AF selects primary, alternate test pilot school candidates

by Debbie Gildea

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – More than 50 Air Force officers have been selected as primary or alternate Air Force and Navy test pilot school selectees, and one will attend the Epner Test Pilot School in France, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.

“Selectees, identified during the 2012 selection board, will fill July 2013 and January 2014 classes,” Howard Peterson, AFPC pipeline and trainer assignments.

The program exists to develop specially trained pilots, combat systems officers, flight test engineers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots to monitor, manage, and perform flight tests on research, experimental or production-type aerospace vehicles and weapon systems, Peterson said.

“Graduates have profound strategic impact on the development of future combat capabilities,” “so selection is highly competitive,” Peterson explained. “Program graduates are future senior leaders who will help shape our national security, so identifying the right people for this opportunity was critical.”