Test Pilot School Concerns

[IKE]

https://www.navair.navy.mil/nawcad/usntps

“The school's academic rigor and excellence lends to its highly competitive admissions process. Though not required, applicants typically hold degrees in engineering, physical science or math. Those without requisite math or engineering courses can make themselves competitive bolstering transcripts with these classes or completing correspondence courses at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.”

Thanks for posting. I should ask our PAO type to update that page. I wouldn't call that bad gouge, but a few math courses taken recently might help your application, but won't correct for low grades in undergrad, especially if those courses are at a "lesser" online institution.

I also don't know of any correspondence courses offered by TPS in the last decade. We offer short courses, but they are 2 weeks long and occur in residence at the school.

Just out of curiosity, is there any particular reason why? All I can imagine is with recent development in AI and data-everything, maybe someone with a better understanding/familiarity in the field is desired.

Yes. Software is integral to every aspect of modern air vehicles, including "classic" systems like flight controls. While some of us engineering types have coded and can learn to speak SW, we'd like some people with deeper expertise (who also fly and fight).

Correct me if im wrong but to me it seems like many TPS grads came from academies if they didnt have a STEM degree, im guessing they take that into account heavily as well in terms of selection?

Data for that?
Roughly one half of commissioned officers come from USNA. While I sometimes feel surrounded by graduates of the 2nd best school in Maryland, I think it's just that USNA is the mode of the distribution (by a lot), but it's not the majority...at least not notably.

 

[JRDrezzoo]

Thanks for posting. I should ask our PAP type to update that page. I wouldn't call that bad gouge, but a few math courses taken recently might help your application, but won't correct for low grades in undergrad, especially if those courses are at a "lesser" online institution.

I also don't know of any correspondence courses offered by TPS in the last decade. We offer short courses, but they are 2 weeks long and occur in residence at the school.


Yes. Software is integral to every aspect of modern air vehicles, including "classic" systems like flight controls. While some of us engineering types have coded and can learn to speak SW, we'd like some people with deeper expertise (who also fly and fight).


Data for that?
Roughly one half of commissioned officers come from USNA. While I sometimes feel surrounded by graduates of the 2nd best school in Maryland, I think it's just that USNA is the mode of the distribution (by a lot), but it's not the majority...at least not notably.

That makes more sense as to why it seems that way lol. Thank you for the advice! Its reassuring to know that its just that core discipline for engineering that the need paired with being a great officer.

 

[Brett327]

Correct me if im wrong but to me it seems like many TPS grads came from academies if they didnt have a STEM degree, im guessing they take that into account heavily as well in terms of selection? I do want to take your advice into account though and maybe shoot for a minor in mathematics or physics to prove that I have the capability to learn.

Some things to consider as you ponder your career as a Naval Officer. It seems like you've attached some special significance to being in the Test Community. Consider putting the horse back in front of your cart. The horse is happier there - trust me.

Test is a highly specialized version of Naval Aviation. You haven't even experienced the baseline of what it means to fly, or serve, or be an officer. You don't know what kind of platform you'll fly, or whether you'll even make it through flight school. You haven't really amassed any of the requisite life or professional experiences that would allow you to make a truly informed decision about whether or not the Test Community is right for you.

Your goal right now should be to do things that maximize your options and opportunities 8-10 years down the road. Getting the right education is a good start, so there is some value to this thread and the questions you're asking. Performing well in flight school, the FRS, and your first fleet squadron are other things to focus on in the near to medium term.

You've built up this fantasy about what the Test Community is, and why you want to be in it. Very little of that fantasy is based on reality. Try to let go of that in the short term, because if you're being honest with yourself, you aren't in a position to know what you want yet.

 

[BarryD]

An engineering degree is NOT required to attend TPS.

Historically, it was strongly desired, with math, physics, etc. being close seconds. Current policy for USN/USMC is STEM desired, but not required. I can tell you we are very interested in Computer and Data Science majors.

My class leader was a Marine with a Poly Sci degree from USNA. A recent grad was a USMA grad with a law degree. You have NOT closed the door.

The caveat would be whether you've taken any core engineering courses (Calc, calc-based physics, etc.) that would show the TPS board your capacity for learning engineering. USNTPS teaches you the engineering required of a flight tester; you just bring the learning capacity.

I don't think you're wrong to ask if you've closed the door to TPS, but generally speaking, TPS selection is based on:

• Timing
• Performance
  • As an aviator (quals)
  • As an officer (FITREPs)
• Academic record

So you should work your ass off in flight school and your first flying tour and let the chips fall when chasing TPS or other shore tour opportunities.

Congratulations on the new gig @IKE

 

[sevenhelmet]

Some things to consider as you ponder your career as a Naval Officer. It seems like you've attached some special significance to being in the Test Community. Consider putting the horse back in front of your cart. The horse is happier there - trust me.

Test is a highly specialized version of Naval Aviation. You haven't even experienced the baseline of what it means to fly, or serve, or be an officer. You don't know what kind of platform you'll fly, or whether you'll even make it through flight school. You haven't really amassed any of the requisite life or professional experiences that would allow you to make a truly informed decision about whether or not the Test Community is right for you.

Your goal right now should be to do things that maximize your options and opportunities 8-10 years down the road. Getting the right education is a good start, so there is some value to this thread and the questions you're asking. Performing well in flight school, the FRS, and your first fleet squadron are other things to focus on in the near to medium term.

You've built up this fantasy about what the Test Community is, and why you want to be in it. Very little of that fantasy is based on reality. Try to let go of that in the short term, because if you're being honest with yourself, you aren't in a position to know what you want yet.

Nothing wrong with ambition, but I agree with what Brett is saying here.

I’ll also add that what the test community is today is likely to look different by the time you get there.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Data for that?
Roughly one half of commissioned officers come from USNA. While I sometimes feel surrounded by graduates of the 2nd best school in Maryland, I think it's just that USNA is the mode of the distribution (by a lot), but it's not the majority...at least not notably.

When I would pull data time to time it worked out where it was roughly 1/3 USNA, 1/3 NROTC, and 1/3 OCS. Since OCS will adjust based on what shortfalls the other 2 sources have numbers will vary slightly. I always liked how the USN had good diversity in it's commissioning sources.

 

[JRDrezzoo]

When I would pull data time to time it worked out where it was roughly 1/3 USNA, 1/3 NROTC, and 1/3 OCS. Since OCS will adjust based on what shortfalls the other 2 sources have numbers will vary slightly. I always liked how the USN had good diversity in it's commissioning sources.

Always questioned why the air force has that trickle down style commissioning process.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Always questioned why the air force has that trickle down style commissioning process.

Mainly because the Air Force can get their most of their accessions through those two commissioning sources alone and rely on OTS for the remaining puzzle pieces. Additionally there may be MOS’ that might not be found/groomed through ROTC and USAFA.