Aircraft

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Training Aircraft

The school has assembled a unique and diverse fleet of 22 aircraft with 11 jet trainers, two transonic fighters, a seaplane and a several helicopters. Training types include the British Hawker Hunter T.7, Aero Vodochody L-39C and L-29, Bombardier Challenger, Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 models, as well as MBB Bo 105M and Bell 206B3 helicopters, among others.

The L-39 Albatros fleet has been upgraded with full-colour touchscreen displays and hands-on throttle and stick controls. Simulation is heavily incorporated into all training programs, and the school employs virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) to boost training effectiveness.

Simulators

ITPS puts the emphasis on technology. The school employs modern avionics, head-up display (HUD) technology, tactical datalink, live virtual constructive training (LVCT) and advanced simulation systems to enhance its flight test training programs. Simulators – including F-16C, F/A-18E, F-35, Boeing 787, AH-64D and AW139 units – are used throughout the test pilot and flight test engineer training programmes.

They facilitate instruction in electronic flight information and HUD systems evaluation, fly-by-wire flight control laws, autopilot and flight management systems assessment. ITPS has also contracted with CAE’s Toronto training centre to access a number of simulators for test pilot school exercises.

Fleets

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Hawker Hunter T.7

Black Hunter Hawker T-55 at ITPS flying.

Black Hunter Hawker T-55 flying in the air.

Black Hunter Hawker T-55 at ITPS on ramp.

The iconic Hawker Hunter is a transonic British jet fighter and advanced jet trainer. Close to 2000 were produced for operations with the Royal Air Force and many air forces around the world. The Hunter is still flying in some numbers with RED AIR operators as a reliable and supportable asset. The type is seeing a resurgence with many more being brought back into service. The Hunter has a long history as a trainer for test pilots. Its transonic capabilities, excellent handling qualities and large operating envelope make it useful and relevant still, today. The two-seat trainer’s side by side seating further makes it uniquely useful in a flight test training environment as do its spinning characteristics. ITPS has purchased three Hawker Hunter trainers that are receiving extensive cockpit upgrades and being instrumented for flight tests. One of them will be the host for the Advanced Human Machine Interface Research System, (AHMIRS) being developed in collaboration with Ryerson University in Toronto.

The Hawker Hunter T.7 is powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon, Series 100 engine and has a Vmo of 620 KIAS or Mach .94 at sea level and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Stores Certification and Weapons Testing

AERO Vodochody L-39C Albatros

Two Aero Vodochody L39 aircraft in the sky.

Three Aero Vodochody L39 aircraft in the sky.

Three Aero Vodochody L-39 aircraft sitting on the ramp.

Three Aero Vodochody L39 jet training aircraft in a hangar.

AERO Vodochody’s L-39 is the most widely operated jet trainer in the world and remains in service with a number of air arms. ITPS’s L-39 C-GTOZ above, has been upgraded with an Electronic Flight Information System and data acquisition. The aircraft is employed for Performance, Flying Qualities and Avionics Systems assessment exercises. The L-39C is powered by an AI25-TL turbofan engine and can attain a maximum Mach number of 0.8 and a service ceiling of 36000 ft.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Civil EASA CAT-2
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Military EASA CAT-2

AERO Vodochody L-29 Delfin

Two grey and red L-29 aircraft in the sky.

The AERO Vodochody L-29 Delfin was the standard trainer of the former Soviet East block air forces and over 3000 were built. ITPS operates two Delfins, both extensively overhauled airframes, equipped with a Curtiss Wright KAM 500 data acquisition and a telemetry system. They type is used for performance, flying qualities, loads and stores certification exercises. The L-29 is powered by a Motorlet M701 turbojet and can attain a maximum Mach 0.785 and a ceiling of 36000 feet

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Civil EASA CAT-2
Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course
Flight Test Instrumentation Course

Sikorsky S-76C+

The Sikorsky S76C+ is an American medium-size commercial utility helicopter, manufactured by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The S76C+ features twin turboshaft engines, four-bladed main and tail rotors, and retractable landing gear.General characteristics

Crew: two
Capacity: 13 passengers
Length: 52 ft 6 in (16 m) from tip of main rotor to tip of tail rotor
Width: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) at horizontal stabilizer
Height: 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) to tip of tail rotor
Empty weight: 7,005 lb (3,177 kg) in utility configuration
Gross weight: 11,700 lb (5,306 kg)
Fuel capacity: 281 US gallons (1,064 liters), with 50 or 102 US gallons (189 or 386 liters) available in extra auxiliary tanks
Powerplant: Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2S1 Turboshaft, 871 Shp (650 kW)
Main rotor diameter: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)

Performance

Maximum speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) at maximum takeoff weight at sea level in standard atmospheric conditions
Cruise speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) maximum cruise speed is the same as maximum speed
Range: 411 nmi (473 mi, 761 km) no reserves, at long-range cruise speed at 4,000 ft altitude
Service ceiling: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)

Avionics

Honeywell four-tube EFIS and Collins Proline II avionics suite
Four-axis fully coupled autopilot
Integrated Instrument Display System (IIDS)
Honeywell ground proximity warning system
Honeywell Primus weather radar
Dual comm/nav radios
Automatic direction finder
Dual attitude and heading reference system and air data computers
Radio altimeter
Mode C transponder
Dual VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) and Instrument landing system (ILS)
Distance measuring equipment
Cockpit voice recorder

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Military EASA CAT-2

MBB Bo 105M

Green and red Bo-105M helicopter in hangar

An aircraft cockpit showing many large and small gauges, as well as control knobs, on a black interface.

Green and red MBB Bo105 helicopter test instrumentation

Green and red MBB Bo105 helicopter landing on tarmac.

Green and red MBB Bo105 helicopter flying at CYXU

Green and red MBB Bo105 helicopter flying over the water

Green and red MBB Bo105 helicopter flying over green landscape

Green and red MBB Bo105 helicopter cockpit

Green and red MBB Bo105 cockpit in the helicopter

The twin-turbine machine is an ideal test pilot school training platform due to its rigid main rotor head, which gives it great maneuverability and agility. The helicopter will be fully instrumented over the coming months for performance and flying qualities flight tests including a TM link.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Civil EASA CAT-2
Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course
Flight Test Instrumentation Course
Rotary Wing Flying Qualities Flight Tests
Operational Test and Evaluation Course

Bell 206B JetRanger

Blue and red Bell B106 helicopter in the hangar

Blue and red Bell B106 helicopter in hangar

Blue and red Bell B106 helicopter and green and red MBB Bo106 helicopter

Blue and red Bell B106 helicopter hovering over the ground.

Blue and red Bell B106 helicopter with other aircraft in the ITPS hangar.

Bell 206B JetRanger. This ubiquitous turbine training helicopter is in use by the Canadian Forces, US Army and numerous air arms around the world. The B206 is highly reliable and efficient ensuring smooth progression of the training.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Civil EASA CAT-2
Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course
Operational Test and Evaluation Course

Grumman HU-16 Albatross

The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is an amphibian flying boat which first flew in 1947. The type saw extensive service with a number of air forces around the world including the Royal Canadian Air Force. ITPS’s HU16 was procured to support the training of seaplane test pilots and has been equipped with sensors and data acquisition for performance and flying and on the water handling qualities testing. The aircraft is also equipped with an external video system to record water spray characteristics. The Grumman HU-16 Albatross has a maximum Take Off Weight 37,500 lb. It is powered by two Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone 9 nine-cylinder single-row air-cooled radial engines, producing 1,425 hp each. Its performance includes a maximum speed of 205 knots, cruise speed of 108 KIAS a service ceiling of 21500 ft and range of 2478 nm.

Beechcraft B60 Duke

Red and white Duke B60 airplane flying in the air.

BEECHCRAFT B60 DUKE

The B60 Duke is an American twin-engine aircraft with a pressurized cabin and two piston turbocharged engines. The aircraft features a very roomy cabin, glass cockpit, large aircraft feel, with benign handling qualities. The ITPS example is an early production model and has been fully instrumented for performance, flying qualities and loads flight tests. It has been equipped with telemetry and two flight test engineer stations allowing real time monitoring of key parameters. The B60 is powered by two Avco Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 flat-six piston engines of 380 hp each. Its performance features a maximum speed of 207 KIAS a range of 850 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 30,000 feet.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Civil EASA CAT-2
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Military EASA CAT-2
Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course
Introduction to Fixed Wing Performance and Flying Qualities Flight Testing
Introduction to Avionics Systems Flight Tests
Operational Test and Evaluation Course

Cirrus SR22

Red and white Cirrus-22 fixed wing plane in sky

The Cirrus SR22 is a four-seat all-composite general aviation aircraft first certified in 2000. The aircraft features a “glass cockpit” and autopilot. It is equipped with sidestick controls and a ballistic recovery parachute. The ITPS Cirrus is used for flight test techniques demonstrations as well as displays and avionics assessments. Onboard data acquisition allows recording of key parameters and repeater displays for the rear-seat crew member. The Cirrus is powered by a Continental IO-550-N of 310 hp endowing it with a Cruise speed: 183 KIAS a Range: 1,049 nm with reserves at 65% power and a Service ceiling of 17,500 ft.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Military EASA CAT-2
Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course
Introduction to Fixed Wing Performance and Flying Qualities Flight Testing
Introduction to UAS Flight Tests
Introduction to Avionics Systems Flight Tests
Operational Test and Evaluation Course

IAR-823 Brasov

Green and red Brassov airplane in hangar.

The IAR823 is a Romanian built military basic trainer. It is a four-seat metal construction aerobatic aircraft that first flew in 1974. The aircraft features conventional controls and an analogue cockpit. The IAR823 at ITPS is used for flight test techniques demonstrations for flight test engineers and spin testing demonstrations to pilots and engineers. Onboard data acquisition allows recording of key parameters and reconstruction of the spin post-flight. The IAR823 has a Maximum Take Off Weight of 3307 lb and is powered by a Lycoming IO-540-G1D5 air-cooled flat-six engine, producing 290 hp. The performance includes a maximum speed of 167 KIAS, range of 972 nm and a service ceiling of 18400. The airframe is stressed for +6, -3G.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1

Manned Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MRPA)

Manned remotely piloted aircraft. Grey and orange aircraft.

Grey and orange manned remote piloted aircraft

Manned remote piloted aircraft at International Test Pilots School

Students and flight test instructors with grey and orange manned remote piloted aircraft

Yellow gimbal on the bottom of a manned remote piloted aircraft

Medium Altitude Long Endurance surrogate
Representative GCS with RPA pilot and Payload Operator stations
Fully controllable from Ground Control Station (GCS)
Modern Electro Optic sensor package
Instrumented for flight testing

Courses

Introduction to UAS Flight Tests

UAV Fleet

Red and white unmanned aerial system sitting in a target.

Students receive training on the Albatross UAVs as well as Matrice 300RTK and Mavic 2ED Advanced sRPAS. These air vehicles have been under constant development to optimise them for flight test training missions. Students have the opportunity to conduct practical and test evaluations with a number of UAVs.

Courses

Introduction to UAS Flight Tests

Bombardier Challenger

An IPTS Challenger aircraft sitting on the tarmac.

A parked ITPS Challenger is refueled on the airport apron.

A sleek, parked ITPS Challenger is refueled on the airport apron.

The Bombardier Canadair Challenger 601 is a Canadian business jet able to accommodate 11 occupants. The aircraft first flew in 1978 and was certified in 1980. The aircraft employed by ITPS C-GORD provides an excellent test pilot training tool with a ceiling of 41000 feet and EFIS equipped cockpit including Flight Management System (FMS) autopilot and weather RADAR. The Challenger 601 has a maximum takeoff weight of 48200 lb. It is powered by two General Electric CF34-3B turbofans, of 9220 lbf thrust each. The aircraft’s performance Maximum speed of 490 KIAS, Mmo of M 0.85 a service ceiling of 41000 feet and range of 4000 nm with reserves.

This aircraft is owned and operated by FlightPath Charter a charter company based in the Region of Waterloo and is operated by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.

Embraer Phenom 100

The Embraer Phenom is a Brazilian very light jet (VLJ). It is a modern aircraft certified in 2007 and equipped with the Embraer Prodigy Touch Flight Deck. The aircraft employed by ITPS C-FLOX is well suited for civil test pilot training featuring modern avionics and autopilot and a useful performance envelope. The aircraft is regularly used for performance, flying qualities and avionics systems testing exercises. The EMB 500 has a Maximum Take Off Weight of 10,582 lb. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E turbofans. The aircraft’s performance includes a 405 KIAS cruise speed and an Mmo of M 0.7 a service ceiling of 41000 ft and range of 1,178 with reserves.

This aircraft is owned and operated by FlightPath Charter a charter company based in the Region of Waterloo and is operated by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.

Courses

Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1

Embraer Phenom 300

The Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 is a Brazilian light jet able to accommodate 11 occupants. The aircraft first flew in 2008 and was certified in 2009. The aircraft employed by ITPS C-FWTF provides an excellent test pilot training tool with a ceiling of 45000 feet and a modern airliner-like glass cockpit and systems, but with much lower operating costs resulting in outstanding training value. The EMB-505 has a maximum takeoff weight of 17,968 lb. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E turbofans, of 3,360 lbf thrust each. The aircraft’s performance Maximum speed of 450 KIAS, Mmo of M 0.79 a service ceiling of 45000 feet and range of 1971 nm with reserves. Belgian AF student pictured during his final project evaluation of the Phenom 300.

This aircraft is owned and operated by FlightPath Charter a charter company based in the Region of Waterloo and is operated by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.

Diamond DA42-L360

The Diamond DA42 is an all composite, four seat twin engine propeller aircraft. The aircraft features an innovative design and a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit with autopilot. The North American L-360 version is powered by Lycoming gasoline powered engine unlike the European version which is equipped with diesel engines. The aircraft is used at ITPS for Vmca determination demonstrations as well as for performance and flying qualities flight test techniques demonstrations and flight exercises. The glass cockpit also renders it useful for avionics systems and autopilot testing exercises. The DA-42 L360 has a Gross Weight of 3,748 lb and is powered by two Lycoming IO-360 of 180 hp each. The airplane performance includes a maximum speed of 192 KIAS, range of 914 nm and a service ceiling of 18000 ft.

Diamond DA20 C-1 Eclipse

A white DA20-01 aircraft flying in the sky.

The Diamond Aircraft DA-20 is a two seat all composite general aviation aircraft first flew in 1993. The aircraft features excellent visibility through an aft hinged bubble canopy It is equipped with conventional controls and an analogue cockpit. The DA20 at ITPS is used for flight test techniques demonstrations for flight test engineers and spin testing demonstrations to pilots and engineers. On board data acquisition allows recording of key parameters and reconstruction of the spin post-flight. The DA20 has a Gross weight of 1,764 lb and is powered by a Continental IO-240-B3B four cylinder horizontally opposed piston aircraft engine of 125 hp. The performance includes a cruise speed of 138 KIAS, range of 547 nm and a service ceiling of 13120 ft.

Agusta-Westland AW119Ke Koala

An eight-seat utility helicopter powered by a single turbo-shaft engine for the civil market. Used for Performance, Flying Qualities, test techniques instruction, evaluations/data flights, PORTABLE FLIGHT DATA RECORDER (PFDR), 128 parameters, in flight monitoring of selected parameters.

Eurocopter AS355 TwinStar

Used for Performance, Flying Qualities, test techniques instruction evaluations/data flights, PORTABLE FLIGHT DATA RECORDER (PFDR), 128 parameters, in-flight monitoring of selected parameters.