| Fixed wing | ||
| Aero L-29 Delfín | 3 | Czech Republic |
| Aero L-39 Albatros | 8 | Czech Republic |
| Beechcraft 60 Duke | 1 | United States |
| Brasov IAR 823 | 1 | Romania |
| Cessna 414 | 1 | United States |
| Cirrus SR22 | 1 | United States |
| Grumman HU-16 | 1 | United States |
| Hawker Hunter T.7 | 3 | United Kingdom |
| Rutan Long-EZ | 2 | United States |
| Sukhoi Su-29 | 1 | Russia |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Tegler, Eric. "Air Force Space Command Tapped America's 'Other' Test Pilot School To Start Up A Space Force Flight Test Team". Forbes. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b "SETP Recognized Test Pilot Schools | About SETP | About SETP". www.setp.org. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Society for Test Flight Engineers, STFE (12 October 2019). "International Flight Test News" (PDF). Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d Erdos, Robert. "International Test Pilots School: A very technical business". Skies Mag. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "ITPS wins contract to train RCAF test pilots, engineers". Wings Magazine. 2020-09-22. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ European Union Aviation Safety Agency (11 August 2020). "List of Approved Training Organisations under EASA oversight" (PDF). Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Fundamental Approach". Wings Magazine. 2010-07-14. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "Uncovering Hidden Gems - Guest Posting | London International Airport". flylondon.ca. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
- ^ "London's ITPS hosts international flight test community". Skies Mag. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "Female RAAF pilot wants test pilot job". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 1993-03-04. p. 11. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
- ^ Events, UKi Media & (2020-07-23). "Training the next generation of test pilots". Aerospace Testing International. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ The University of British Columbia, UBC. "Bjarni Tryggvason | UBC Applied Science". apsc.ubc.ca. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "ICAO Designators for Canadian Aircraft Operating Agencies, Aeronautical Authorities and Services" (PDF). Nav Canada. 2023-05-04. p. 2. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
ITPS Canada: SA, STALLION
- ^ "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register: Quick Search Result for ITPS Canada". Transport Canada. Retrieved 2023-02-28.