The National Test Pilot School proudly celebrated the graduation of Class 2025B, together with the presentation of Master of Science diplomas, at our Summer Graduation Ceremony in Mojave.

Flight test is demanding, methodical work — approaching the unknown in a disciplined way: planning carefully, gathering accurate data, and drawing sound conclusions so that others can operate more safely than before. Our graduates have proven they are ready to carry that responsibility.

We were honored to welcome guest speaker Kelly Latimer, retired test pilot, astronaut, and President of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Across a remarkable career spanning the U.S. Air Force, NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, Boeing, and Virgin Galactic, where she earned her astronaut wings aboard VSS Unity, Kelly has flown more than 50 aircraft types and over 7,000 hours. Her perspective was a powerful source of inspiration for our graduates.

To Class 2025B: you have completed an intense and demanding program — one that tested your engineering knowledge, your flight test technique, and your character. Beyond knowledge, NTPS has worked to build in you the discipline to prepare thoroughly, the humility to respect what you do not yet understand, the judgment to decide when information is incomplete, and the honesty to report what the data says.

Graduation is not the end of your training. It is the beginning of accountability. Your analysis, your recommendations, and your decisions will now carry weight — earn and protect the trust placed in you.

Congratulations, Class 2025B. As you innovate, mentor, and shape the future of flight test, your success will be our legacy.