Hi guys!
I've been struggling to find good information on this, so this is why I turn to this forum in the hope that some experienced people involved in flight testing might give me some advice ...
I'm a mechanical engineer (31 yo) and I've been working for a few years as an automotive engineer. I did my PPL at the age of 17 and have always been fascinated by (commercial) aviation, both the technical as well as the flying side of it.
I recently started flight training towards an ATPL (sponsored by an airline). My career goal is to combine my Mech. Eng. background with my ATPL/line flying experience at a later stage to work in flight testing (support engineer/FTE). I realize that this is a difficult endeavour, so I would like to know if this is a realistic goal, considering my age. Are there maybe other jobs at aircraft manufacturers where this type of profile is sought after?
Or do you think I should leave this MEng+ATPL idea altogether and go back to my old engineering type job? How valuable is the experience of ATPL/commercial flying when applying for FTE positions compared to PPL-type flying?
I would really appreciate your input since I have to make a decision soon. Tell me what you think ...
Greetings from Switzerland,
Alex