How to Become a Test Pilot

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Test Pilot

What does a Test Pilot do?

A Test Pilot pilots model aircraft to ensure compliance with federal regulations and product specifications. Ensures operational functionality and pilot and passenger safety. Being a Test Pilot recommends changes to cockpit or aircraft to better meet the pilot's needs or to improve flight. Performs tests and maneuvers as developed by engineers. Additionally, Test Pilot may pilot demonstrations for officials or customers. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Requires Pilot license. The Test Pilot gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. To be a Test Pilot typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Test Pilot responsibilities

Test pilots can be experimental and engineering test pilots (investigating the characteristics of new types of aircraft during development) or production test pilots (the more mundane role of confirming the characteristics of new aircraft as they come off the production line); many test pilots would perform both roles during their careers.

12/21/2019: Eugene, OR

Modern test pilots often receive formal training from highly-selective military test pilot schools, although other test pilots receive training and experience from civilian institutions and/or manufacturers' test pilot development programs.

10/10/2019: Green Bay, WI

Test flying as a systematic activity started during the First World War, at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) in the United Kingdom.

12/14/2019: Phoenix, AZ

During these years, as work was done into aircraft stability and handling qualities, test flying evolved towards a more qualitative scientific profession.

10/01/2019: Nassau, NY

Eisenhower, the first American astronauts, the Mercury Seven, were all military test pilots, as were some of the later astronauts.

10/30/2019: Lowell, MA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Test Pilot

Best tips for those who want to become a Test Pilot

Here are some tips to become a Test Pilot.

People's Opinions on best tips

At altitude, mountain waves are the only source of energy for the glider.

12/24/2019: Trenton, NJ

Questions are structured as puzzles to test your reasoning ability, not as tests of how well you understand specific information.

12/13/2019: Chico, CA

The test likely will not resemble the tests you took in school.

10/27/2019: Boston, MA

There is intense time pressure to answer questions quickly.

11/05/2019: Monroe, LA

Senator Fawcett is also chairman of the Defence sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and a member of the parent JSCFADT committee.

12/17/2019: Lafayette, LA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Test Pilot

Best colleges and universities for Test Pilot

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Test Pilot

Is being a Test Pilot Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Forkner also lobbied FAA to remove mention of MCAS from the operating manual and pilot training for the Max, saying the system would only operate in rare circumstances.

11/16/2019: Hialeah, FL

Separate Boeing documents that were disclosed Friday also outlined Forkner's role in communicating with the FAA and removing mention of MCAS from pilot-training requirements for the Max.

11/23/2019: Huntington, NY

If you want to be a pilot, but you also enjoy the mathematics and engineering side of aviation, this could be a good job for you.

11/08/2019: Knoxville, TN

An advanced Russian fighter jet built to compete with top American stealth fighters has crashed during a training mission in the country’s Far East - but its pilot safely ejected, according to reports Tuesday.

12/20/2019: Fort Wayne, IN

The pre-production Su-57 aircraft, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, went down about 69 miles from the airfield during a test flight near Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said in a statement obtained by the state-run RIA Novosti news agency. No casualties or damage were reported on the ground.

11/15/2019: Mobile, AL
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Test Pilot

What skills do you need to be a Test Pilot?

When looking into a role like this one, you need to take account of your skills and abilities.  The ability to succeed in this role depends upon the possession of the following skills: OSHA Standards & Compliance, Regulatory Reporting, Risk Assessment, Safety Incident Reporting, Post-Flight Aircraft Inspection, Pre-Flight Aircraft Inspection, Risk Analysis.  Although not always necessary, a grasp of these skills can help: Aviation Software.  During an interview, try to convey your knowledge of these skills.

People's Opinions on Test Pilot skills

Modern test pilots often receive formal training from highly-selective military test pilot schools, although other test pilots receive training and experience from civilian institutions and/or manufacturers' test pilot development programs.

12/11/2019: Lima, OH

During these years, as work was done into aircraft stability and handling qualities, test flying evolved towards a more qualitative scientific profession.

10/11/2019: Salem, OR

This job requires a combination of engineering and flight test skills.

11/12/2019: Modesto, CA

Graduate of recognized test pilot school (USAF TPS, USNTPS, NTPS, etc) required.

10/05/2019: New London, CT

Must have direct experience in the conduct of ground and flight test of aerospace vehicles.

12/13/2019: Florence, AL
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Step 6: View average salary for Test Pilot

How much does a Test Pilot make?

The average salary range for a Test Pilot is from $75,233 to $91,884. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Test Pilot
$75,233 to $91,884

Step 7: Find relevant Test Pilot jobs, and apply.

Looking for Test Pilot jobs?

Here are some Test Pilot jobs in the United States.

Search Test Pilot Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Test Pilot

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Test Pilot? Test Pilot II