Pilots of School Class III AFFTC Edwards AFB May 1963

Edwards AFB, Calif. May 31, 1963 Aerospace Research Pilot School's third crop of graduates
(from left front) Capt. Edward G. Givens, Jr.; Maj. Tommie D. Benefield; Capts. Charles A. Bassett II; F. Gregory Neubeck; Michael Collins
(from left rear) Capt. Alfred L Atwell; Maj. Neil R. Garland; Dr. (Capt.) James A. Roman; Capts. Alfred H. Uhalt Jr. and Joe H. Engle (USAF photo).

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) is the Air Force's advanced flight training school that trains experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, 
and flight test navigators to carry out tests and evaluations of new aerospace weapon systems and also other aircraft of the U.S. Air Force. 
The school was established on 9. September 1944 as the Flight Test Training Unit at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) in Dayton, Ohio. 
To take advantage of the uncongested skies, usually superb flying weather, and the lack of developed zones in the event of crashing, 
the test pilot school was officially moved to its present location at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert of Southern California on 4. February 1951

copyright © USAF DOD photo