Ryan “Rooster” Osteroos, CTO
Ryan is a decorated combat veteran and has flown/evaluated over 40 different aircraft (fixed wing and rotary), and more than 11 different hi-fidelity simulator systems. He is an experienced organizational leader, aerospace engineer, and test pilot with expertise leading large teams of military, civilian, and contract personnel in the developmental of major weapon systems and engineering projects for DOD/NASA/DHS/FMS customers and in expertly managing the operations of multiple teams across a wide variety of aviation agencies.
Ryan is an accomplished test pilot, aeronautical/astronautical engineer, digital flight controls expert, and a graduate of the USAF Academy and the USAF Test Pilot School. He has extensive experience in the evaluation of digital flight control systems and the development of experimental aircraft. He has piloted more than 50 first flights of Small UAV systems and trained/advised multiple UAV development teams. He has over 25 years of experience in astronautical and aeronautical engineering, including theoretical, simulation, and experimental investigations. He has taught courses in aerodynamics, flight test, and aircraft design at the USAF Academy and has provided on-site flight test instruction for various commercial and governmental groups.
Ryan is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He holds a Multi-engine Commercial Pilot’s license, and is a certified flight instructor who has provided flight test and flight test instruction in platforms ranging from jet and prop powered UAVs, single and multi-engine aircrafts, and high-performance aircraft including F-15E/C/D, F-16, T-38, A-10. He served as a member of the Anti-SUAS Technology and Information Study Panel.
Ryan’s extensive leadership experience includes being the Director of Operations, interim Squ/CC and senior military leader for the 780th Test Squadron at Eglin & Wright Patterson AFB responsible for the operations of over 20 main DOD/NASA/DHS programs including AMRAAM, AIM-9X, JASSM, SDB, Space Shuttle support, Aircraft survivability testing, and many others.
Ryan retired from the Air Force after his final tour as commander of the 412th Operations Support Squadron at Edwards AFB leading Air Traffic Control, Airfield Management, Weather, Survival, AF Flight Test Center Airspace Control. He holds a BS in Astronautical Engineering from the US Air Force Academy, and an MS in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, Dayton, OH.