Beyond the flightline: How TPS’ Enlisted Test Course is enhancing readiness

MSgt Theodore Dinwiddie, director, Enlisted Test Course, coaches Airmen during a test event utilizing sUAS systems at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The USAF Test Pilot School's revamped Enlisted Test Course aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge aerospace technology, while reinforcing critical thinking in the field. Held semi-annually and expanded to 16 students over six weeks, the course’s combination of hands-on skills and experience is equivalent to nearly two years of on-the-job training. (Air force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)

Beyond the flightline: How TPS’ Enlisted Test Course is enhancing readiness

MSgt Theodore Dinwiddie, director, Enlisted Test Course, launches a sUAS for a test event at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The USAF Test Pilot School's revamped Enlisted Test Course aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge aerospace technology, while reinforcing critical thinking in the field. Held semi-annually and expanded to 16 students over six weeks, the course’s combination of hands-on skills and experience is equivalent to nearly two years of on-the-job training. (Air force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)

Beyond the flightline: How TPS’ Enlisted Test Course is enhancing readiness

Dr. Rachel Kinard, director, Air Force Test Pilot School Research Division, provides instruction to Airmen at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The USAF Test Pilot School's revamped Enlisted Test Course aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge aerospace technology, while reinforcing critical thinking in the field. Held semi-annually and expanded to 16 students over six weeks, the course’s combination of hands-on skills and experience is equivalent to nearly two years of on-the-job training. (Air force photo by Ariana Ortega)

Beyond the flightline: How TPS’ Enlisted Test Course is enhancing readiness

Col. Maryann Karlen, commandant, Air Force Test Pilot School, greets the class 25A cohort of Enlisted Test Course students at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The USAF Test Pilot School's revamped Enlisted Test Course aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge aerospace technology, while reinforcing critical thinking in the field. Held semi-annually and expanded to 16 students over six weeks, the course’s combination of hands-on skills and experience is equivalent to nearly two years of on-the-job training. (Air force photo by Ariana Ortega)

Beyond the flightline: How TPS’ Enlisted Test Course is enhancing readiness

An airman takes a practical exam with MSgt Theodore Dinwiddie, director of the Enlisted Test Course at Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The USAF Test Pilot School's revamped Enlisted Test Course aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge aerospace technology, while reinforcing critical thinking in the field. Held semi-annually and expanded to 16 students over six weeks, the course’s combination of hands-on skills and experience is equivalent to nearly two years of on-the-job training. (Air force photo by Ariana Ortega)

Beyond the flightline: How TPS’ Enlisted Test Course is enhancing readiness

Published Dec. 22, 2025
By Master Sgt. Theo Diniwiddie and Chase Kohler

Edwards Air Force Base --

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Air Force Test Pilot School, known for producing elite test leaders has recently expanded its reach to the broader force by enhancing the formal Enlisted Test Course.

The revamped curriculum aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge aerospace technology, while reinforcing critical thinking in the field. Held semi-annually and expanded to 16 students over six weeks, the course’s combination of hands-on skills and experience is equivalent to nearly two years of on-the-job training.

Enlisted Test Course Class 25-A became the first cohort of students to attend the enhanced offering. In addition to being larger and longer, the class roster saw a unique diversity of career fields including three United States Space Force guardians, a security forces defender, a pararescueman and an aerial photographer.

The curriculum incorporates focused training in test methodologies, building upon foundational testing principles and emphasizing the P.E.A.R. model: plan, execute, analyze and report. This structured approach provides a roadmap for flight testing, with a large emphasis on strategic planning. They are taught to consider what data is needed and how much is required for valid and reliable results. Students on the course learn to anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure the safety of operators and their systems.

To enhance the learning experience, the school acquired two Skydio X10D unmanned aerial systems, or sUAS,’ to serve as a practical test platform. During the developmental test phase, instructors guide students through a methodical test process to achieve specification compliance. The operational test phase then challenges the graduates to chart their own path forward.

In the case of Class 25-A, students were divided into two teams, each focused on a different aspect of mission accomplishment. One scenario involved acquiring a downed pilot, while the other focused on acquiring a high-value enemy target.

Beyond technical skills, the course also emphasizes leadership and communication. Students partake in training from the Air Force Negotiation Center, learning to advocate for the warfighter's needs by leveraging technical expertise and data-driven insights.

“The enhancement of our Enlisted Test Course acknowledges the critical role Non-Commissioned Officers play in capability development for the Air Force” says Col Maryann Karlen, commandant, Air Force Test Pilot School. “NCOs from various career fields are leading throughout the acquisition pipeline, enhancing mission readiness and effectiveness for our warfighters. This course takes the best and brightest leaders and makes them force multipliers.”

As graduates in the course continue their careers, the skills learned through the Enlisted Test Course at Edwards will be leveraged to help successfully execute the Department of War’s mission of peace through strength.

Learn more about applying to the Enlisted Test Course at Air Force Test Pilot School.