indeed Lockstock, I have met exceedingly well trained pilots from those and several other countries who have been though ETPS. "Empire" being the active word, most were from the UK commonwealth, but not all. These pilots then went on to train their own country's test pilots to ETPS standards and the excellence spread.

It should not just be about who started it, it should be about how far it has spread around the world into military and civil flight safety. And AFAIK ETPS has spread their influence very widely.

Aviation in the UK can be very proud of Empire, it has done an amazing job over the years.

There were also 4 Chinese pilots on 2 and 4 Course(2+2)....none after Korea...

I did expect an invitation to a p/u,but sadly...nothing......!

There was also a Royal Marines TP at Farnborough (Capt Colin Campbell); my first trip at Farnborough was with him in a Wessex.

Wasn't the Mentor chevvron, pictured below.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....a2d1bdb881.jpg

Two of the finest pilots I ever flew with were selected for ETPS in 1973, but two of the other finest pilots I ever flew with never went near the place. I guess that shows that test flying requires a special skills set. One of the former two said that at the interview the most searching questions had been about England rugby selection (not his). i guess they just wanted him anyway - he had been a creamed off QFI.

I think you should tell that to all the very well qualified and extremely competent RAF pilots who didn't choose to go for ETPS selection.

It takes a certain type of character to be a TP as well as good flying skills but it doesn't make them Gods amongst aviators, just specialists in their chosen field.

Sorry, I missed the bit where I said Gods among aviators...anything else you'd like to make up in your fantasy land?

I was merely recognising the talents of some aviators and recognise that there are also high skilled people in other fields.

You chose to be vicariously offended by that which is sadly not an uncommon sentiment from today's keyboard warriors like you. Personally I couldn't give a toss what you think, it's your problem, not mine.

oh how ironic.

Instead of discussing an interesting aviation subject we've got yet more petty bickering. Sigh.

What you actually said - what you are now claiming you said. I wasn't being vicariously offended - I could board the outrage bus as an ex-RAF pilot who wasn't a TP but I'm not offended in any way.

You chose to give only kudos to the RAF TPs, ignoring the other services and nationalities - just picking you up on your accuracy.

Since that is 90% of what happens on these pages, you shouldn't be surprised.

I think all pilots are wonderful. Does that resonate?

No, I was recognising the RAF TPs who have been through a difficult course and succeeded.

The fact that I didn't mention every other nation, force, unit, and squadron appears to have offended you.

I'm not a current RAF TP either, just FYI.

So do all pilots!:ok:

CG

and their mummy’s

Again, what you actually said and as I said - I'm not offended but you seem to be.

Dear God.

Hard to believe that for 15 years I was meant to look up to and respect all those who held the Queen’s Commission…

It’s like a kindergarten in here.

Cpl Avionker (RAF Retd)

I note that the ETPS Maintenance Test Flying (MTF) course is designed for flight crews selected to carry out MTF as directed under UK Military Aviation Authority Regulations and equivalents.

Is that something new? When I flew the post-maintenance full air tests on the VC10K from St. Athan there was no specific course requirement - apart from a briefing and a thorough study of the test schedule test points.

It could be exciting though, such as when we experienced a serious electrical failure which BWoS had alleged could never happen!

I think that, like many areas, the MAA is adopting EASA requirements. The need for operators to establish procedures and experience requirements for Maintenance Check Flights was established after some high profile incidents:
https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/...shelf/1341.pdf

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/XL_A...ny_Flight_888T

I had the privilege of flying with TPs from all 4 services at Farnborough, RAF, RN, and once each RM and AAC; there was also a USAF pilot but he wasn't a TP; he mostly flew the 'sickies' at IAM/SAM (he was a qualified 'flight surgeon') but also did some right hand seat in the BAC 1-11.