Including First Female Test Pilot In Facility's 60-Year History

NASA Dryden's Flight Operations staff has recently added Nils Larson and Kelly Latimer, both come to the NASA Center after careers in the USAF.

Latimer joined NASA in March 2007 and according to her NASA biography, has time at the controls of the T-38, T-34, G-III, C-17 and the "Ikhana" Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle.

Latimer is Dryden's first female research test pilot. She received her commission from the US Air Force Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering. Latimer earned a Master of Science in Astronautics from George Washington University.

According to NASA, Latimer participated in the Eclipse project as an Air Force C-141 transport pilot. The Eclipse Project was a Kelly Space and Technology Inc., Air Force and NASA Dryden demonstration of a towed reusable launch vehicle concept. The C-141 towed a QF-106 with a NASA pilot onboard to validate the concept in the late 1990s.

She also participated in a 2005 study at NASA Dryden regarding aircraft noise impacts. A team of California Polytechnic State University students and Northrop Grumman personnel were stationed on Rogers Dry Lake located at Edwards Air Force Base to record the noise footprint of Latimer's Air Force C-17 as she made various landing approaches to Edwards' runway.

"Since the Eclipse project, I have looked for opportunities to work at Dryden," Latimer said. "I am excited to be involved in the forward-looking research and science investigations conducted by NASA."

Latimer retired from the US Air Force earlier this year with the rank of lieutenant colonel. While on active duty, she attended the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards, graduating in class 96B.

Joining Latimer at NASA is Nils Larson. According to his profile, Larson -- who recently retired as an Air Force lieutenant colonel -- graduated from Air Force Test Pilot School in class 95A. He has been an instructor pilot in a number of military aircraft, including the T-37, T-38, F-18, T-2, RU-38B, U-2, U6-A Beaver and Schweizer X-26 sailplane.

Larson also commanded the U-2 operations for the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center's Detachment 2 located in Palmdale, CA. This qualification will aid in his transition to NASA's ER-2 aircraft.

NASA states in addition to the ER-2, Larson will fly research missions in F-18s and F-15s and fly safety chase in the T-38 at NASA Dryden.

"Friends have told me that I am living a dream," he said.

FMI: www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/home/index.html