20010/2011 SETP SECRETARY
DOUG BENJAMIN (F)
BOEING
Doug Benjamin grew up in La Crosse, WI. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1978, completed pilot training and became a T-38 instructor pilot. He then flew the F-106 and F-16 operationally. He attended EPNER (French Test Pilot School), and was assigned to the USAF Test Pilot School as an instructor. He then moved to the F-16 Combined Test Force, testing all F-16 models. After staff and acquisition schools, he served in the Flight Test Division of the F-16 Systems Program Office. He then moved to the black world where he flew on and commanded a variety of classified programs, including the Boeing Bird of Prey technology demonstrator. He was flew 21 of its 38 flights, including envelope expansion, mission utility and tactical applications. Doug retired from the Air Force in 2000 and became an Engineering Test Pilot with Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Seattle, where he has flown on multiple 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 development and certification programs. He is currently the Boeing Chief Pilot for Military Transport, with responsibilities covering Tanker, Airlift and Airborne Battle Management. He is project pilot for the 747-based Airborne Laser Test Bed and was the pilot for its first-ever shoot down of a boosting ballistic missile. He flew the first flight of the P-8A Poseidon. He has over 8500 hours flying time in 90 aircraft, FAA type ratings in nine aircraft, and is current on all Boeing models, as well as the T-33 and T-38. He has a BSAE from the US Air Force Academy, a MAS from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a MBA from the University of Phoenix. Doug was the General Chairman for the 2004 Symposium and Banquet, the Northwest Section Representative from 2004-2006, the 2009/2010 SETP Treasurer and currently serves as the Society’s Secretary as well as on the Membership Committee. As Legal Officer, he worked on formulating a Society position to the European Aviation Safety Administration’s proposed licensing of test pilots and flight test engineers. He has presented papers at multiple symposia. He was inducted as an “Eagle” by the Flight Test Historical Foundation at its 2004 “Gathering of Eagles” and awarded a retroactive Kincheloe Trophy in 2007 for work on the Boeing Bird of Prey. He’s been a Member of the Society since 1996 and was named a Fellow in 2008.
Doug’s vision for the Society continues to be to diversify and strengthen the Society by increasing our membership outside of alumni from the traditional recognized test pilot schools. A significant number of pilots involved in flight test never had the opportunity to go to a recognized test pilot school, yet are still doing the work, and particularly those associated with civil aircraft certification. They can both receive benefits from Society membership and make valuable contributions as members.
