Edwards Operations Group forges flight test through unrivaled training and mentorship

  • Published
  • By Chase Kohler
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

 

Edwards stands as the premier location for airpower innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities for professional development and mentorship within the realm of flight test. The unique experiences gained here contribute significantly to the Air Force’s lethality, readiness and the advancement of aerospace technology.

The base boasts a diverse portfolio of ongoing test programs, ranging from next-generation aircraft and hypersonic vehicles to advanced weapons systems. This breadth exposes personnel to a spectrum of challenges and technologies not found at other installations.

Joining the flight test mission within technical disciplines to support this portfolio requires unique context and exposure. Whether active duty or Department of Defense civilian, every Airmen is essential to mission success.

To help strengthen an individual's capabilities and knowledge within test, the 412th Test Wing Operations Group, in partnership with broader Wing leadership, worked to create a formal 412th Test Wing immersion program.

The new curriculum was designed by modifying previously existing training requirements and other readily available resources to help organize the content in a strategic manner. This agile approach is one of many ways the installation works to strengthen skillsets by maximizing existing internal capabilities.

This structured, multi-day engagement takes applications for internal team members based on scope of work and job performance. Individuals then dedicate specific hours each week to learning, executing, and experiencing key fundamentals of test operations to better enhance their understanding within day-to-day responsibilities.

The courses prioritize hands-on experience, pairing junior engineers with seasoned technical experts across multiple disciplines on real-world flight test projects. This allows for direct knowledge transfer and fosters a culture of continuous learning. Formal training programs, coupled with informal mentorship opportunities, ensure every team member can reach their full potential.

The unique combination of cutting-edge technology, unparalleled mentorship, and diverse mission sets ensures that working at Edwards AFB provides a level of professional development and experience not obtainable anywhere else.