Experimental Test Pilot
Gentlemen,
I am Mike "Gerz" Gerzanics, Flight International's Test Pilot . As a matter of fact I am an Experimental Test Pilot, Graduate of USAF Test Pilot School in June 1991. Awarded USAF Outstanding Experimental Test Pilot of 1993 for my ground breaking work in thrust vectored flight control system on F-16. Go you tube "F-16 MATV" for a little video snapshot.
Poster is correct, I was not an Experimental Test Pilot for Challenger 605 program. Typically I fly "Test" or perhaps "preview" aircraft with a fully qualified company pilot onboard. I have an extensive military and civil background. Mostly fighters in USAF: F-111, A-37, O-2, F-16. Joined United Airlines as an Engineering Test Pilot in 1995. Type rated on and did production acceptance (post mx) on: b727, 737, 747, 757/767, 777 and DC-10. Left UAL and worked as an Experimental Test Pilot for Boeing IDS in Long Beach, CA, Flew C-17. Left Boeing to join SWA, to spend more time with family.
I have flow a number of aircraft for Flight International that were "Experimental," but I again was not the PIC.
I feel very fortunate to do the Flight Test reports for Flight International, and hope the readership enjoys my articles.
Kindest Regards,
Gerz