F-16 Pilot to Test Pilot: Keith "Coma" Colmer on Flight Testing, Virgin Galactic, and Aviation Careers

From F-16s to Spaceplanes: A Diverse Aviation Career

• 🚀 Keith "Coma" Colmer's career spans from flying F-16s over Iraq to testing Virgin Galactic's spaceplanes, showcasing a remarkable journey in aviation.
• 💡 His path began with a family legacy of service, leading him to MIT and the Air Force ROTC, eventually piloting GPS satellites during Desert Storm and fighting MiG-29s.
• 🔑 A pivotal moment was becoming the first international guard pilot to attend test pilot school, opening doors to cutting-edge aircraft testing.

The White Knight and Spaceship Two

• 🌌 Colmer shares insights into testing Virgin Galactic's White Knight, a dual-fuselage aircraft designed to carry Spaceship Two.
• ✈️ He describes the unique challenges of flying the White Knight, including its reversible flight control system and the asymmetric nature of landing.
• 🧠 The development of novel systems like carbon fiber cables for flight controls highlights the innovative engineering involved.

Navigating Military Aviation and Test Pilot School

• 🎖️ Colmer details his journey through the Air Force and Air National Guard, including a period working on the GPS program before securing an F-16 slot.
• 🎓 Test pilot school is described as a crucial experience for brushing up engineering skills and learning to communicate effectively with engineers across disciplines.
• 🗺️ His career path is characterized by creating opportunities rather than waiting for assignments, emphasizing the importance of relationships and proactive engagement.

Innovations in Military Technology and Testing

• 🛠️ Colmer was involved in developing and testing key systems like the ALQ-213, which integrated RWR, jammer, and dispenser suites for better threat response.
• 📈 He discusses the evolution of military technology, including the transition to digital flight controls and the increasing complexity of software integration.
• 🎯 The distinction between developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT) is clarified, with DT focusing on safety and performance, and OT on tactics and mission suitability.

Civilian Aviation and Future Prospects

• ✈️ After military service, Colmer transitioned to civilian test piloting at Gulfstream, working on advanced aircraft like the G700 and G800.
• 🌊 He is currently involved with Regent, testing an electric flying boat (sea glider) designed for simplified vehicle operations.
• 💡 Colmer emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with great people, continuous learning, and leveraging relationships throughout one's career.