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.
How do I get the TPS Board Announcement? The PSDM is linked to the TPS home page when available, or you may request it from you military personnel office. 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. 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. Applicants are selected from a highly qualified applicant pool based on several factors including education, flying background, experience and officership. Check application instructions and eligibility requirements specified in AFI 99-107 and the TPS Selection Board Announcement.
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 was revised in January 2013. Additional requirements may apply. Consult the current TPS Board Announcement.
When are applications due?
Applications are typically due in June for the July Board. 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. Inquire with your local education program early. The TPS application process can be complicated and involves obtaining recommendations, transcripts and flight physicals. Refer to AFI 99-107 and the annual PSDM TPS Board Announcement for application details and requirements.
How do I apply for TPS?
AFI 99-107 contains instructions on how to apply. The TPS Board Announcement will have additional details about how to submit forms. Read AFI 99-107 and the Board Announcement thoroughly to understand everything that is required.
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 Master's 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 have questions 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 are notified through Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) sources sooner than the official public release message. Results are typically available from your military personnel office by the end of December.
