Marty Shubert Named SETP Fellow for Contributions to Experimental Flight Testing and Aviation Innovation
Marty Shubert, a long-time STI collaborator and visionary flight test professional, was recently recognized as a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP), one of the highest honors in the global flight test community. The recognition was presented at the 69th Annual SETP Symposium, where Marty also received the Javier Arango Award for Best Historical Paper, coauthored with Dr. Mike Jones of STI and Dave Sizoo of the FAA. The paper highlighted Marty’s extensive historical knowledge of the V-22 tiltrotor program, reflecting his lasting contributions to aviation history.
A Legacy in Experimental Flight Testing
With nearly 40 years of experience flying and testing military aircraft, Marty’s contributions to aviation span from legacy rotorcraft to advanced powered-lift aircraft. He began his career flying with the U.S. Army in the early 1980s, transitioning into experimental flight test in 1990. He played a key role in evaluating and refining vehicles like the CH-47D, the MH-47E Chinook, and later the V-22 tiltrotor (Osprey) – where his work on terrain-following radar and flight tests enhanced critical mission capabilities.
Driving Innovation in eVTOL and FAA Certification
His career is marked by a relentless pursuit of safety, performance, and innovation. Since starting his collaboration with STI, Marty has led simulations and flight testing in diverse areas, such as biometric pilot studies, virtual Handling Qualities (HQ) course evaluations, and the development of eVTOL HQ test maneuvers. He has also participated in NASA and FAA research focused on new state-based flight control systems and inceptor designs—work that supports emerging FAA certification pathways and national research initiatives. His work consistently bridges the gap between simulation and real-world behavior – especially important in today’s fast-evolving aviation landscape.
“Much as you can model and simulate it, we keep getting surprised. That’s why test pilots are still essential.” — Marty Shubert, SETP Fellow
Working together with STI, Marty has been key in shaping and executing research flight programs that push the envelope of what’s possible in rotorcraft and powered-lift design. His deep technical insight and collaborative mind have made him a go-to leader for test programs involving new configurations, complex aeromechanics, and human-machine interaction.
Mentorship and the Future of Test Piloting
Looking ahead, Marty remains committed to mentoring the next generation of test pilots. With the U.S. Army’s development of the MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft, and the evolving civil powered-lift designs, he looks forward to helping train flight test teams on envelope expansion and tiltrotor flight dynamics, areas where few pilots have hands-on experience.
Marty’s election to the SETP Fellows Class of 2025 is a testament not only to his technical excellence but to his enduring impact on the global aviation community. We’re honored to work alongside him – and excited to see what’s next.
Congratulations, Marty – from all of us at STI!
About SETP: The Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) is an international organization that promotes safety, communication, and education in aerospace design and flight testing. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, SETP advances flight test excellence and enhances safety across the aviation community. At the 69th Annual Symposium, Marty Shubert was honored as a Fellow of the SETP Class of 2025, alongside eleven other distinguished pilots.
About Systems Technology Inc.: Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a technology company at the forefront of innovation, specializing in aviation and simulation solutions. With a mission to advance safety and efficiency in aviation, STI develops cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace industry.
