Becoming a test pilot is a dream of many pilots. It has been the goal of many aviation enthusiasts and career pilots alike.
To become a test pilot, you will need to start by getting your private pilot license. This will allow you to fly smaller aircraft with just one other passenger onboard. Once you have your private pilot license, it’s time to move on to your instrument rating. This will allow you to fly in poor visibility conditions and at night.
After that, it’s time for your multi-engine rating. This will allow you to fly larger planes that require more than one engine in order to stay airborne. It’s important to note that this step is not required if you plan on becoming a commercial pilot for an airline company; however, if you’re looking for work as an airline pilot then you should definitely get this rating!
The next step is becoming qualified as an instructor pilot so that other pilots can learn how to fly from someone who has already done it before – which means less mistakes made along the way! Finally, once all these steps have been completed then it’s time for those who want more adventure out there in the skies above us all!
How To Become Test Pilot
What is a Test Pilot?
Test pilots fly and evaluate new or modified aircraft. They determine if a plane is operating correctly and safely, and suggest improvements to the design. Test pilots are often employed by the government, either with the Federal Aviation Administration or with the military, and many have experience as military pilots. A concern for safety is essential for this career.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s degree |
| Degree Field | Engineering, math, physics, or a related field |
| Other Requirements | U.S. citizenship, flight clearance, medical and physical exams |
| Training | Prospective test pilots must attend test pilot school; it is recommended that they have military experience |
| Salary (2020) | $126,869 (median annual salary of aircraft test pilots)* |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, *Payscale.com
Important Traits for Test Pilot Jobs
Working as a test pilot is a demanding job that requires advanced knowledge of aircraft in addition to certain personal traits that will allow you to succeed. Regardless of whether you attend a test pilot school civilian or military option and whether you want to become an airplane or helicopter test pilot, the following traits will be beneficial for you to have:
- Curiosity: Test pilots not only fly new aircraft, they also suggest improvements to the design in order to make a plane better, safer, or more effective. These individuals should be curious about new planes and the ways in which they could be improved when doing a test pilot study.
- Analytical Thinking: Test pilots need to have analytical thinking skills in order to synthesize their observations about a plane’s performance and come up with meaningful design changes that could help improve the plane.
- Bravery: Flight test pilot jobs, like all jobs that involve flying an airplane or helicopter, have certain inherent occupational risks. Pilots shouls be brave in order to fly new aircraft without fear.
- Spatial Awareness: Safely flying a new airplane while assessing its performance and safety requires advanced spatial awareness skills.
How to Become a Test Pilot
What should I do to become a test pilot? Read the steps below to find out.
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
Test pilots are generally employed by the government and must meet certain training requirements. In order to become a pilot, individuals have to be U.S. citizens, meet current test pilot qualifications, and possess flight clearance. This clearance can be gained by submitting to a background check through the Office of Personnel Management. Test pilots must also be medically and physically able to meet the demands of flying. To prove their medical aptitude, potential test pilots must pass annual physicals.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A test pilot must graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, or physics. Additional physical science majors may also be considered. Coursework in engineering involves physics and calculus, as well as mechanics and materials. Students studying mathematics can expect algebra, calculus, and reasoning courses. A major in physics covers topics in chemistry, calculus, and electronics.
Step 3: Serve as a Military Pilot
Although some civilians become test pilots, many applicants serve as military pilots before beginning their careers as test pilots. Many test pilots serve in the U.S. Air Force or Navy as pilots, flight officers, and engineers. After finishing their military service, pilots may apply for civilian or government agency test pilot positions.
Step 4: Attend Test Pilot School
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Test pilots must attend training programs to learn how to evaluate aircraft performance. Test pilot training programs last about 48-50 weeks and can be taken at a military school, such as the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, or at a private facility. Coursework includes flight preparation, data collection, and report writing.
You can attend test pilot school offered through the millitary or a private organization like a civilian test pilot school. Some of the U.S. locations where you can train to be a test pilot civilian include:
- US Navy Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland
- US Air Force Test Pilot School in Edwards, CA
- National Test Pilot School in Mojave, CA
- International Test Pilots’ School in London, Ontario, Canada
Additional topics may include aero and thermodynamics, statistics, and control systems. Students may focus on fixed wing or rotary aircraft and spend time in flight simulators to earn test pilot ratings. Students may also learn how to use weaponry and work on a variety of planes.
Step 5: Find Work
Many test pilots are employed by the U.S. military. Additional career opportunities may be available with different branches of the military reserves. Test pilots can also find work with an aerospace company or play a role in certifying new or repaired civilian planes.
Test pilots fly and evaluate new or modified aircraft. They are required to have bachelor’s degrees, along with exemplary medical and physical health. They are expected to focus on safety and use expertise in testing aeronautic performance, and they earn a median annual test pilot salary of $126,869.
