Empire Test Pilot School
The World’s first Test Pilot School.
First formed in 1943 and delivered by QinetiQ at MOD Boscombe Down, ETPS has trained over 1,500 students from over 32 different countries in the art and science of flight test.
With an unrivalled heritage and state-of-the-art training facilities, ETPS provides world-leading training for flight test professionals.
The ETPS motto is “Learn to Test, Test to Learn” - A motto that succinctly describes the teaching method at ETPS.
The ETPS Programme is founded on experiential learning – Combining both classroom instruction with a wide variety of practical exercises, both on the ground and in the air
ETPS courses are designed to build experience quickly – Providing the combination of theory and hands-on familiarity that flight test professionals need.
ETPS are revitalising the school - With new, state of the art, systems-rich aircraft, as well as a revamped, modernised course delivered in a truly 21st century learning environment.
ETPS Course Syllabus & Structure
ETPS provides a mix of courses suitable for fixed and rotary wing flight test professionals. Download the brochure for the full course catalogue.
Long Courses
For both test pilots and flight test engineers ETPS offer three levels of graduate courses:
Class A / CAT 1
Class B / CAT 2
Systems Test
All students complete a common foundation in Test & Evaluation (T&E) before specialising in either fixed wing (fast jet or multi-engine), rotary wing aircraft, or aerosystems flight test.
Short Courses
In addition to graduate courses, ETPS offers a range of short and bespoke courses for both new and qualified flight test professionals.
These courses range from an Introduction to T&E, through to bespoke courses for existing test pilots and engineers to either expand their existing qualification or refresh advanced techniques ahead of trials work.
ETPS Fixed Wing Fleet
Grob G120TP
Designed for next generation training, the two Grob G120TPs at ETPS provide an enhanced training capability.
Each aircraft features a full Flight Test Instrumentation suite that integrates with the modern cockpit environment. The side-by-side cockpit configuration provides an agile and dynamic environment for flight training at ETPS.
Pilatus PC-21
A fully instrumented 21st century advanced trainer, selected for its suitability for training civil and military pilots in evaluation techniques.
Using the PC-21, students will learn flight test techniques, including assessment of aircraft performance, handling and the assessment of other modern systems such as air to ground radars.
Avro RJ 70 / 100
The multi-engine fleet at ETPS features two Avro RJ models, one RJ70 and one RJ100, that deliver a bespoke flying classroom environment.
In the cabin, student engineers are provided with an unparalleled learning experience through our custom flight test instrumentation workstations which provide a broad array of data for live analysis.
ETPS Rotary Wing Fleet
AgustaWestland 139
A systems rich aircraft, the AW139 helicopter is fitted with an integrated Electro-Optical and Infra-Red camera turret and a modern, complex avionics suite.
The AW139 enables students to experience a ‘Heavy’ CS-29 helicopter alongside the core fleet capabilities.
AgustaWestland 109E
Two A109’s provide an advanced, twin engine platform ideally suited to training rotary wing flight test professionals.
As with our H125s, each A109 features a bespoke flight test instrumentation suite which is further enhanced with an in-cabin workstation for flight test engineers to gather and evaluate data in real time.
Airbus H125
As the workhorse of the ETPS rotary wing fleet, our four H125’s provide a reliable and high-performance capability for flight test professional training.
Each aircraft has been extensively modified for delivery at ETPS and features a complete Flight Test Instrumentation suite designed to gather valuable flight data.
A School for the Future.
As the world’s first school dedicated to teaching test flying, ETPS are proud of their aviation heritage.
Developing flying and engineering skills, critical thinking and taking a broad perspective in order to distil and communicate useful findings are all important principles today, as much as they were when the school was founded in 1943.
ETPS remain absolutely focused on the future of test aircrew training, as demonstrated by QinetiQ’s substantial investment in new capabilities and resources. With state-of-the-art and systems-rich aircraft and a contemporary and comprehensive range of courses - delivered in a truly 21st century learning environment.
How can ETPS support the next step in your test flight career?