International Test Pilots School (ITPS)

ITPS Canada - Innovative Flight Test Training for Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers | Redefining the Training Pipeline for Fighter Pilots and Tactical Aviators

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Behind every flight test sortie is a disciplined process of preparation, analysis and learning.

At the International Test Pilots School, simulation is an essential part of how we prepare flight test professionals for complex aircraft, advanced systems and real-world test environments.

The Advanced Aircraft Simulation Centre team brings together expertise in aerospace engineering, simulation technology and technical operations to help turn theory into practical understanding before students step into the aircraft.

Simulation allows students to explore aircraft behaviour, practise test techniques, rehearse missions, evaluate systems and develop decision-making skills in a controlled environment. It enhances safety, improves learning efficiency, and supports the operational excellence required in flight testing.

Thank you to the Advanced Aircraft Simulation Centre team for the expertise, innovation and collaboration they bring to ITPS training every day.

#ITPSCanada #FlightTest #TestPilot #FlightTestEngineer #AerospaceTraining #Simulation #AerospaceEngineering #OperationalExcellence #Safety #Innovation

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Congratulations to James Maxwell, Flight Test Operations Manager at https://t.co/DwUEKmdPwb, recipient of the Society of Flight Test Engineers short course scholarship generously donated by the International Test Pilots School.

James chose to attend the Introduction to Flight Test Rotary Wing course this week at the ITPS campus in London, Ontario, gaining exposure to rotary-wing flight test principles, techniques, and instruction from experienced flight test professionals.

In James’s words:
“I was incredibly grateful to receive the ITPS Short Course Scholarship through SFTE and am currently attending ITPS’s Introduction to Rotary-Wing Flight Test course.

Although I’ve been fortunate enough to accumulate significant flight test experience with fixed-wing aircraft and airships, I’ve never had the opportunity to attend a formal test pilot school or conduct flight testing on rotorcraft. The course has already provided several key benefits, including a refresher on flight test techniques and the first principles that underpin them, exposure to the rotary-wing flight test discipline, and opportunities to learn from experienced instructors as well as fellow flight test professionals.

Combined with ITPS’s excellent facilities and beautiful campus, it has been a valuable and rewarding experience so far. I would highly recommend ITPS to anyone looking to build or sharpen their flight test knowledge. Thank you to SFTE and ITPS for making this opportunity possible!”

ITPS is proud to support the next generation of flight test professionals through training opportunities that advance excellence, innovation, collaboration, and safety in aerospace training.

We will be offering a short-course scholarship through SFTE again in 2026, as well as introducing the "Clementi Family Scholarship," which provides full tuition funding for one student enrolled in the ITPS Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering program at ITPS.

Thank you to the Society of Flight Test Engineers for helping make this short course scholarship possible, and congratulations again to James.
#ITPSCanada #SFTE #FlightTestEngineer #FlightTest #Aerospace #Scholarship

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Last week, the International Test Pilots School hosted senior flight test professionals Rod Huete, Art Tomassetti, Wally Istchenko in London to undertake a Flight Test Safety Audit, along with Terry Lutz who joined remotely. Commissioned by ITPS Executive Chairman Giorgio Clementi and CEO Dave Lohse, the audit team conducted document reviews, numerous interviews and were provided with a tour of our facilities. The invaluable feedback from Rod and the team will help ensure our Safety Management System, policies and processes remain aligned with industry best practice. Whilst in London, they also managed to attend the dinner for our graduating class. Thank you gentlemen for supporting this highly worthwhile initiative!

#flighttestsafety

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Congratulations to the latest ITPS Graduating Class!

On June 11, 2026, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our Masters EASA Category 1 Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Test Pilot and Lead Flight Test Engineer programs, EASA Category 2 Fixed Wing Lead Flight Test Engineer program, and Master of Science program at the International Test Pilots School. Many of our Category 1 graduates also earned their Master of Science degree, marking an exceptional academic and professional achievement.

The evening featured an inspiring keynote address from John “Toonces” Tougas, a Boeing Experimental Test Pilot currently based at Patuxent River, Maryland and former President of The Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He spoke about the importance of safety, humility, professional growth, and remaining connected to the flight test community throughout one’s career.

Another highlight of the evening was the valedictorian speech by two graduates, which began with a staged “forgotten final project” before turning into a highly entertaining and interactive presentation titled “Suitability Evaluation Following ITPS Exposure for the Role of Test Pilot School Graduate.” It was a clever, funny, and memorable tribute to the graduating class experience.

Special guests included sponsors, family and members of the graduating class, as well as flight test safety audit team members Art Tomassetti, Rod Huete, and Walter Istchenko.

Thank you to ITPS Head of Training, Thiago Macedo, for serving as MC and CEO Dave Lohse for closing the evening with final comments and best wishes to the graduates.

To our graduates: congratulations on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to following your continued contributions to flight test, aerospace safety, and operational excellence around the world. You are now part of the ITPS family.

#ITPSCanada #FlightTest #Aerospace #TestPilots #FlightTestEngineering #AviationSafety #AerospaceTraining #Graduation2026

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Dave Lohse and Williams Grac take on the SU-29: teamwork in every manoeuvre.

Flying the SU-29 demands precision, discipline, and trust. This high-performance aerobatic aircraft challenges pilots to communicate clearly, coordinate effectively, and make sound flight test decisions in a dynamic flight environment.

Every flight strengthens advanced aircraft handling and brings two of the International Test Pilots School’s values into action: collaboration and safety. These values are essential in how we train, operate, and prepare flight test professionals to support advanced aerospace programs with sound judgment and safe execution.

#ITPSCanada #AerospaceTraining #FlightTest #Aviation #Teamwork #Collaboration #Safety #Innovation

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

A new space for connection, collaboration, and community at ITPS!

We’re excited to introduce the new ITPS Student Hub, a dedicated space designed for students to recharge, refocus, and connect between training activities.

The Hub offers tables and chairs for meals or a quick snack, study carrels for quiet work on coursework and reports, and comfortable seating where students can share successes, challenges, and conversations with their peers.

To celebrate the opening, we brought the ITPS community together for our first BBQ of the season, featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, and vegetarian options served from a local food truck at ITPS.

A great space, great food, and a great opportunity to celebrate the students who are at the heart of our training community.

#ITPSCanada #studenthub #AerospaceTraining #flighttest #testpilots #flighttestengineering #studentlife #aviationtraining #aerospace #learningenvironment

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

As International Test Pilots School (ITPS) flight test operations remain in London, and we move our tactical division, the International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC), to North Bay, we are grateful for the opportunity to share this next chapter with the community.

Thank you to @CTV and Dave Lohse for helping highlight the importance of community support as ITPS Canada continues to grow our aerospace training capabilities in Ontario.

This move reflects our commitment to operational excellence, innovation, safety, and collaboration while supporting advanced tactical training, regional economic development, and Canada’s aerospace ecosystem.

We look forward to building strong partnerships in North Bay while continuing our world-class flight test training operations in London. ✈️ 🇨🇦 🤝

#ITPSCanada #FlightTest #TacticalTraining #NorthBay #LdnOnt #Community #OperationalExcellence #SovereignCapability #Canada

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Girls in Aviation Day 2026 at London International Airport was an inspiring celebration of the many career pathways available to girls and young women in aviation.

ITPS Canada was proud to return once again in support of this important event, with students and staff sharing their own aviation journeys and helping demonstrate that a career in flight test is within reach.

Calaya Corneli, a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering student at ITPS, spoke with media and students about her path from Queen’s University, where she completed a four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree, to ITPS, where she is now completing her Master of Science program. Graduates from ITPS have gone on to careers with many of the world’s leading civil aircraft manufacturers.

Daniele Trozzi, an EASA Category 1 student, also represented ITPS and did an outstanding job explaining the S-76 helicopter on display.

Our growing UAS fleet was also represented, complete with our newly developed Ground Control Station. Displays included the SYPAQ Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System and the Freespace Operations Callisto-50 heavy-lift multirotor RPAS.

Aircraft on display included the L-39 jet trainer and S-76 helicopter.

We are proud of our students and staff volunteers for stepping up, sharing their knowledge, and inspiring the next generation. Through our Master of Science program and EASA Category 1/2 compliant courses, ITPS continues to help open the door to meaningful careers in flight test and aerospace.

#ITPSCanada #GirlsInAviationDay #AviationCareers #FlightTest #AerospaceTraining #STEM

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Great day at The @SETP_ORG Canadian Section Symposium last Friday in Ottawa.

Events like this are a reminder of how valuable the flight test community really is. The opportunity to learn from so many experienced flight test professionals, hear such a wide range of thoughtful and technically interesting presentations, and connect with both familiar faces and new colleagues is something we never take for granted.

A special congratulations to our own Bennett Leong, who received the award for Best Presentation for his presentation on ITPS Canada’s Advanced Controls Evaluator, ACE. ACE represents an important step forward in advanced flight test training, combining variable stability, active inceptors, modern avionics, programmable cockpit interfaces, and advanced flight control law evaluation into a unique in-flight laboratory for future test pilots and flight test engineers.

More than an aircraft upgrade, ACE reflects ITPS Canada’s broader commitment to staying at the forefront of flight test training and applied R&D. It is designed to give students hands-on exposure to advanced flying qualities, Fly-By-Wire concepts, control law evaluation, pilot-vehicle interface design, and the technologies shaping the future of aviation.

Thank you to the SETP Canadian Section for hosting a strong symposium and for continuing to bring together a community built on experience, professionalism, curiosity, and a shared commitment to advancing flight test.

Proud of Bennett, proud of the team, and grateful to be part of this community.

#ITPSCanada #flighttest #teamwork #collaboration #SETP #excellence

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

ITPS welcomes Peter Scheidler to the team!

Peter brings more than four decades of aerospace engineering, flight test, and operational experience to the International Test Pilots School. His career spans senior leadership roles across the civil and military aviation industries, including Vertical Aerospace, Leonardo Helicopters, Textron, and Bell. He also served as a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and flight instructor with the UH-1N operational training squadron.

With thousands of flight hours and hands-on involvement in the development and testing of advanced aircraft, including tiltrotor and eVTOL platforms, Peter brings a disciplined, safety-focused approach grounded in flight test operations, systems engineering, and risk management.

He is looking forward to sharing lessons learned from his work in powered lift and eVTOL development and certification, particularly as many of today’s flight-testing programs face complex regulatory and technological challenges, often within organizations that lack decades of development experience. “My goal is to help the pilots and flight test engineers supporting these programs apply those lessons in ways that make their work safer, more effective and more productive,” said Scheidler.

Peter will be expanding ITPS eVTOL courseware and training programmes to support our growing UAS capability and our mission to enhance global security through innovative aerospace solutions.

In a field where precision, judgment, and experience are critical, Peter’s contribution strengthens ITPS’s commitment to delivering world-class flight test education and leading the future of aerospace training through operational excellence.

#ITPSCanada #OperationalExcellence #Aerospace #FlightTestEngineer #eVTOL #AAM #Uncrewed #Academics

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

The future of flight test training is taking shape in Ottawa tomorrow.

The International Test Pilots School is looking forward to connecting with Canada’s flight test community and global attendees at The @SETP_ORG Canadian Flight Test Symposium tomorrow.

Members of our leadership team and expert instructors will be on-site to discuss how we integrate rigorous academics, advanced flight test technology, and operationally focused instruction to develop test pilots and flight test engineers for increasingly complex aerospace programs.

Bennett Leong, Project Lead at ITPS, will also be presenting “Flight Test Preparation for the ACE Aircraft,” highlighting work on the Advanced Controls Evaluator (ACE) and its role in the evolution of ITPS Canada’s Variable Stability Simulator jet program.

Meet with us to learn how ITPS Canada’s 5th Gen Surrogate Training Aircraft (5STA), advanced simulation capabilities, and flight test training programs support safety, innovation and collaboration across the aerospace community as we help lead the future of aerospace training through operational excellence.

#ITPSCanada #FlightTest #Safety #TestPilot #FlightTestEngineer #AdvancedTechnology #StudyInCanada

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

The future of tactical aviation training starts now.

ITTC announced today that we have signed an agreement as the worldwide launch customer of the @LDO_Aeronautics M-346 Block 20 AJT, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of Canada’s sovereign tactical training capability. This acquisition, expected to begin service at our new North Bay training facility in 2029, will supplement our growing fleet of L-39 AUP jet trainer aircraft to meet the current and future tactical training needs of NATO, Five Eyes and allied air arms.

Designed to support modern operational requirements, the aircraft will enhance ITTC’s ability to deliver integrated, operationally relevant training for the next generation of fighter pilots.

At ITTC, we are committed to advancing world-class tactical aviation training through innovation, operational excellence, and strong allied collaboration. This partnership reflects our long-term vision of building scalable, future-focused training capability in Canada that strengthens interoperability, supports mission readiness, and prepares allied pilots for increasingly complex operational environments.

Learn more: https://t.co/GZeC2YegXh

#tacticaltraining #FighterPilotTraining #defence #ITPSCanada #leonardoaeronautics

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Innovation in aerospace is strongest when industry, academia, and applied research work together with purpose.

International Test Pilots School (ITPS), alongside @fanshawecollege's Centre for Research & Innovation and @WesternU's Institute for Earth & Space Exploration, is proud to support advanced field trials focused on aerial methane sensing technologies using drone platforms and specialized sensor payloads.

ITPS Head of UAS Training and operations Michael Mulquiney stated "These trials represent more than environmental monitoring research. They demonstrate how Southwestern Ontario is emerging as a globally relevant centre for civil and defence innovation—where sovereign Canadian capability is being developed, tested, and validated through collaborative R&D initiatives. At ITPS, our mission has always extended beyond flight test training. We are committed to advancing operationally relevant innovation that strengthens Canadian expertise, supports responsible stewardship, and accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace technologies. By integrating applied flight operations, sensor evaluation, systems testing, and data analysis in real-world environments, this initiative showcases the kind of multidisciplinary collaboration required to solve complex modern challenges—from emissions detection and infrastructure monitoring to future autonomous and defence applications."

As a trusted aerospace test and evaluation partner, ITPS continues to champion:

✈️ Canadian sovereign capability
🔬 Applied aerospace research & development
🛰️ Civil and defence technology integration
🌎 Environmental responsibility through innovation
🤝 Industry-academic collaboration that delivers operational impact

Southwestern Ontario has the talent, infrastructure, and vision to lead the future of aerospace innovation—and ITPS is proud to help drive that momentum forward.

#ITPSCanada #AerospaceInnovation #DefenceInnovation #collaboration #DroneTechnology #MethaneDetection #flighttest #RD #EnvironmentalMonitoring #SovereignCapability #southwesternontario #uas #CivilDefence #innovationhub

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

ITPS Canada is looking forward to connecting with defence and security leaders at #CANSEC 2026, Canada’s premier defence industry event.

Visit us at Booth 1028 to meet the ITPS Canada team and learn how we are advancing sovereign, mission-ready aerospace training solutions through operational excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Our team will be on site May 27-28 at the Cohere Centre in Ottawa, including Dave Lohse, CEO; Brendan Pierce, VP Tactical Training; Michael K Mulquiney, Head of UAS and Operations; Billie Flynn, SME 5th Generation; Dave Wheeler, MGen ret., ITTC Consultant; Paul Fortin, ITPS Government Relations; and Matthew Jacobs, Business Development Manager.

Stop by to discuss advanced tactical training, UAS operations, flight test, and how ITPS Canada is helping prepare aerospace professionals for increasingly complex operational environments.

Not yet on our meeting schedule? Reach out to Matthew Jacobs at [email protected] to explore opportunities to connect with our team during CANSEC. We look forward to seeing you in Ottawa!

#CANSEC2026 #ITPSCanada #AerospaceTraining #DefenceAndSecurity #FlightTest #TacticalTraining #Uncrewed #EYCentre #CohereCentre

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Exciting developments underway in Australia! ��🇺

Michael K Mulquiney, Head of UAS Training at ITPS Canada, is currently training with the team at @SYPAQ_Official, gaining hands-on experience with the innovative CORVO™ Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS) and seeing first-hand the world-leading Corvo X, recently delivered to the Australian Defence Force.

This collaboration highlights the growing importance of advanced autonomous systems and tactical logistics solutions in modern operations. In 2025, the companies formed a strategic partnership that expands ITPS Canada’s UAS capabilities in next-generation uncrewed systems technology and gives SYPAQ access to world-class flight test professionals and the Canadian market.

The CORVO™ PPDS platform has already demonstrated its effectiveness in contested and remote environments, providing flexible, low-cost, and mission-adaptable delivery capabilities. Experience and understanding across both the PPDS and X systems reinforce ITPS Canada’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of aerospace, defence, and autonomous systems innovation.

Great to see international collaboration driving practical capability development, operational excellence, and the future of uncrewed systems.

#ITPSCanada #SYPAQSystems #AutonomousSystems #DefenceTechnology #Aerospace #Innovation #UAS #MilitaryTechnology #Australia #Canada #OperationalExcellence #FlightTest

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

ITPS Canada was pleased to welcome Mayor Josh Morgan of London, Ontario, for a visit focused on the advanced aerospace training technologies being developed and delivered right here in our region.

During the visit, Mayor Morgan had the opportunity to see our Advanced Controls Evaluator (ACE) Variable Stability Simulator (VSS) technology, 5th Gen Surrogate Training Aircraft (5STA) capabilities and Advanced Aircraft Simulation Centre firsthand.

With over 200 employees, ITPS Canada continues to grow as part of London’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. We are proud to have been named this year’s @LdnOntChamber Business of the Year (Large Category) and to have recently moved up to #38 in @CDRmagazine's Top 100 Defence Companies in Canada.

Visits like this highlight the role ITPS Canada plays in advancing innovation, operational excellence and global security through world-class aerospace training.

Thank you, Mayor Morgan, for taking the time to visit ITPS Canada and learn more about the critical work our team is doing to help lead the future of aerospace training.

#ITPSCanada #aerospace #flighttest #AerospaceTraining #innovation #ldnont #defence #aviation #businessoftheyear

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

Join us in Ottawa for The @SETP_ORG Canadian Flight Test Symposium on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Bennett Leong, Project Lead at ITPS, will present “Flight Test Preparation for the ACE Aircraft.” The Advanced Controls Evaluator (ACE) represents the next stage in the evolution of the Variable Stability Simulator (VSS) program at ITPS. As a digital fly-by-wire, four-axis in-flight VSS, the ACE jet enables students to experience multiple aircraft handling qualities in a single sortie while supporting advanced flight control system evaluation.

Bennett’s presentation will share practical insight into the preparation work behind the ACE and contribute to the technical exchange that makes this symposium valuable to the flight test community.

As ITPS works to enhance global security through innovative aerospace solutions, the ACE program reflects our commitment to operational excellence, advanced aerospace training, and the values that guide our work: excellence, innovation, agility, collaboration, and safety.

The International Test Pilots School is proud to be a premium sponsor of this event, bringing together flight test professionals for a day of discussion, connection, and knowledge-sharing as we help lead the future of aerospace training.

📍 Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
2400 Alert Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 1S1

Dress code: Business casual or equivalent military dress uniform.

Attendees are also invited by SETP to a social on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at The Aulde Dubliner & Pour House in ByWard Market.

#ITPSCanada #FlightTest #AerospaceTraining #OperationalExcellence #Canada

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

At ITPS Canada, simulation is essential to preparing the next generation of flight test professionals.

Our Advanced Aircraft Simulation Centre supports training across fixed wing, rotary wing, eVTOL, avionics, weapons testing, and specialized flight test techniques. With real-time connectivity and a flight-test-team approach, crews can rehearse complex and potentially unsafe scenarios in a controlled, high-fidelity environment before taking them to the aircraft.

This dedicated full-time simulation capability strengthens sovereign training capacity, advances operational excellence, and helps prepare safe, mission-ready crews for increasingly complex aerospace environments.

Through innovation, collaboration, agility, and safety, ITPS Canada continues to enhance global security through innovative aerospace solutions.

#ITPSCanada #FlightTest #AerospaceTraining #Simulation #OperationalExcellence

[International Test Pilots School (ITPS) @ITPSCanada]

We were pleased to welcome Jim Whalley to ITPS Canada for a visit that highlighted a shared commitment to aerospace innovation, flight test safety, and operational excellence. The visit follows the signing of an MoU between ITPS and Nova last year aimed to co-develop and deliver advanced aerospace and uncrewed systems flight training, and the integration of Nova Systems’ advanced Test and Evaluation (T&E) training into the ITPS curriculum.

A co-founder of Nova Systems and now Deputy Chair and Director, Jim brings extensive experience across defence, aerospace, and test and evaluation. A former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot, Jim is also a longtime mate of ITPS Canada CEO Dave Lohse, which made the visit especially meaningful.

During his time with us, Jim flew in one of our L-39 aircraft equipped with upgraded avionics and our custom HUD and saw firsthand how these enhancements are supporting modern training and flight-test capabilities. Jim’s visit also highlighted the value of ACE, the Advanced Controls Evaluator, integrated into the L-39 platform. As a digital fly-by-wire, four-axis in-flight Variable Stability Simulator, ACE enables trainees to experience multiple aircraft handling qualities in a single sortie while supporting advanced flight control system evaluation. He also visited the Advanced Aircraft Simulation Centre to experience mixed-reality flight simulation and toured our UAS hangar for a demonstration of our rapidly expanding remotely piloted aircraft system/uncrewed capabilities.

Thank you, Jim, for visiting ITPS Canada. We appreciated the opportunity to share what we are building and how we are helping shape the future of aerospace training.

#ITPSCanada #WeAreNova #flighttest #aerospace @AusAirForce #uncrewed #training