Presidents Message - February 2012
Fellow Flight Testers and Members of the Society of Flight Test Engineers:
Happy New Year!
A Happy New Year to Flight Testers around the world! 2011 saw many Flight Test Milestones for a number of programs. Some of you are ramping up for new programs and some of you are wrapping up programs, while others of you are still in-between. Participation in SFTE events helps us in all the above stages of life in Flight Test. The presentations at the SFTE Symposium in Seattle are a fine example of how continuing to broaden our experience and knowledge base are great ways to improve our effectiveness for ourselves and our employers.
Happy New Web Site!
SFTE has a revamped and updated web site, rolled out at this year’s Symposium in Seattle! One new feature is the SFTE Forums are now in the public section for all visitors. Previously, the Forums were in the Members Only Section. The Technical Council and the Board of Directors felt that more exposure would improve communication and the benefit of the Forums. Check out the new SFTE web site at www.sfte.org!
It’s an Election Year for SFTE!
Not to steal thunder from the US Elections, but SFTE will be holding elections for the Board of Directors this year. I have enjoyed the opportunities that have been afforded me by serving on the SFTE Board and as President. Those of you that have joined us at SFTE Symposia and other SFTE Functions have seen that we have fun while we fulfill our duties to the Society. Serving also has helped many of us with professional advancement – so I ask you to consider running for office or nominating somebody for office. You can send nominations to our Executive Director Margaret Drury at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; please submit your nominations by April 1st.
Strong SFTE Membership
It’s a new year, and that means membership fees are due. In all the hustle and bustle and excitement of a flight test program, I can see where renewing membership can slip through the cracks. The number of professionals in SFTE is quite admirable, and helps the Society support the Membership with all the benefits of membership. If you haven’t already, please renew your membership – it’s easy to do online… Just login to Manage Your Account, and click renew. To those that have already renewed, thank you!
By keeping your membership up to date, we are able to keep you posted with the latest information. Keeping your membership current also helps you advance in SFTE, should you consider upgrading from Associate to Full or from Full to Senior member.
SFTE continues to be a well run, not-for-profit organization with a primary mission of serving its members. The contributions of SFTE and the benefits offered by SFTE are possible thanks to thevolunteer efforts such as those of your Board of Directors, Chapter Officers and members of the annual Symposium Committees.
Through strong membership levels, we are able to provide services to you and help our employers, customers and regulators recognize the voice of Flight Test Engineers around the world. Thank you all for helping us make this a fine society that serves one of the finest professions in the world: Flight Test Engineering!
Wishing you safe, successful and enjoyable testing,
Pete Donath
SFTE President
