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In episode 177 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Colonel Maryann “Yeti” Karlen, Commandant of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base.
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is one of the most legendary institutions in aviation history, but as Yeti explains in this episode, its modern mission goes far beyond simply creating test pilots. Today, TPS develops test leaders across flight, space, engineering, analysis, cyber, enlisted, and operational domains.
In this fascinating conversation, Yeti shares her journey from a high-energy child inspired by the space program, to earning an aeronautical engineering degree, flying the C-17, becoming a test pilot, serving internationally, and eventually leading the world-renowned Test Pilot School.
We explore the history and future of Edwards AFB, what makes a great test leader, why attitude and work ethic matter alongside intelligence, the connection between flight and space testing, the role of X-62 VISTA, autonomy, AI, leadership, risk management, and why young people should never tell themselves no.
This is a brilliant episode on aviation, space, leadership, high performance, and the people helping shape the future of military technology.
This episode includes a paid sponsor integration from carVertical.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, or any U.S. Government entity.
