ITPS Celebrates the Achievements of Graduating Students

The International Test Pilots School (ITPS) held its Graduation Gala on Friday, December 12, 2025, celebrating the achievements of an outstanding group of flight test professionals.

The evening honoured graduates from the EASA Category-2 Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing programs, the Aerosystems course, as well as our Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering students. Staff, students and guests gathered for a memorable evening of fellowship and celebration.

We were honoured to have representatives from the students’ sponsoring organizations present certificates to the graduates, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the ceremony. For students whose sponsors were unable to attend in person, special congratulatory video messages were shared.

The evening featured a keynote address by Air Vice Marshal (retd) Mark Skidmore AM, Royal Australian Air Force (retd). His message to the students was simple and memorable: “Just have fun.” Drawing on personal stories from his long and distinguished flying career, Air Vice Marshal Skidmore shared experiences from a wide range of aircraft, including the F-14A, F-4S, T-38, T-2, Otter, Beaver, OV-1B, X-36, Kiowa, and Black Hawk. He encouraged the graduates to remain curious throughout their careers, to work hard with integrity and discipline, and to always remember to enjoy the privilege and responsibility of flight test work.

Capt. Hampus Nilsson, FMV, delivered a valedictorian address that highlighted students’ hard work, the strong sense of community they built, and the lifelong friendships they have formed, while emphasizing the unique experience of students from many countries coming together and forging lasting bonds.

An Honorary Master of Science degree was awarded to Mr. Giuseppe Afruni for his lifetime achievements as an experimental test pilot in the Italian Navy and leadership of several Leonardo Helicopter flight test programs, including the NH90, AW119, AW109 and AW169 aircraft.

Executive Chairman, Giorgio Clementi, gave a toast to our graduates before CEO Dave Lohse delivered closing remarks.

The importance of community and continuous professional development within the flight test profession was highlighted by the attendance of Kelly Latimer, President of The Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and Jeffrey Canclini, President of the Society of Flight Test Engineers.

Our graduates have completed comprehensive and demanding flight test training programs, demonstrating exceptional dedication, integrity, technical expertise, and professionalism. As they return home, they do so as highly competent flight test professionals, ready to contribute at the highest levels of the aerospace industry.

ITPS warmly congratulates all of our graduates and wishes them continued success as they begin the next chapter of their flight test careers.