Society of Experimental Test Pilots: Advancing Aviation Safety and Innovation
For seven decades, the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) has stood at the forefront of aeronautical advancement. As an international organization, SETP is dedicated to promoting air safety and fostering the development of sound aeronautical design. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and technical expertise among its members, the society plays a critical role in the professional evolution of experimental pilots and the broader aerospace industry.
Based in Lancaster, California, SETP serves a worldwide community, providing a platform where the pioneers of flight can share insights that ensure the next generation of aircraft is safer and more efficient.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Founded: September 14, 1955
- Primary Purpose: Flight test safety and aeronautical education
- Headquarters: Lancaster, California, United States
- Membership: 2,479 members (as of December 31, 2023)
- Major Publications: Cockpit quarterly magazine and annual symposium proceedings
A Rich History of Aviation Excellence
The organization's roots trace back to September 29, 1955, when seventeen pilots gathered for the first meeting of the "Testy Test Pilots Society." The name was quickly refined to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots during their second meeting on October 13, 1955. The society officially incorporated in the state of California on April 12, 1956, following the establishment of its bylaws and initial leadership team.
One of the most storied moments in the society's history occurred in 1969. Under the presidency of Bob Hoover, the SETP annual banquet featured a historic meeting between aviation legends. Hoover introduced Charles Lindbergh to Neil Armstrong, who had recently returned from the Apollo 11 mission, creating a moment that captured the imagination of the global press.
The Kincheloe Award Tradition
Since 1957, the society has hosted an annual Awards Banquet. A cornerstone of this event is the Iven C. Kincheloe Award, which recognizes the member who has demonstrated the most proficient test work over the previous year. The inaugural award was presented to James Gannett of Boeing and Joseph John "Tym" Tymczyszyn of the Civil Aeronautics Administration for their vital work in certifying the Boeing 707, America's first turbojet airliner.
Membership Structure and Professional Standards
Membership in SETP is not merely a matter of flight hours; it is a reflection of professional distinction. The society maintains six distinct grades of membership to recognize different levels of expertise and contribution:
- Honorary Fellow (HF): Individuals with distinction in the aerospace field who have served as experimental test pilots.
- Fellow (F): Those with distinction in experimental flight testing and at least one year as an Associate Fellow.
- Associate Fellow (AF): Professionals with ten years of association with experimental flight testing and five years as a test pilot.
- Member (M): Experimental test pilots with at least one year of experience or crewed space vehicle pilots.
- Associate Member (AM): Experimental test pilots or co-pilots with six months to two years of experience.
- Corporate Member: Organizations sharing a common interest in advancing crewed aerospace.
The late American astronaut Wally Schirra famously emphasized that SETP membership should be an "emblem on a test pilot's sleeve," arguing that the society is defined by professional aviation skill and the rigorous standards of the flight test community.
Awards, Publications, and Education
SETP actively contributes to the technical knowledge base of the industry through various channels. The quarterly publication Cockpit provides technical articles on flight testing, while the annual symposium proceedings offer a permanent record of flight test progress reports.
Recognizing Achievement
The society presents several prestigious awards annually to honor excellence in the field:
- James H. Doolittle Award: For outstanding accomplishment in technical management or engineering.
- Tony LeVier Flight Test Safety Award: For significant achievements in flight test safety.
- Herman R. Salmon Technical Publications Award: For outstanding technical papers in Cockpit magazine.
- Spirit of Flight: For contributions to the technology and safety of home-built, sport, or classic aircraft.
Supporting the Next Generation
Beyond technical advancement, the SETP Scholarship Foundation, established in 1967, provides essential aid to the families of members. As of 2020, the foundation has granted over US$3.5 million in educational assistance to more than 178 students, supporting approximately 12 students per year.
Summary of SETP Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | September 14, 1955 |
| Location | Lancaster, California, USA |
| Primary Goal | Flight test safety and aeronautical advancement |
| Key Publication | Cockpit (Quarterly) |
| Scholarship Impact | Over $3.5 million granted to 178+ students |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots?
The primary purpose of SETP is to promote air safety and contribute to aeronautical advancement by encouraging sound design, interchanging technical ideas among members, and assisting in the professional development of experimental pilots.
What are the different types of SETP membership?
Membership is divided into six grades: Honorary Fellow, Fellow, Associate Fellow, Member, Associate Member, and Corporate Member, each based on specific levels of professional experience and distinction.
How does SETP support the families of its members?
Through its scholarship foundation, the society provides educational assistance and aid to the children of deceased or disabled members. Since 1967, it has provided over $3.5 million in support.
What is the Iven C. Kincheloe Award?
The Iven C. Kincheloe Award is an annual honor presented to the member who has demonstrated the most proficient test work during the previous year.
Where does SETP hold its conferences?
SETP holds various regional symposia, including locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, the East Coast, the Northwest, Europe, the Southeast, the Great Lakes, the Southwest, and the Central regions, as well as a dedicated Flight Test Safety Workshop.