Instructor: George Cusimano

George Cusimano
 Biography: George Cusimano is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Vector LLC aviation consulting services. He is a flight test engineer and educator with more than 40 years of experience in research, development, and test of important leading edge technologies. He has flight-tested complex systems, such as the F-117, B-2, X-33 (single stage to orbit prototype), DarkStar UAV and X-35 (Joint Strike Fighter prototype). In addition to multiple postings as a flight test engineer, George was: the Director of Test and Evaluation for the F-117 System Program Office; the Chief of Flight Test Engineering for the B-2 Combined Test Force; the Deputy Director of the Joint STARS Combined Test Force; and the Director of Flight Test at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. George has also taught at the National Test Pilot School and has served as a Technical Advisor to the United States Air Force. He retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel after 24 years of service. George holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. in industrial engineering from Arizona State University. He is a graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School and a Fellow of the Society of Flight Test Engineers.

Courses taught by this instructor:
Flight Test Principles and Practices
Flight Testing Unmanned Aircraft - Unique Challenges
Introduction to Operational Test and Evaluation

Classes by this instructor


Flight Test Principles and Practices

This course provides an introduction to and definition of the basic flight test process, application of engineering principles to flight tests and description of common flight test practices, along with an introduction to the flight test discipline. The course is embellished with a variety of examples from completed flight test programs.
March 17-21, 2025, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport Southcenter

Flight Testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Unique Challenges

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are comprised of an unmanned vehicle (UAV), a manned control element(s), and various data and control links. Although unmanned, the vehicle is still an aircraft and must be tested with the same rigor and precision as manned systems. However, being "unmanned" and being part of an integrated system, UAVs demand unique flight test approaches that present corresponding challenges.

Course preview webinar: Taking the Pilot out of the Cockpit is a Big Deal!
October 6-8, 2025, Renaissance Orlando Resort (Formerly the B Resort)