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ITPS wins contract to train RCAF test pilots, engineers


September 22, 2020  By Wings Staff

ITPS of London, Ontario, holds a diverse fleet of training aircraft, including 11 jet trainers, two transonic fighter trainers, a heavy seaplane and a variety of helicopters. (Photo: ITPS

International Test Pilots School has been awarded a contract to train Royal Canadian Air Force test pilots and flight test engineers. After an international competition for the contract, International Test Pilots School (ITPS) was ranked first in a bid for a Standing Offer to train personnel from the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE).

Currently based at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, AETE is the developmental and engineering testing arm and flight test provider for the Canadian Armed Forces. The organization is responsible for evaluating new systems slated for installation on all Canadian military aircraft.

Selected Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots and engineers will undergo periodic training at ITPS, the only fully accredited and internationally recognized school of flight testing in Canada. ITPS is one of only four European Aviation Safety Agency-approved flight test training organizations for both fixed- and rotary-wing test pilots.

“We are delighted that the RCAF joins the growing number of NATO and industry customers that choose ITPS as a training provider for their flight test crews,” said Giorgio Clementi, president, ITPS. “Test pilots and flight test engineers will receive world-class training from our expert instructors. Our diverse fleet of training aircraft, including 11 jet trainers, two transonic fighter trainers, a heavy seaplane and a variety of helicopters, will provide the breadth of experience essential for future flight testers.”

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The Standing Offer awarded to ITPS will be in effect for three years, with an option to extend the training agreement for two additional one-year periods.

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