SETP Regional Chapter
Society of Experimental
Test Pilots
Indian Section
Official Charter
Charter Certificate
The Indian Section of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots represents a distinguished community of test pilots, flight test engineers, and aerospace professionals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of flight testing in India.
Established to serve as the regional chapter of the globally recognized SETP, the Indian Section fosters professional development, knowledge exchange, and camaraderie among its members. The section plays a vital role in connecting Indian aerospace professionals with the international flight test community.
Our members include active and retired test pilots from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and various defense research organizations, all united by their passion for advancing the science of flight testing.
Official Document
SETP India Charter Certificate
Official Document
Charter Letter from SETP
This letter documents the formal approval and establishment of the Indian Section of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots by the SETP Board of Directors.
The charter outlines the governance structure, objectives, and operational guidelines for the Indian Section as an official regional chapter of the international SETP organization.
Formation & History
Section Management
Formation & Approval
There is an old saying that the only lessons learnt are the lessons relearnt. It is clear that a formal or informal means for lessons learnt dissemination plays a vital part in Flight Test Safety. This was the priority identified by the Indian members of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots when they started discussions among themselves to form a local Indian Section of the SETP in Bangalore.
The case was taken up formally in the form of a petition on 18 Feb 2020. The SETP board of directors approved the formation of an Indian Section on 19 Mar 2020, initially as a Chapter, with progress to be reviewed after one year of operations. The Indian Section was initially approved as a Chapter as it had just 12 members on the date of approval.
The chapter was upgraded to a Section on 22 Apr 2021 by the board of directors of SETP.
Vision & Mission
Core Commitment
The Indian Section shares in the Vision of SETP and is committed to following the SETP constitution as well as all the laid down SETP processes.
Section Aim
The Indian Section seeks to enhance Flight Test Safety in the country by providing a platform for exchange of lessons learnt, technical expertise on flight test techniques, technological advances in aerospace and a pool of professionals who can be called upon to mentor young professionals entering the field as well as cross program pollination of knowledge.
Communication & Operations
The test pilot is probably the sole common denominator of manned aerospace progress. SETP is unique in being exclusively a tool of the manned aerospace industry. The Indian Section of SETP aims to provide knowledge resources to the Indian Test Pilot community as they go about their task of seeking and reporting the truth.
This website is the primary communications platform for the members.
Annual Program Schedule
Program Period
01 September to 30 October of the following year
Educational Meetings
Minimum of Four educational meetings conducted annually
Elections
Conducted by end of August each year
Officer Tenure
Elected officers take over on 01 September of the year
Section Leadership Structure
Section Leadership
Officers of Indian Section
The Indian Section is led by a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to advancing the mission of SETP in India.
Wg Cdr Subash P John, IAF (Retd) (AF)
Chairman
Air Cmde Rohit Varma (Retd), (M)
Vice Chair & TreasurerCommunity Snapshot
Latest Membership Statistics
31
Total Members
18
Test Pilots
13
Engineers & Professionals
The Indian Section represents a select community of distinguished aerospace professionals dedicated to advancing flight test excellence, safety standards, and technical innovation across India's defense and civil aviation sectors.
Our Mission
Aim of the Indian Section
The Indian Section aims to promote the art and science of experimental test piloting in the Indian subcontinent, foster professional development of its members, and enhance flight test safety standards across all aerospace programs in the region.
We are committed to building bridges between Indian aerospace organizations and the global flight test community, facilitating the exchange of technical knowledge and best practices that elevate the standard of flight testing in India.
Our goal is to ensure that India remains at the forefront of aerospace innovation, supported by a robust and highly skilled community of flight test professionals.
Strategic Focus
Key Objectives
What We Do
Activities
The Indian Section undertakes a range of activities throughout the year to fulfill its mission and serve its members.
Organizing annual flight test symposiums and technical seminars
Conducting workshops on emerging flight test technologies
Facilitating interaction between test pilots, engineers, and industry leaders
Recognizing outstanding contributions through awards and honors
Publishing technical papers and flight test case studies
Supporting young professionals through mentorship programs
Milestones
Key Achievements
Milestones that reflect the Indian Section's commitment to advancing flight test excellence and aerospace innovation.
LCA Tejas Program
Instrumental contributions to the development and flight testing of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
Active involvement in shaping the test philosophy and evaluation criteria for next-generation platforms.
Flight Safety Standards
Established comprehensive flight test safety protocols adopted across Indian military and civilian programs.
Test Pilot Training
Contributed to the curriculum development of the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School, recognized internationally.
International Collaboration
Fostered partnerships with international test establishments for knowledge exchange and joint programs.
Technical Publications
Published numerous technical papers on indigenous aircraft testing methodology and flight test innovations.
Visual Archive
Photo Gallery
Capturing moments from flight tests, events, and activities of the Indian Section.
Stay Connected
Join Our Mailing List
Stay informed about the latest developments in flight testing, upcoming events, symposiums, and news from the Indian Section of SETP.
Our mailing list is open to test pilots, flight test engineers, aerospace professionals, and anyone with a keen interest in experimental flight testing.
Subscribe to UpdatesWhat You'll Receive
Member Programs
Symposia & Registration
SETP India Section conducts annual symposiums featuring technical presentations, networking opportunities, and professional development for members.
No symposia scheduled at this time.
Explore upcoming events and program highlights below
2026 Symposia Program
Annual Symposium
Join us for our flagship annual symposium featuring world-class technical presentations and networking with India's leading test pilots and flight test engineers.
Expected Dates:
September - October 2026 (details TBA)
Location:
Bangalore, India (Venue TBA)
Program Highlights
- Technical presentations on advanced flight test methodologies
- Networking sessions with aerospace professionals
- Professional development workshops
- Awards and recognition ceremonies
- Latest updates on Indian aerospace programs
Registration Timeline
Early registration details and deadlines will be announced in mid-2026. Members will receive priority access and special rates.
Register Now
Attend our exclusive symposiums and network with India's leading test pilots and flight test engineers.
For the 2026 Symposia registration, please check back soon for more details.
Register for SymposiumPublic Content
News & Updates
Stay informed about SETP India Section activities, symposiums, events, and aviation news.
Events
2025 European Flight Test Safety Workshop
The European Flight Test Safety Workshop will be held November 4-5, 2025 in Trieste, Italy. Call for abstracts – deadline August 15, 2025.
SETP Indian Section & SFTE Seminar – July 2025
A seminar is being organized by SETP Indian Section and SFTE Indian Chapter at Bangalore on July 19, 2025.
SETP European Symposium 2025
SETP's 54th European Symposium will be held in Toulouse, France from June 23-26, 2025. Registration opens early February 2025.
Chennai Air Show 2024
The Chennai Air Show 2024 at Marina Beach featured 72 aircraft including Rafales, celebrating the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force. Set to enter Limca Book of World Records.
Chennai Air Show – 2024
A spectacular aerial display over Marina sky on October 6, 2024 as part of the 92nd IAF anniversary. Nearly 72 aircraft participated including the Rafale.
Aero India: Bengaluru to host Asia's biggest air show in February 2025
Aero India 2025 will be held at IAF's Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru. Bengaluru has hosted Asia's largest aviation exhibition since 1996.
Aero India 2025: Bengaluru to Host Asia's Biggest Air Show
Bengaluru will host Aero India 2025 at IAF Yelahanka airbase — Asia's biggest air show featuring trade fair, aerial displays, and international aerospace collaboration.
SETP-SFTE Joint Symposium India Section 2024
The SETP Indian Section and SFTE India Section held their joint symposium on 20 July 2024 at HAL Management Academy, Bengaluru, gathering India's flight test community.
SETP-SFTE Symposium India Section 2024
The SETP-SFTE Symposium India Section was organized on July 20, 2024 at HAL Management Academy in Bengaluru.
SFTE-SETP Flight Test Seminar 2023
A flight test seminar organized jointly by the Society of Flight Test Engineers India Chapter and the SETP Indian Section.
SETP & SFTE – 45 FTC - Welcome Event – 02 Jun 2023
SETP & SFTE Indian Sections welcomed the 45th Flight Test Course at Grand Mercure, Bangalore. The 45 FTC Pilots were welcomed as Provisional Members of SETP.
14th Annual Southeast Section – Reception and Symposium
The 14th Annual Southeast Section Symposium was scheduled for February 24, 2023. Lt Col Richard 'TAC' Turner, USAF (M) served as chairman.
Aero India 2023: 14th Edition Kicks Off in Bengaluru
Aero India 2023, the 14th edition, was held in Bengaluru from February 13–17. The event showcases aerospace and defence innovation and supports Make in India.
International Flight Test Seminar – Call for Papers
Call for papers: International Flight Test Seminar at ASTE, Bengaluru on November 4-5, 2022. Hybrid format (in-person and online) participation offered.
1st SFTE India Chapter Symposium
The 1st SFTE India Chapter Symposium was announced to bring together members of the Society of Flight Test Engineers India Chapter.
Call For Papers: AirVenture 2022
For over 35 years, SETP has collaborated with EAA to promote flight test safety education. Submit your presentations for AirVenture 2022.
Upcoming SETP Meeting: Beer Call
SETP Indian Section is hosting a Beer Call virtual meeting via Zoom. Open to all SETP Indian Section members.
2021 European Flight Test Safety Workshop
The European Flight Test Safety Workshop was held October 12-14, 2021 at the Royal Air Force Club in London. Theme: Improving Flight Test Safety Through Enhanced Safety Risk Management.
2021 Flight Test Safety Virtual Workshop – Registration Open
The Flight Test Safety Committee conducted a one-day virtual workshop on May 27, 2021 focusing on Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Safety Promotion best practices.
65th SYMPOSIUM & BANQUET
SETP's 65th Annual Symposium & Banquet will be held at The Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California from October 27-30, 2021. Call for papers with abstract deadline July 19, 2021.
Testers Dinner
SETP Indian Section Testers Dinner on February 5, 2021 at the Officer Mess, Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, Bengaluru. RSVP to admin@setp.in.
Aero India 2021
Aero India 2021 is the 13th edition of the biennial exhibition held in Bengaluru from February 3-5, 2021 at Air Force Station, Yelahanka.
SETP Virtual Symposium: 24-25 Sept
The Society of Experimental Test Pilots held a virtual symposium on September 24-25, 2020. Register and review the schedule at setp.org.
Join Us
Membership
Join the distinguished community of test pilots and flight test professionals in the Indian Section of SETP.
SETP Members
Qualified test pilots who are full members of SETP International. Access to member portal, exclusive content, and voting rights.
Indian Test Pilots
Indian test pilots from recognized institutions who contribute to the flight test community.
Mailing List
Aviation enthusiasts and professionals interested in staying connected with SETP activities.
Media
Podcasts & Media
Listen to interviews, technical discussions, and stories from test pilots and flight test professionals. Coming soon to major podcast platforms.
SETP India Podcast
Our podcast series featuring conversations with legendary test pilots, insights into flight test programs, and discussions on the future of aerospace.
Coming Soon