SFTE

That's a wrap on the 37th Society of Flight Test Engineers European Symposium in Berlin, Germany. More than 100 flight test professionals came together from around the world for four days of technical exchange, professional recognition, and community building.

Organizations such as DLR, Airbus, Leonardo, NLR, ITPS, ETPS, INTA, Myriad, Gulfstream, BAE Systems, Indian Air Force, TAI, Politecnico di Milano presented around the theme “Dreams and Hard Realities in Flight Test — Dream Big, Test Harder."

At the Awards Banquet, Lyssandre Ramos was recognized for Best Presentation for his work on cost-effective flutter testing methods for general aviation. Sebastian Rommel was presented with a Directors Award for his work as Treasurer of the European SFTE Chapter. SFTE President Jeff Canclini also announced Tom Esser of Boeing as the recipient of the Empire Test Pilots’ School scholarship.

✉️ A message from the President ✉️

To view the full message check your email or look under the 'News' tab on the website.

You can share your thoughts directly to President Jeffrey Canclini by joining the 28 May President’s Office Hours to discuss these or any other topics important to the future of SFTE.

Fellow Nominations Close on May 31st - don't delay, nominate a deserving Flight Tester for this incredible recognition today!

Submit your nomination here:https://members.sfte.org/members/form_edit.php?org_id=SFTE&fid=10011525

SFTE had a busy week on the West Coast!

The board of directors gathered in Seattle, WA to discuss the current and future state of the society, grab a drink with Seattle Chapter leaderships, and get short and long term society goals in order.

Board members, Jeffrey Canclini and Kenneth Katz, also spoke that the Society of Experimental Test Pilots Northwest Symposium.

Flight Testers gathered in Wichita on April 10th to share their experiences and make connections at the joint SFTE and SETP Central Section Symposium, hosted by Textron Aviation.

Presentations by teams from Bombardier, Boeing and Textron Aviation were shared, along with presentations by both SFTE and SETP board members on the continued forward progress being made by both societies. In addition, around 20 students from local universities were invited to join and learn more about potential careers in Flight Testing.

The day ended with presentation of the annual Lloyd C Stearman Award for Best Paper to SFTE Member Ryan Grabman and SETP Fellow Ed Grabman for their presentation of "Pegasus: The Flight Test Safety Paradox", which can be viewed at the 2025 SFTE Symposium Page.

Thanks to all who supported and coordinated the highly successful event!

We're hyped to announce that nominations are now officially open for the 2026 Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) Awards! Any active member of SFTE may submit a nomination.

The Nomination Deadline is July 31st 2026. Winners will be announced and honored later this year at our Annual International Symposium Awards Banquet in North Texas!

The European Chapter Symposium in Berlin, Germany is coming up soon, and there's still time to book your hotel room at a discounted rate!

For more information visit: https://europe.sfte.org/home

SFTE President, Jeffrey Canclini, visited Embraer’s Flight Test Center in Gavião Peixoto—an impressive operation featuring a 15,000-ft runway, expansive airspace. The facility supports testing and assembly of a broad portfolio, including the E-Jet family (E175, E190-E2, E195-E2), Praetor business jets, KC-390, F-39 Grippen, Super Tucano, and emerging eVTOL platforms.

Engagement with Embraer’s flight test team highlighted a disciplined five-year FTE development model and innovative training through the Sirius program.

Appreciation to Alexandre Figueiredo, Jens Wentz, and the Embraer team for their outstanding hospitality and collaboration.

SFTE is abroad!

President, Jeffrey Canclini, had a memorable visit to the Air Force Research and Testing Institute (IPEV) in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

IPEV is a long-standing SFTE corporate member and strong supporter of SFTE. While visiting we...
● Learned about the remarkable history of Brazilian flight testing, which began in 1906.
● Toured IPEV's impressive facilities and see their test aircraft.
● Met with 70+ IPEV testers, including the co-located EVEF (Test Pilot School) students and faculty.

SFTE hosted a fantastic session to introduce our latest programs and services and discuss opportunities to strengthen our partnership.

Our sincere thanks to General Benitez, IPEV Director Col Sampaio, and Dr. Nelson Leite for their gracious hospitality.

Today is International Women's Day, and we're honoring all women in aviation.

The women who helped pave the way for a new generation of engineers, the women who continue to inspire and better this industry, and the women who are just beginning to dream about a career in aviation.

With a special thanks to the women of SFTE who make our society a stronger organization.