The Society of Experimental Test Pilots is an international organization that seeks to promote air safety and contributes to aeronautical advancement by promoting sound aeronautical design and development; interchanging ideas, thoughts and suggestions of the members, assisting in the professional development of experimental pilots, and providing scholarships and aid to members and the families of deceased members.

SETP Fellow James "JB" Brown Past 1,000 Flight Hours in Raptor

SETP Fellow James "JB" Brown - Raptor Test Pilot
Jets Past 1,000 Flight Hours

James “JB” Brown gets a “cold” reception James "JB" Brown in the cockpit of the the F-22 Raptor
after landing from a flight where he surpassed
1,000 flight hours in an F-22 Raptor.

What distinction does James “JB” Brown have that no other F-22 Raptor test pilot has? More than 1,000 flight hours in the Raptor, that’s what.

Brown, who is the Lockheed Martin F-22 chief test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif., surpassed the momentous milestone on April 6. He was feted for his achievement with a dosing of cold water from teammates at Edwards AFB, immediately upon landing.

Logging a significant amount of hours in a fighter cockpit isn’t anything unique for Brown, who has 950-plus hours flying F-4s and F-117s. But, it was the stealthy F-22 Raptor that established new personal and company records.

He’s been flying the Raptor for Lockheed Martin since 2002. Previous to this, he flew the F-117 for the company as a test pilot. Brown joined Lockheed Martin in 1994 after 14 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew F-4s, F-5s and F-15s.
Brown and the Raptor have spent a lot of time together, which is why the delivery of the last raptor – tail number 4195 – on May 2 is yet another milestone for him.

“One of best parts of this job is watching the F-22 Raptor mature and progress,” Brown said, adding that he will be in Marietta for the final delivery.

Brown continues to fly F-22s at Edwards AFB and log more hours – which is just one of the reasons he said he loves his job.

“[With this job], you never have the same two days in a row,” he said. “Plus, flying the F-22 Raptor is just plain cool.”

Source: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/features/2012/f22-1000-hours.html
Gerald Baker receives Fellows Certificate
Gerald Baker was part of the 2011 class of SETP Fellows but was unable to attend the Awards Banquet last September. Jim Richmond accepted the certificate at the Banquet on his behalf and made the presentation to Gerry after the event.
First flight of the RR Trent XWB engine mounted on the wing of the A380 Msn001, F-WWOW

First flight of the RR Trent XWB engine mounted on the wing of the A380 Msn001, F-WWOW

The pilots for this flight were Terry Lutz (AF) and Frank Chapman (AF).

View the Press Release for full details.
SETP Members honored
Neil Armstrong (F), Buzz Aldrin (M), Michael Collins (F), and John Glenn (F) were all honored with Congressional Gold Medals at a ceremony in the US Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, 16 November for their accomplishments in space. Visit this link for photos and to read more.
Community Service Award

On Saturday June 25^th 2011, The Society of Experimental Test Pilots was honored at the Lancaster & Rosamond Chambers of Commerce 108^th Annual Installation Banquet. The annual event is held to pay tribute to the outgoing Chairperson, Board of Directors, and other Chamber of Commerce officers and to install the incoming Chairperson, Board and other officers. This year, the Society was among five Community Service Awards that also honored the Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Edwards Air Force Base. The Society of Experimental Test Pilots was presented this prestigious award for our generous contributions to the Antelope Valley community service organizations, advancement of aerospace technology, and efforts to foster academic advancement of the local student population. Both the outgoing Chairman Mark Davey, and the incoming Chairwoman Jacqueline Owens promised continued support and cooperation with SETP. The combined Chambers are hoping to sponsor an Antelope Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival and hope that part of the proceeds can be used to help build a museum for SETP and Edwards Air Force Base. In addition, they also hope to bring the Unlimited Air Races back to the AV and request our help and support with this effort. It is an honor for the Society of Experimental Test Pilots to be acknowledged and awarded this honor by the community.