Jonathan Bearce

Experimental Test Pilot/Director of Flight Test Operations

Bernalillo High School Class of 2001

Upon graduation, Jonathan Bearce (“Jonny B” to his high school friends) attended the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering. He went on to further his education by attending the Marine Corps University where he focused on Expeditionary Warfare and Command and Staff training. In 2017, he earned a Master of Science Degree from the United States Air Force in Test Pilot Training and a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering.

Jonathan’s professional experience includes:

United States Marine Corps - 2009-2012, AV–88 Pilot - Division Lead, Weapons and Tactics Officer, Air Combat Tactics Instructor, Combat Deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; 2012-2013, MAG-13 Standardization and Evaluation Pilot - AV-88 Instructor Pilot, Air Combat and Tactics Instructor, NATOPS Instructor, Instructor for Basic Combat Wingman.

United States Air Force - 2013-2016, USMC Exchange Pilot, F-16 Instructor Pilot, Mission Commander, Forward Air Controller Airborne ; 2017-2020, F-35 and F-16 Developmental Test Pilot, Instructor for the US Air Force Test Pilot School, Director of Operations, Chief Government Test Pilot.

United States Navy - 2020-2021, F-35 and F-16 Developmental and Operational Test Pilot

Merlin Labs Air University - 2019-Present - Experimental Test Pilot/Director of Flight Test Operations

Thank you for your service!