FTE Scholarships

The Society of Flight Test Engineers is thrilled to support an extraordinary scholarship opportunity designed to advance the professional growth of Flight Test Engineers.

Thanks to the support of our partner test pilot schools for the second year running, we are offering opportunities for junior SFTE Members to attend an FTE short course at these prestigious institutions at no cost.

  • International Test Pilots School (ITPS)
  • National Test Pilot School (NTPS)
  • Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS)

The 2026 ITPS and 2026 NTPS scholarship winners will be announced on October 29th at the SFTE International Symposium in Texas.  Winners will be notified 3 weeks in advance. Applications close on September 25th 2026.

The 2026 ETPS winner will be announced at the 2027 International Symposium in the U.K. 

Previous years' winners are shown below:


2026 ETPS Scholarship Winner

Tom EsserM

Winner was announced at the 2026 European Symposium in Berlin.

2025 ITPS Scholarship Winner

James MaxwellSM

ITPS Scholarship 2025 Award Winner James Maxwell

2025 NTPS Scholarship Winner

David HadleyM

2025 NTPS Scholarship Winner David Hadley

What’s on offer?

For each scholarship 1 lucky SFTE member will be selected to attend a short course—tuition free—at one of these world-renowned institutions, each a global leader in flight test training. This is a rare chance to sharpen your skills, broaden your horizons, and train alongside top-tier professionals in our field.

Plus...

SFTE will reimburse each recipient up to $1,000 for travel and lodging costs (subject to Terms and Conditions below).

Who Can Apply?

  • Current SFTE Members in good standing (Fellows, Senior, Affiliate, and Student Members are not eligible. See below for full eligibility details)
  • Newly approved members may apply
  • Selection: Random drawing among eligible applicants

These scholarships align with SFTE's goal to elevate FTE standards across aerospace companies and organizations as outlined in the SFTE Recommended Practices program.  We hope that they serve as a model to galvanize other organizations to follow suit.

Apply Here

Terms and Conditions:

  • The FTE Scholarship is open to SFTE Members in good standing as detailed below.
  • Applicants are required to be current paid members. 
  • Student, Affiliate, Senior, and Fellow Members, Test Pilot School Graduates, Test Pilot School Employees (from any school), SFTE International Board Members, and past SFTE scholarship winners are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants should be currently employed in a flight test role or seeking a role in flight test. 
  • Applications must be made via the online form at the link provided. Email or other means of application will not be accepted. Only a single application may be submitted per member. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility by the International Board of Directors, whose decision on eligibility shall be final.
  • Eligible applicants will be randomly selected, with a winner and alternate being selected for each available scholarship. This drawing will be conducted and supervised by SFTE International Board Members.
  • Winning applicants must attend one of the eligible courses within 12 months of the award being made (subject to availability). Course availability will be at the discretion of the awarding School. If the winner is unable to attend the course within 12 months, the award will transfer to the alternate.
  • The recipient will be required to go through and meet the awarding school's enrollment criteria, process, and agreements.
  • SFTE will reimburse the winning applicant with up to $1000 (USD) to be used for travel and lodging not covered by their employer. Receipts must be submitted. Please note that this may not cover the entire cost, and applicants are responsible for self-funding any remaining balance. The stipend provided may be taxable, and SFTE will issue a 1099-MISC to the awardee. SFTE takes no responsibility for any taxes incurred, and applicants should consult a tax professional if they have any questions.
  • Winning applicants shall be responsible for ensuring they have permission to enter and conduct the course in the country of the awarding TPS should they not be resident in that country. SFTE, ETPS, NTPS and ITPS shall bear no responsibility to provide support for visa issuance if required.
  • The winning applicant will be able to attend a short course defined by the school at zero tuition cost. Courses which include a flying portion will require the awardee to hold a FAA Class 3 Flight Physical (or local equivalent).
  • The recipient shall not hold SFTE, ETPS, ITPS or NTPS liable for injury or death which may occur.
  • The recipient shall grant SFTE, ETPS, NTPS and ITPS permission to utilize photographs, video and other media of them to promote their respective organizations.