ITPS has developed a unique training program that combines online learning, in-person instruction at ITPS, and hands-on training at a student’s flight test centre. This hybrid approach is designed to provide a flexible and comprehensive learning experience that meets the diverse needs of the aviation industry. The program begins with online modules allowing students to gain a strong theoretical foundation in flight test methods, including risk management, flight test planning, and compliance with military and civil airworthiness regulations. This online component ensures students can learn at their own pace, mastering essential concepts before transitioning to more practical, hands-on training. Milestone assessments are provided.
Following the online portion, students attend in-person instruction at ITPS, where they engage in more advanced classroom learning and flight simulation exercises. This phase allows students to build on their theoretical knowledge and apply it in controlled, risk-free environments. Students can practice test scenarios through flight simulators, refine their decision-making abilities, and understand how various aircraft behaviours influence flight test operations. The ITPS facility provides an ideal environment for learning advanced techniques and for students to interact with instructors and peers, further honing their skills in a collaborative setting.
The program’s final phase takes place at a student’s flight test centre, where they gain practical, real-world experience conducting flight tests under the supervision of experienced flight test instructors. In this hands-on training phase, students apply everything they’ve learned in online and in-person modules, executing test plans, gathering data, assessing aircraft performance, and evaluating systems in actual flight conditions. Working at their flight test centre allows students to experience the challenges and complexities of flight testing in the real-world environment they will encounter in their professional careers. This comprehensive, multi-stage training program equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in the demanding field of flight testing, from theoretical knowledge to practical expertise.
Modules Covered but not limited to:
- Flight Test Fundamentals – ON
- Fixed Wing Performance Flight Test – ON
- Fixed Wing Flying Qualities Flight Test – ON
- Avionics Systems Flight Test – ON
Admission Requirements:
- Engineering Degree is strongly recommended
- Valid Class 4 Pilot Medical required to fly as crew
- Age limit: There is no hard age limit, but it is generally recommended that candidates be no older than 40 years of age
- Excellent verbal and written English skills are essential
The new facility features a 27,000 sq.ft. hangar, big enough to house ITPS’s expanding fleet of aircraft. The administration and classroom building have been extended by 15,000 square feet and feature six additional classrooms, a simulator centre, a state of the art Telemetry Room, additional student facilities and change rooms. The new building features additional briefing rooms, a flight crew ready room and much enlarged canteen area.
CYXU is a modern regional airport 5 nm north east of the city of London, Ontario. The airport is an international gateway airport with direct flights from Chicago and Detroit and Immigration and Customs facilities. It is as of 2009 the 20th busiest airport in Canada, which makes for efficient school operations with little to no delays due to traffic. The airport is south of Toronto and outside the Toronto (CYYZ) FIR and has close access to large sections of Class E and G airspace minimizing transit times for the execution of flight exercises which can be flown up to FL180 on a VFR flight plan but are Controlled VFR (CVFR) with flight control by Toronto Center above 12000 feet. Two dedicated test areas Delta and Juliet a low altitude one to 12000 and a high altitude one over Lake Huron, up to FL350, north west of London may be used by the school under an agreement with NAV Canada, the Canadian Air Traffic Control Authority. The school therefore enjoys a very favourable air traffic environment for its training operations.
The Best for the Best
With exposure to the latest technological avionics on rotary and fixed wing aircraft, and access to Southwestern Ontario’s vast airspace, those that enter our programs exit ready to participate safely and effectively in real-world test and evaluation projects.
To produce first-class test pilots, our highly qualified team of experts instruct using a unique approach to flight training. Innovative and responsive, all programs are tailored to meet the individual customer’s need and reflect lessons learned during many years of testing airplanes and helicopters around the world.
