Congratulations to the latest ITPS Graduating Class!
Congratulations to the latest ITPS Graduating Class!
On June 11, 2026, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our Masters EASA Category 1 Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Test Pilot and Lead Flight Test Engineer programs, EASA Category 2 Fixed Wing Lead Flight Test Engineer program, and Master of Science program at the International Test Pilots School. Many of our Category 1 graduates also earned their Master of Science degree, marking an exceptional academic and professional achievement.
The evening featured an inspiring keynote address from John “Toonces” Tougas, a Boeing Experimental Test Pilot currently based at Patuxent River, Maryland and former President of The Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He spoke about the importance of safety, humility, professional growth, and remaining connected to the flight test community throughout one’s career.
Another highlight of the evening was the valedictorian speech by two graduates, which began with a staged “forgotten final project” before turning into a highly entertaining and interactive presentation titled “Suitability Evaluation Following ITPS Exposure for the Role of Test Pilot School Graduate.” It was a clever, funny, and memorable tribute to the graduating class experience.
Special guests included sponsors, family and members of the graduating class, as well as flight test safety audit team members Art Tomassetti, Rod Huete, and Walter Istchenko.
Thank you to ITPS Head of Training, Thiago Macedo, for serving as MC and CEO Dave Lohse for closing the evening with final comments and best wishes to the graduates.
To our graduates: congratulations on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to following your continued contributions to flight test, aerospace safety, and operational excellence around the world. You are now part of the ITPS family.
