Presidential New Year Message to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Dear SETP Members,
Presidential New Year Message to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots
It is an honor and privilege for the 2025/2026 Board to continue serving this exceptional community of professionals. Our commitment to advancing the art and science of flight testing, supporting one another, and upholding the Society’s core values remains steadfast.
Since our Annual Symposium in Anaheim, I’ve had the opportunity to attend the SFTE Symposium in Savannah and the ITPS Workshop in London, Ontario. A common theme at both events was clear: automation, autonomy, and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly central to vehicle design, development, and flight test. These technologies bring exciting opportunities—but also significant challenges—for test pilots worldwide.
During these gatherings, I had the pleasure of spending time with past SETP Presidents Rogers Smith (F), Billie Flynn (F), and Ricardo Traven (F), as well as SFTE President Jeff Canclini. Our conversations reinforced the importance of learning from our collective experience as we navigate the future. Rogers shared a quote from Gen. Eric Shinseki, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff:
“If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.”
This reminder underscores why we must embrace innovation while drawing on the lessons of our rich history.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Board is actively implementing recommendations from the UAS Committee to ensure our Society remains a leader in safety, standards, and best practices across all flight test operations. Early this year, you will receive an email with a proposed update to our Constitution. This update reflects the evolving needs of our membership and profession. The email will include the proposed changes, the rationale, and pro/con statements. Please take time to review and vote—your voice matters. Historically, only a small percentage of members participate in these decisions, and we need your input.
Another area of rapid change is the commercialization of space and the growth of space tourism. To address this, the Board will form a new committee to review membership requirements for pilot astronauts. Current criteria were based on the NASA model through the Shuttle era, and it’s time to reassess and determine if updates are needed.
On the topic of space, I want to congratulate Jared Isaacman (HF) on his appointment as NASA Administrator. Just last year, we welcomed Jared as an Honorary Fellow of the Society. In his first message to NASA, he wrote:
“NASA was never meant to be the caretaker of history…but to make history.”
This resonates deeply with our mission. SETP exists to leverage our history—our flight test experience and hard-earned lessons—to shape the future of aerospace.
With that spirit, we have a full calendar of section symposiums and safety workshops ahead. I encourage every member to participate. These events are invaluable opportunities to share knowledge, learn from peers, and strengthen the technical and safety exchange that defines our Society. By engaging with one another, we can meet the challenges ahead and ensure test pilots remain safe—and continue to lead aerospace innovation.
Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and passion for flight. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and wish you safe flying and successful testing in the year ahead.
Kelly Latimer (F)
President, Society of Experimental Test Pilots