Flight Operations
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, conducts high-risk flight research and testing on modified and unique research vehicles and systems.
Focus Areas
The Flight Operations directorate manages and provides technical direction for all center flight operations and flight support activities.
Operations Engineering
Ensuring an aircraft is safe to fly is the core function of this team.
Featured Article
NASA’s Experimental Fabrication Branch Fuels Aircraft Innovation
At NASA, innovation begins well before an aircraft takes flight. The Experimental Fabrication Branch at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, transforms engineering concepts into mission‑ready hardware for research aircraft and technology development. This capability helps the agency deliver advancements that benefit the public by improving aviation safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Read the Full Article about NASA’s Experimental Fabrication Branch Fuels Aircraft Innovation
NASA Pilots Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers
NASA pilots from Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, share their stories, passion for flight, and words of inspiration for the next generation of aviators.
Learn More About Armstrong's PeopleLife Support
Maintaining aircrew safety systems and training
Armstrong's Life Support Office is responsible for the development, testing, and maintenance of life support systems and performs inspections, maintenance, and services for aircraft flight equipment.
These systems include maintaining ejection seats, aircraft oxygen systems, pressure suits, flight equipment and pyrotechnics. The office staff also conducts aircrew training in the use of life support and emergency escape systems.
Learn More About the Life Support Office about Maintaining aircrew safety systems and training
Aircraft Flown at Armstrong
For more than seven decades, Armstrong's pilots have flown everything from light aircraft to high-speed jets and rocket-powered airplanes.
Learn More About Our Aircraft about Aircraft Flown at Armstrong
75 Years of Armstrong: Speed
In 2022, Armstrong celebrated 75 years of flight with new videos each month. The first video of the 12-part series focused on speed.
Watch the 75th Anniversary video series
