How to Become a Maintenance Test Pilot
Major airlines, manufacturers and the Federal Aviation Administration employ test pilots to fly and inspect the safety and performance of recently built aircraft and those brought in for maintenance. The pilots undertake the tests before approving them for normal flights. You need to fulfill various requirements to become a maintenance test pilot. Some of these requirements include licensing, educational qualifications and general flying experience.
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Instructions
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Obtain a baccalaureate degree in physical or computer science, engineering, technical management or mathematics as a prerequisite to enroll for a degree program in flight test engineering. You may present other credentials although this will make you subject to individual evaluation.
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Acquire a private pilot's license and you must have attained the age of 18 years and be able to read, write and speak English. Obtain a pilot certificate by undergoing training in a Test Pilot School such as the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School or The National Test Pilot School. Apply for Commercial Pilot License and Instrument rating from the Federal Aviation Administration after taking examinations and obtaining 250 hours of flight time as a pilot. These hours include 100 hours of flying as the commanding pilot and 50 hours of cross-country flying.
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Pass an examination for a first-class medical certificate from the FAA to prove that you are healthy and physically fit for aircraft operations. This certificate encompasses both the second- and third-class medical certificate requirements such as good vision, audibility and proper hearing but adds to the list an electrocardiogram.
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Gain ample flight time experience that will boost your resume. Depending on the company you intend to work for, you may need up to 2,000 hours of flight time and specific ratings in order to test large aircraft. Put in order your certificates, logbooks, ratings and any other records of your flight time to present during your interview.
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Compile a good resume to submit during application to aircraft manufacturing companies, airline companies and the FAA itself. Prepare yourself to demonstrate a flight check or show flight test techniques as part of your interview.
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Tips & Warnings
To become a proficient maintenance test pilot you should develop effective analytical reasoning skills, have a keen eye for detail and excellent problem-solving abilities. Be quick in learning and display interest in the latest technological and ethical skills in your area of expertise.
