U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School - Selection Process

Selection Process

• Admission into the USAF TPS is clearly extremely competitive, with thousands of pilots to select from. The best and the brightest of the available thousands compete to attend this School. It is not uncommon for potential students to have been alternates two or three times before being accepted.
• civilians are also permitted and encouraged to apply for the long course program
• Prospective students should provide AF Form 1711, USAF Test Pilot School Application, plus additional forms specific to a) USAF Pilot/Navigator, b) Experimental FTE, and c) Civilian applicant for the selection board.
• Experimental FTE and civilian applicants are required to undergo a flying Class III physical prior to the TPS selection board
• Applications must be received by Special Flying Programs Section HQ AFPC/DPAOT3 no later than 45 days before the selection boards meets. USAF selection boards are held once a year at the Headquarters of the Air Force Personnel Center. The boards are normally held in November and the board selects the TPS two classes for the next year. It is at this point that AFIT-TPS students, and students for foreign TPS schools are also selected. The USAF TPS Commandant Chairs the Chair of the Board. Board members consist of a HQ AFPC Colonel, and at least a majority of the board members must be TPS graduates (Majors or Lieutenant Colonels) who are standing flight test squadron commanders. The AFMC/DO selects board members.