• 5000+ hours

Certifications:

• FAA Flight Test DER
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot rating

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Master Of Science in Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M
• Master Of Science in Systems Engineering, Southern Methodist University

Experience:

• VP of Engineering & Flight Operations, Airbus Helicopters

Awards & Affiliations:

• Lt. Colonel, US Army (Ret.)
• Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf)
• Society of Experimental Test Pilots
• General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA)

Biography:

Jeff Trang is President of Flight Research International and Chief Marketing Officer of the National Test Pilot School. Jeff joined the NTPS in May 2023, following his retirement from Airbus Helicopters, where he served for 13 years, culminating as the VP of Engineering & Flight Operations.

Jeff is a 1983 graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and received his commission in the U.S. Army as a distinguished military graduate. Upon earning his wings in flight school, Jeff flew operational tours in the AH-1 Cobra and AH-64 Apache. In 1990, Jeff deployed to Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield, after which he was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. He served the remainder of his military career as a test pilot, serving tours at Edwards AFB, California and Fort Eustis, Virginia. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2004 and was awarded the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf).

Upon retirement from active duty, Jeff joined the Federal Aviation Administration as a test pilot assigned to the Rotorcraft Directorate in Fort Worth, TX. In addition to his flight test and certification responsibilities, Jeff oversaw the development of new rotorcraft airworthiness standards and policy material; participated in harmonization activities with the European and Canadian aviation authorities; and supported the NTSB in helicopter accident investigations. In 2010, Jeff joined Airbus Helicopters as Chief Test Pilot, where he led a significant expansion of the Flight Test department. He was subsequently promoted to vice president in 2015.

Jeff holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Texas A&M University) and in Systems Engineering (SMU). Designated as an Army Master Aviator, Jeff holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot rating and has been designated as an FAA Flight Test DER. He has logged more than 5,000 hours in 65 different aircraft. Jeff is a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and previously served on the Board of Directors of the National Test Pilot School and the General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA). He and his wife Dianna have two children and one grandchild.