TLP, in English and officially Tactical Leadership Programme, also known as the Pilot School of NATO, is an international military organization formed by 10 permanent member countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and United States), the rest of the countries of NATO and the invited countries from outside NATO. It is a multinational center of advanced training for aircrews (pilots and navigators) with the aim of improving the operability and effectiveness of the Allied Air Forces. In addition to the flight training courses (both day and night), theoretical courses are also developed for personnel from the three armies of both NATO and non-NATO countries. 

In January 1978, the signatory nations Belgium, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, UK and the USA formed the AAFCE TLP at the German Air Force base of Fürstenfeldbruck. Early TLP courses took the form of a two week seminar where aircrew discussed and formulated NATO tactics, techniques and procedures. In September 1979 TLP moved to Jever AB in Northern Germany where the course length was extended to four weeks in order to include a flying phase. TLP, part of the NATO organization took the task to train flight leads to be qualified to plan, brief and conduct multinational combat air patrol missions employing mixed force fighter formations and to lead multinational counter air operation strike packages. When TLP ceased the operation in Jever at the end of 1988, 71 flying courses had been completed and nearly 2000 NATO aircrew had graduated.

In March 1989 TLP moved to the Belgian Air Force Base at Florennes, where the staff, the task and the area of responsibility was expanded. Two branches were added and aside from flying courses, TLP started to instruct allied forces in academic courses and began writing NATO doctrine related to tactical air operations. The number of nations participating in TLP Flying and Academic courses and joining the program increased. Aside from the member nations, other countries, including some non-NATO allies, began regularly sending military specialists to TLP to be trained in all the skills related to tactical air operations. By 2012 more than 7000 aircrew have participated in TLP flying courses.

With the dawn of the new century, TLP member nations then started investigating new and more favorable locations for TLP to cope with the challenge of growing air traffic congestion in Central Europe. The TLP choice was ALBACETE Air Base in South East Spain, blessed with some of Europe’s most favorable meteorological conditions and a large airspace structure. In the summer of 2009 TLP moved into Spain’s sunny region of Castilla la Mancha to the regional capital of Albacete.