Abstract-In This paper, an optimal self tuning regulator (STR) structure is applied to a nonlinear flight system. In control structure, a modified GA algorithm for obtaining a suitable observer polynomial is proposed which optimizes the controller performance. The proposed method has two major advantages; first of all, it is independent of system degree or system complexity and secondly, in this method some of unknown STR method parameters such as observer polynomial are discarded. The designed controller is applied to a F-18 nonlinear model. Simulation results are presented which show that in the closed-loop system asymptotic trajectory control is accomplished. Also computer simulations are carried out for showing the performance of the designed controller against common STR controller.Index Terms-Self tuning regulator, genetic algorithm, flight control.