News

The SFTE European Chapter is pleased to welcome ITPS as the fifth sponsor of the 37th SFTE European Chapter Symposium ✈️

This announcement marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership that has developed and strengthened over the years 🤝 ITPS has been a reliable presence within the flight test community, providing high-quality training and practical expertise that support the growth of both current and future flight test professionals. Their contribution has consistently aligned with the values of technical excellence and knowledge sharing that the Symposium aims to promote.

The continued support from ITPS reflects a shared commitment to advancing flight test engineering, encouraging collaboration across organizations, and helping deliver a technically rich and engaging event 🚀 It is through partnerships like this that the Symposium is able to bring together engineers, pilots, and specialists from across the industry to exchange insights and best practices.

The SFTE European Chapter greatly values this ongoing relationship and looks forward to building on it in the years ahead, both through the Symposium and other initiatives that support the wider flight test community.

🔗 Learn more about ITPS: https://itpscanada.com/

The abstract selection process for the 37th SFTE European Chapter Symposium is officially closed — and the response from the flight test community has been nothing short of outstanding.

All selected authors have now been notified by email. If you submitted an abstract and have not yet received a communication from us, please check your spam folder or reach out directly at ec.symposium@sfte.org.

Authors whose abstracts were not selected this time will receive a personal communication from the Technical Committee in the coming weeks. No submission will go without a response.

To everyone who submitted — thank you. The quality and diversity of ideas we received is a true reflection of what makes this community so exceptional. Your passion, your discoveries, and your willingness to share them are what drive this Symposium forward year after year.

Whether or not your abstract was selected, we warmly invite you to join us in Berlin this June. The Symposium is where the community meets — for the presentations, the technical debates, the hallway conversations, and everything in between.

Your presence matters.

Register now!

A word on our sponsors

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors — your support makes this event possible and ensures the SFTE European Chapter continues to grow, connect, and inspire the flight test community across Europe and beyond.

We are still welcoming new sponsors. If your organisation shares our commitment to flight test excellence and wishes to be part of one of the most prestigious gatherings in the industry, we would love to hear from you!

Together, we keep flight test moving forward. See you in Berlin. ✈️

We’re excited to announce an exclusive Pilatus Aircraft Company Tour on Friday, 8 May 2026, from 13:00 to 17:00 in Stans, Switzerland.

Founded in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft is a world leader in high-performance turboprop and jet aircraft for both military training and civil operations. From the PC-7, PC-9, and PC-21 trainer family used by over 30 air forces, to the PC-12 and the innovative PC-24 “Super Versatile Jet,” Pilatus sets the benchmark for advanced pilot training and operational excellence.

This tour is a unique opportunity to see Swiss aerospace engineering in action and to explore flight-testing practices at one of the industry’s most respected manufacturers.

📍 Location: Pilatus Flugzeugwerke AG, Pilatusstrasse 1, 6371 Stans, Switzerland

📧 Contact: Alessandro Lurgo – lurgo.alessandro@gmail.com

⚠️ Note: An active SFTE membership is required to attend

⏳ Registration closes: Friday, 1 May 2026

Spaces are limited – don’t miss the chance to experience Pilatus’ legendary aircraft up close!

The SFTE European Chapter is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity sponsored by the Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS), continuing the strong partnership between SFTE and the test pilot schools in support of professional development within the flight test community.

This scholarship will allow one SFTE member to attend an ETPS short course, tuition-free, at one of the world’s leading institutions for flight test training. It represents a valuable opportunity to enhance technical skills, broaden professional perspective, and engage with top-level flight test professionals.

In addition, SFTE will reimburse up to USD 1,000 to cover travel and accommodation expenses, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Eligibility and Key Dates:

• Current SFTE members in good standing

• Affiliate and Student Members are not eligible

• Newly approved members may apply

• Application deadline: 30 April 2026

The recipient will be selected through a random draw among eligible applicants.

The scholarship award will be announced at the 2026 SFTE European Chapter Symposium in Berlin, where recipients are strongly encouraged to attend.

This ETPS scholarship directly supports SFTE’s mission to raise Flight Test Engineer standards across the aerospace community, in alignment with the SFTE Recommended Practices program, and serves as a model for industry–academic collaboration.

👉 Learn more and apply via the SFTE website.

Dear Flight Testers,

As we come to the close of another year, I would like to reflect on what we have accomplished together and to express my sincere appreciation to our entire Community.

This year has been particularly meaningful for the Society. Our Annual Symposium once again proved to be a cornerstone of our professional life—bringing together flight test engineers from around the world to share knowledge, exchange experience, and strengthen the bonds that define our Society. The quality of the technical discussions, the openness of collaboration, and the enthusiasm of our members were a powerful reminder of the value of coming together as a global professional community.

Equally important were the visits and engagements with aircraft manufacturers and industry partners throughout the year. These opportunities to step inside the environments where aircraft are conceived, built, and tested reinforce the essential connection between theory and practice. They also highlight the vital role flight test engineers play across the entire lifecycle of aerospace innovation.

The mission of SFTE - EC is built on excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Throughout the year, our members have continued to embody these values—whether in flight, on the ground, or through rigorous analysis—demonstrating professionalism, technical rigor, and leadership in an ever-evolving field.

I extend my deepest thanks to our young volunteers, the newly nominated Directors at Large, committee members (such a great team!), fellows, and all who dedicate their time and expertise to advancing our Society. Your commitment is what enables SFTE-EC to thrive and remain a trusted reference for our profession.

As we look toward the coming year, we do so with confidence and optimism. New challenges and opportunities await us, and together we will continue to learn, innovate, and support the next generation of flight test engineers.

On behalf of the leadership team, I wish you and your families a safe, healthy, and successful New Year. Thank you for your continued dedication to the Society of Flight Test Engineers, your European Chapter! 

With sincere appreciation,

Nick Caccavo

President

Society of Flight Test Engineers - European Chapter

Videocasts approved for public release from the 2025 European Flight Test Safety Workshop, held in Trieste, Italy, are now available to view online.

The released material includes the full set of Production Flight Test Tutorials, addressing safety considerations that are often underrepresented within the broader flight test domain. These presentations provide valuable insight for both experimental and production flight test professionals.

Members who attended the workshop are encouraged to revisit selected presentations and consider their use within internal training activities, such as lunch-and-learn sessions. Members who were unable to attend are invited to explore the complete set of available recordings.

Particular attention is drawn to the Best Paper Award presentation:

“Building Bridges – From Experimental Flight Test to Production First Flight”,

presented by Allan Jespersen and Tenille Cromwell of Gulfstream, which highlights the critical transition between experimental and production flight test environments.

https://flighttestsafety.org/2025-trieste-italy

Notice on Use of Material

The Flight Test Safety Committee (FTSC) requires that this material be treated as background information only and not as a corporate release. Any use of this material in presentations, publications, or press-related content must be coordinated directly with the presenters or appropriate corporate representatives. Written consent from the authors is required for any external publication.

We are pleased to announce that the official report of the SFTE European Chapter participation in The Aerospace Test & Development Show 2025, held in Toulouse, is now available.

Our Chapter was represented by Dr. Mike Bromfield, who delivered the presentation:

“An Electric Aircraft Accident: A Case Study”, providing an in-depth analysis of an electric aircraft accident and discussing its implications for safety, flight test practices, and the future development of electric aviation technologies.

SFTE EC’s presence at the event offered a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen collaborations with professionals, researchers, and industry stakeholders in the field of flight test and aerospace development.

The published report summarizes the activities, key insights, and future perspectives discussed during the event.

➡️ Read the full report:

Read the whole report of the event!

During the recent SFTE International Symposium held in Savannah at the end of October, the Society acknowledged several members for their significant contributions to the flight test profession and to the SFTE community.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the SFTE Fellows for 2025. This year, both selected Fellows are members of the European community, highlighting the ongoing international engagement and technical leadership within the Society.

In addition, the Director’s Award was presented to recognize exemplary service and commitment to the goals and values of SFTE. The event also celebrated the winner of the Member Referral Competition, acknowledging the continued effort in expanding and strengthening our global membership.

SFTE congratulates all awardees and extends appreciation to the participants, volunteers, and hosts who contributed to a successful and productive symposium.

For further details and the list of award recipients, please visit the dedicated page.

The Society of Flight Test Engineers – European Chapter (SFTE-EC), in cooperation with Grob Aircraft SE, is pleased to announce a free company visit and tour at Grob’s facilities in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, on Friday, October 24th, 2025.

This free event offers SFTE members, Flight Test Engineers, and aerospace professionals the opportunity to discover Grob’s long-standing expertise in composite aircraft — from pioneering gliders to record-breaking high-altitude reconnaissance platforms — and to explore the company’s latest developments as part of the Helsing group.

📍 Location: Grob Aircraft SE, Lettenbachstrasse 9, 86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies

🕘 Date: Friday, October 24th, 2025 – 09:00 Local

💬 Registration: Please contact Mr. Christian Heinrich, SFTE-EC Director at Large, at cg.heinrich@t-online.de

We look forward to welcoming members and colleagues to this special visit and technical exchange opportunity.

The Aerospace Test and Development Show 2025 is just around the corner!

The event will take place in Toulouse, France, from 30 September to 1 October 2025, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and professionals in aerospace testing and development.

As part of our cooperation with Aerospace Testing International, we are pleased to share this important update with our community. Registration is still open, but the deadline is fast approaching.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, exchange knowledge, and explore the latest innovations in aerospace testing.

Secure your free pass today:

• Registration Here

Take action now and make sure you’re part of this key industry gathering!

Read the whole report of the event!

A Milestone Gathering: Highlights from the 36th SFTE European Chapter Symposium in Prague

The 36th edition of the SFTE European Chapter Symposium brought together flight test professionals from across the globe in the historic city of Prague. Discover the key moments, technical insights, and community highlights from this unforgettable event.

We are delighted to share with you the agenda for the 2025 EC Symposium June 4-6 hosted in Prague, Czech Republic! An undisclosed surprise will be awaiting you upon the technical tour, please don't forget to register for it!

Files are available for download:

1. Symposium Agenda 

2. Tourist information 

We are delighted to share with you the registration links for the 2025 Prague Symposium, 4-6 June in Prague, Czech Republic.

1. Registration for the Symposium

2. A special hotel rate was negotiated, available until 02 May 2025. Please book your room here

The rates are available for the whole week of the Symposium.

We would also appreciate it if you could let us know if your partner/spouse/children will accompany you. A separate touristic programme filled with suggestions is available on demand.

If you prefer, the registration QR Codes are available in the attached flyer.

2025 Call for Nominations for the Jesualdo Martinez Award in Flight Testing is open! DEADLINE for receiving your application/nomination to EC.symposium@sfte-ec.org - April 15, 2025.

The award will be delivered to the winner during our Annual Chapter’s Symposium (Grand Hotel International Prague (CZ), June 4-6, 2025).

As you well know, this award is devoted to reward special dedication and remarkable accomplishment or inspirational work in the area of Flight Testing and addressed to people and organizations under the scope of the SFTE European Chapter. 

Dear test flyers,
We kindly remind you that the deadline for submitting your abstract for this year Symposium of the SFTE European Chapter is approaching. Please send us your document by 15th of February to the EC.symposium@sfte.org! General SFTE Conference Guidelines for Conference Papers can be found here: https://www.sfte-ec.org/node/1131.

Also, we are proud to announce that we reached an agreement with Grand Hotel International Prague (Czech Republic) and very soon we will be able to share with you the registration links for both the event and the accommodation.

An additional programme for accompanying partners and children will be developed only by request received until March 15, 2025. Regular updates on our LinkedIn group page.

Looking forward to welcoming you in Prague,
SFTE EC BoD

We are delighted to share with you the agenda for the 2024 EC Symposium May 8-10 hosted in Vienna, Austria! An undisclosed surprise will be awaiting you upon the technical tour, please don't forget to register for it!

Files are available for download:

Symposium Agenda

Social Agenda for Partners & Kids - upon registration/reservation

Flyer for posting at your workplace

Also, be sure to reserve your hotel room before April 6th.

Additional information and registration for the event.

The 2025 Symposium of the SFTE European Chapter will take place in Prague (Czech Republic), from 4 until 6 June. The Technical Tour will take place at the Aero Vodochody facilities.

Please sharpen your pens, spool up your turbines and get ready for the next mind blowing, not to be missed SFTE -EC gathering!

Deadline for submitting your abstracts: 15 February 2025.