New T&E University optimizes training at Edwards, inaugural test fundamentals students graduate

  • Published
  • By Mary Becerra
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base established a new educational branch, Test and Evaluation University, which recently celebrated the 13 graduates of its inaugural test fundamentals short course. This course marks the beginning of a new chapter for the school as well as the test community at Edwards.

Initiated in January, T&E University launched to consolidate training resources across the Air Force Test Center and provide targeted short courses for a variety of professionals, particularly those new to the test environment. TFSC debuted this April as a three-week program explicitly designed for those with technical backgrounds to deliver a comprehensive, hands-on immersion into the world of test and evaluation.

“The goal is to equip attendees with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to contribute effectively from day one,” said Maj. Courtnie Baxley, T&E University department chair. “By integrating academic instruction, a live flight exercise and tours of operational facilities, the curriculum ensures that test professionals are prepared to be contributors at any stage of a program's lifecycle.”

Unlike the traditional 48-week TPS curriculum designed to produce test pilots and flight test engineers, this short course offers a broader approach to various domains, such as ground or space tests.

Aaron Wenner, department chair of T&E University at TPS, explained that the curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application through three distinct phases.

The first week focuses on foundational lectures covering the core phases of testing: planning, execution, analysis and reporting. During the second week, students transition to hands-on assignments, including aircraft fundamentals and test plan working groups. The course culminates in the third week with the execution of a comprehensive test program, where students collect real-world data during glider flights and formally present their findings and recommendations.

"When taking a class, it can be hard to know where the synthetic nature of a classroom ends and where the real environment begins," Wenner said. "This course bridges that gap, showing what we covered is actually directly applicable to the positions that most of these students are going to find themselves in."

The hands-on course is led by a core team of approximately five professionals, including civilians, active-duty airmen and contractors, that draw on specialized expertise from across Edwards. Upon completion of their final presentations, students receive a certificate, which will eventually serve as a prerequisite for more advanced short courses.

Looking ahead, T&E University plans to offer the TFSC a few times a year, with a long-term goal to potentially expand with additional courses to offer more specialized training.

Active-duty service members, civilians and contractors interested in T&E University courses should consult their unit commanders, who nominate candidates for the limited seats available in each class. Should you have questions regarding T&E University, you can contact the branch at  USAFTPS.DFA.University@us.af.mil.


Aaron Wenner, Test and Evaluation University department chair and Maj. Courtnie Baxley, Test and Evaluation University department chair, evaluate students as they present their final projects in the Test Foundations Short Course at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)


Test and Evaluation School students, Sarah Alvarado, 419th Flight Test Squadron, and Richard Laughlin, Lockheed Martin contractor, present their final class project in the Test Foundations Short Course at the TPS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)


Test and Evaluation School students, 2nd Lt. Roger Moomaw, 48th Cyberspace Test Squadron, and 2nd Lt. Matthew Benedito, 772nd Test Squadron, present their final class project in the Test Foundations Short Course at the TPS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)