Test Pilots???

[the_man_from_mn]

I am intersted in becomeing a test pilot. Does anyone know anything about being a test pilot? Maybe even one I could mentor around MN?(It's for my social class.) I did some research and cost look like their in the $200,000 and above range???

[djschaut]

Why don't you contact Cirrus Aircraft. Their website address is www.cirrusdesign.com/ They make a new type of aircraft and over the years brought it from the design phase through the production phase. They use test pilots. The had one die on them, though, I think because of an aileron problem, several years ago, during the flight-testing portion. They're located in Duluth, MN. I think you have to start with a significant amount of experience, and I think most test pilots have military experience--especially jet test pilots. I think it's a hard profession to break into. I think most have aeronautical engineering backgrounds, too, or scientific backgrounds. Chuck Yeager is a good example.
Good luck.


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DJSchaut

[Sageair]

Flying Magazine had a great article in one of there recent magazines about becoming a test pilot and the name of the school/schools that provide the training. I looked for the back issue but must have thrown it away. I think it would have been in the December 2001 issue. If you call Flying and describe the article they will find it and fax or mail it to you. Good luck!

[DrDave]

I don't know if you want to go less than full-ticket ($$$), but you might want to contact the local chapter of the EAA, as they have designated first flight pilots that will verify an experimental planes flight parameters. Also, you should contact Kitplanes Magazine, as they did an article on a fellow named Ed Kolano, who is a Test Pilot (Navy trained) and runs a school for new Experimental Airplane builders, to develop and verify the flight envelopes of their new planes.

Hope this helpes.

Dave