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Antelope Valley, California - Experiencing Firsts in the Land of the Firsts

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  Just before the holidays began, I headed out to flight test mecca to do some SFTE evangelizing. The Antelope Valley, Home to the "Right Stuff" and many firsts, was my destination.  And my trip was a series of delightful professional and personal firsts. I stayed with my old friend Dan "Dog" Canin, until recently the chief pilot for the X-59, until a medical "trip wire" (and some politics) prevented him from piloting the first flight of an aircraft he had been helping develop for 8 years.  The big vistas from home in the hills overlooking Palmdale were thought-provoking.   The AV valley air is dry and clean.  I like California for that.   The first morning, I had the privilege of meeting with the Retired Major Gen and now B-21 T&E lead, Chris "Pizano" Anzzano, and his Dir Bill Condor Koyama, a former LM Test Pilot.  We swapped a few stories, and I learned even at their level, they are always in a "low-grade fight" to gain T&E r...
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ITPS - In London, Canada

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  The 2025 ITPS symposium was another great opportunity to meet expert and novice flight testers and learn important flight test insights on a wide range of topics.  I chose to drive from Detroit in light snowy weather.  I am so glad I live in a modern society with heat and shelter.  Not sure I could have survived in the American Revolutionary days.  At the Canadian border, we were stopped as we learned that you can't enter Canada to give a talk if you are there for more than 5 days without a visa.  Fortunately we weren't.  Arriving at the Hardrock Hotel I was informed they  had a huge assortment of classic guitars and vinyl records that you can check out for free. Great for me to practice for my upcoming performance of "Carol of the Bells" London, Canada Hard Rock Hotel- Guitar   It is very encouraging to see another cadre of flight testers gaining the key competencies necessary for becoming "4C" (i.e., Competent, Confident, Courageous, Comm...
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Location: London, ON, Canada
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R&R in London, UK

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 How can it be better than an Italian fantasy?  How about a London with wonderful Greek and Indian food, great beer, balmy weather (in November),  Covent Garden vibe, seeing the musical Operation Mincemeat, and friends! Buckingham Palace and Big Ben on a balmy evening Andy and Tex Visiting Anduril in London - A Real Tony Stark Experience Enjoying London with Ginny Tube Station in South Kensington Chelsea Cloister penthouse in S Kensington All French Bookstore in South Kensington Penthouse view looking at Buckingham Palace Myrtos Nagroni - Gin, Italian Bitter, Bianco Vermouth, Toasted Fennel seed, Goat Butter Tirokofteri at Mytos Fabulous Greek food at Myrtos Greek Dessert to die for! South Kensington vibe is International London Architecture in Farringdon Trafalgar Square Wonderful Pastry and Coffee Shop in South Kensington Victoria Embankment Gardens Cafe Concerto near Trafalgar Sq
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Location: London, UK
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Reunioni -The Italian Magical Mystery Tour Rolls Continues

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 Landing in Milan to reconnect with Venegono friends. Then driving to the Adriatic and back to the Italian Alps.    Non ci sono parole per descrivere queste esperienze!  There are no words to describe these experiences. So perhaps some fotos Visiting Leonardo Helicopters to recognize Leonardo FTEs Irene & Andrea for their wonderful presentation at the SFTE symposium.  Nature Lover Nahid- Venegono Birthday Celebration di Miriam at Al Garghet. It's located in a 13th-century building and known for its authentic Lombard cuisine. The Ossobuco was amazing! 6-hour drive to Trieste                                      Presenting at the Flight Test Safety Workshop on the Adriatic in Trieste with Tiziano. Bell VP Tom Curry, Test Pilots from Airbus, Lockheed Martin, & Cathey Pacific Expanding SFTE to All Engineering. Will it happen? Trieste Piazza with the Gulfs...
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Location: Italy
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