Transformation Aims To Modernize Curriculum

As Edwards AFB’s Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS) approaches its 80th anniversary, it is undergoing a significant transformation.

Located in Kern County, California, TPS is updating its curriculum, enhancing staff development, and expanding its research capabilities to address the complex Great Power Competition.

The upgrade is inspired by the legacy of Lt. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, a trailblazer in flight testing and military innovation. Doolittle received a Medal of Honor for his assistance in the raid on Japan during World War II.

"We are proud to carry on the tradition of excellence that Lt. Gen. Doolittle exemplified," commented Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, commander of the Air Force Test Center. "Our goal is to prepare our graduates to be the test leaders of tomorrow, capable of leading multidisciplinary teams and advancing new capabilities for our warfighters."

The plan aims to align TPS’s objectives with the broader goals of the Air Force Test Center. Key initiatives include a modernization of the curriculum to incorporate emerging technologies, like big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. New courses are being introduced to provide a more narrow focus on these areas. This also marks the launch of a dedicated year-long student cohort for space testing.

TPS Staff are getting a revamp of their own with the introduction of a formal Test Instructor Course. Additionally, TPS Fellowships are being embedded to give instructors opportunities to work with organizations like NASA’s Johnson Space Center and DARPA.

Research advancement is another cornerstone of the plan. TPS is expanding its capabilities to focus on data-driven applications and novel testing techniques. The school is also making moves to collaborate with more interagency partners, academic institutions, and private industries.

"This strategic plan is our roadmap to the future," Valpiani said. "It reflects our commitment to preparing our graduates to effectively lead test teams in an era of unprecedented technological and strategic change."

FMI: www.edwards.af.mil