THE Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS) welcomed back Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier to MOD Boscombe Down for a tour of the new facilities and to celebrate the transformation of test pilot and engineer training.

In 2015, QinetiQ and ETPS were challenged by Sir Stephen Hillier to change the way courses were delivered. This has led to significant investment, and new ways of working.

The visit included tours of the new facilities, upgraded classrooms, and aircraft fleet, and a demonstration of the digital Learning Management System.

Sir Stephen said: “I was delighted to attend the formal opening of the transformed Empire Test Pilot School. Through our partnership with QinetiQ, ETPS is now ready for the future and the next generation of air capability. Relevant, affordable, world-class and at the cutting edge of Test and Evaluation training.”

Steve Wadey, the CEO of QinetiQ, said: “The changes and investment are great examples of our strategy in action, helping to modernise test and evaluation. I would like to thank Sir Stephen for his foresight in setting us the challenge to radically change ETPS and trusting us to deliver.”