Can an old chap get into flight testing?

[slippedthebonds]

Not quite "how do I become", but similar -> 43 year old, ex-RAF Engineer, Aero Eng degree, CEng and MBA, PPL and glider pilot, currently a telco programme manager - how viable to go back into aerospace in the UK and therehence into FTE? Know any "old not bold" un's?

Cheers!

[TheChitterneFlyer]

Slippedthebonds,

Try taking a look at what QinetiQ has to offer. It's not beyond the bounds of reality to gain sponsorship from QinetiQ to gain entry into ETPS for an FTE course but that would of course require huge commitment/determination on your part.

Nothing to lose by giving them a call... contact details are on their website.

TCF

[WeekendFlyer]

Totally agree with TCF. QQ employ a staggeringly large number of ex-services aircrew and engineers (comissioned and non-commisioned) at Boscombe Down, and with your background and qualifications you would be in with a good chance I think. But perhaps consider going down the project management route as an alternative to technical work.

As for ETPS, not impossible at your age (it has been done apparently), but selection for the course is competitive and by all accounts it is incredibly hard work...

[FlightTester]

I retired after my 22. Aero degree etc, talked directly with Flight Test at Warton - job offer came about five seconds after I started talking! Pay isn't brilliant (compared with some company's), conditions are good, work is great fun (I worked the EF before it was the Typhoon).

I still have a few contacts there if you're interested - Flight Testing is still pretty much old boy network for referrals!

[slippedthebonds]

Thanks for advice, expect the interest offsets the modest pay(!), but how do folks usually react to having had a 10 year break out of the industry?

And many thanks FlighTester for the offer of contacts - may take you up on that!

STB

[Genghis Couldn't]

....and I have some contacts in other directions - PM if interested.

G

[ArthurR]

The company I work for is allways looking for people, PM if interested.
They employed me at 58

[Genghis Couldn't]

slipped: got your PM. Have e-mailed (PM'd) you a contact at each establishment.

GC

[ArthurR]

Slipped have PM'd you back with details, also phoned the office to tell them you may call or e-mail :ok:

[Genghis Couldn't]

Slipped - you seem to have vanished....? Any luck with those leads?

GC

[infinity-it]

I graduated last year at the NTPS as test pilot for light aircraft, which involved flight testing for Part 23 aircraft. Now I'm looking for a job, but all the companies I contacted are looking for test pilots with at least 5 years of test experience. Does anybody have an idea who I could contact to get started. Currently I'm flying on a midsize business jet.

Thanks for your help.

[FlightTester]

Hi

I'd keep plugging away at building your hours, most companies want to see at least 2000 hrs total and 1500 PIC on turbojets before they'll let you loose on anything bigger than a Part 23.

Alternatively you could try getting a job as an FTE with Pilatus and build your hours that way.

[infinity-it]

Hi

Thank you very much for your advise.

I already have more then 2000 hours and I have more then 1500 hours on turboprop, but only a couple of hours on turbojet.

Are you talking about Pilatus in Switzerland?

[FlightTester]

Hi Infinity-it

Well it sounds like you're in the right ballpark for the hours.

Yes, I was meaning Pilatus in Switzerland - We have a couple of FTE's here who used to work for them, and about four years ago I looked over there for testing on the PC-21 (I think it was). Not sure if they've got anything in the pipeline or not at the moment, but with your Turboprop experience, NTPS school qualification and located in Switzerland I would have thought you'd have a good chance.

By the way - NTPS - how are Sean and Nadia these days? Did Sean ever tell you the story about inverted spins on the Draken?

[richatom]

Infinity-It - you could try looking at Diamond Aircraft in Wiener Neustadt. If you look at their German-language site they are (or were last time I looked) advertising for a TP with knowledge of EASA certification. They do not require enormous experience - they even interviewed me and I have less hours than you! You will need to speak German and be able to write reports in English.

[slippedthebonds]

Hi Ghengis and all,

Sorry, yes I did go quiet I'm afraid - a job came up :O that took me away for a bit - but unfortunately it was in the usual line of business :* ... got to pay the mortgage until maybe I get an even bigger mortgage for some training.

Still considering options and planning to take a trip to Farnborough to chat with a few people about getting back into aviation. But figuring I need more seat time anyway to be credible again.

Thanks to everyone who offered help. It hasn't been wasted, believe me!

Paul