From the sticky thread it seems that FTEs progressing to the position of test pilot is exclusive to the the US and Canada. Are there any European based FTEs that have progressed to the position of Test Pilot?
The reason I ask is that in a few weeks I will be starting a new engineering position where I should on occasion be flying as a FTE/FTO. I already hold a frozen ATPL, subsequently my long term goal would be to become a production test pilot, is this possible on the grounds of FTO experience and gaining the flight hours ; or is it the case in Europe that attendance at an approved flight test course is essential? Obvioulsy the cost of doing the NPTS course is out of the question, therefore the "experience" route is the only option available to me. Is this ambition realistic for a european based, civilian(modular) trained pilot?