"Eject Mav! eject! eject!"
 

I was wondering if the test pilots that test the millitary aircraft have any experience sky diving as training for a scenario where punching out would be the only option. I would really like to become a test pilot but I don't know if I wanna free fall in the air. I don't want to skydive either, it must be really safe (what with the helmet and all, lol) but i don't really want to be a pilot without a plane. And my second question is, what does it feel like menouvering at high speeds with high g forces acting upon you. Does the flight suit make it easier to withstand? I recall reading or hearing somewhere, (correct me if I'm worng), that 9 g's is about the absolute maximum the human body can take. Would test pilots try and pull tight turns with high g forces, i assume they would if they are testing the aircraft for millitary purposes.

Blaze

If you made the grade and due to circumstances beyond your control, you had to eject from the a/c, you wouldn't have much time to worry as you would be under a parachute in under 2 seconds in most circumstances!!:}

...
 

Yeah i guess adrenaline would help out in this type of scenario. So basically you don't undergo any practical parachute training, pretty much a breifing of what to do should such a situation arise?

Blaze, I'd guess from your tone and style of questions that you are probably still at school.

You'll find, if you go and talk to the school careers people that Test Piloting is not an immediate career option - it's basically a follow-on career for people who are either very experienced pilots with a high degree of technical knowledge, or very well qualified Engineers who have built up the necessary flying experience and ability. In either case, they'll have spent a great deal of time training for all manner of emergencies, and all the peculiarities of handling aircraft in their particular class, whether that's high-g, high altitude, extreme cold, or whatever is particular to that operating environment.

If the area interests you, take a look at some of the threads linked from the sticky at the top of the flight test forum, but also the bottom line (at the schoolboy/schoolgirl stage) is that you should aim to get all and any flying experience you can (Air Cadets, Air Scouts, Gliding Club cadets - anything available) whilst pursuing all the mathematical and technical subjects you can to the best of your abilities.

But, it is one of the most exciting and interesting jobs n the world, and just because it takes years of effort to get into it, is no reason not to try.

G

Blaze,

Some very wise words from Genghis indeed, just a couple of things I would add.

There is no such thing as absolute safety when it comes to riding in a mechanical device. So if you are not prepared to live with the risk of a range of outcomes from walking away from a burning wreck to death (and every possible combination in between) then this line of work is not for you. We all tend to think "it will never happen to me" - but we train and prepare for the worst on a regular basis. And trust me it can happen to "little old you"

Modern flying equipment goes a long way to alleviating the physically demanding effects of flying military aircraft. It is not just the 'g' forces we have to contend with but also altitude, (oxygen and decompression). In addition, it has to be able to help you survive out of the aircraft after an ejection maybe in arctic or sea survival situations. Plus, don't forget those nasty little nuclear, biological and chemical threats that may exist in a war zone.

As someone involved in testing military aircraft you would be involved in many aspects of the process that as an operational squadron pilot you never even knew existed. The testing community contains (needs) a broad spectum of backgrounds and abilities not least of which is experience of the roles for which the product you are investigating has been designed.

Personally, I didn't go to test pilot school until I had completed 13 years of military service, best course I have ever done, and the rewards are well worth the long hours during the year long course.

Regards

Tarnished

Blaze,

There used to be a static line parachute jump into water included in the ETPS course, so as to let the students experience another form of aviation! Sadly, financial considerations put an end to this some time ago.

On my course, we all assumed that it was compulsory so "psyched" ourselves up for it. We then were asked if we actually wanted to do it! Needless to say we all did. We jumped from the back ramp of a Chinook which was great - no slipstream to jump into. The most scary part was being picked up from the water by the Royal Marines in a "Rigid Raider" and driven around Lyme Bay at warp factor 10 hanging on for dear life! And then, rather than going to the pub for a beer, we had to get back into the Chinook to fly back to base. No justice.

To back up what Tarnished has said, flight testing for me is the best job in the world, although it is not going to suit everyone. I was sold on becoming a test pilot from very soon after I joined the RAF. I wish you luck.

rgds

L

...and skydiving is great fun as well!

Blaze,

If you are still following this thread...

Try visiting your local Gliding club. Ask about a trial lesson or two. Ask if there is any chance of arranging an aerotow so you can experience some mild aerobatics. With luck they should be able to show you a few loops and/or a spin or two. Hint: Do your straps up as tight as you can and it doesn't feel as bad :-) If you want to do something different this summer holiday why not book a weeks gliding course?

PS: For insurance purposes most Gliding clubs can't give you a "pleasure flight" only a "Trial lesson".

PPS: Don't blame me if you get addicted!

Blaze

You will have seen by now that PPRuNe is probably the best means in the world for aspiring pilots to talk to experienced practitioners of the art of flying, of whatever stripe.

Would have to underline cwatters' advice about getting some aeros in. I was put off for years by comments that 'you don't want to go in a Pitts Special, it's for display aerobatics only', and 'pulling g gives you a headache'. 20 years after I first flew, I found an expert with an S2B to take me up, and all I can say is those wise comments were utter cr@p. OK this bloke was good (it was Clive Watson, if that means anything to you), but as for making me feel icky it was like watching it on telly - up to 5g (and down to -2) flown so smoothly you really did not know it was happening. It was a demonstration of flying skill to aspire to.

skydiving
 

Blaze if you are nervous about doing something the best advice I can give you is have A go. I allways wanted to fly as A kid but was told that I didnt have the qualifications or the ability to be A pilot so I didnt start flying untill I was in my thirtys. So if you are nervous about parachuting there are lots of skydiving centers around the uk (weston on the green Netheravon) etc have A go lots of weekend courses ps I ended up flying helicopters now there is a machine that shouldnt be capable of flying :ok:

I think it is not compulsory
 

At least for the French, during my time.

If any of you guys have heared of a French Female flight test pilot called Helle Boucher (Caudron speed record aircrafts), i was flying around 1975 in the airfield where she get killed.

Guyancourt. The airfield is now closed but it was near the Toussus-le-Noble private jet airport south west of Paris near Versailles.

My flight instructor was the *** General Fleury, commander of the COTAM (3rd air Region) Transport Aerien, but also flight-test pilot at CEV Bretigny. I can't recall him as saying anything about skydiving.

But they might well have to do a few statics for "acoutumance", with additional training for roller techniques and water entry for their own safety.

They sure have very strict procedures for ejection and even ejection conditions. Dassault doesn't like to loose their pilots, nor does the forces...

Since they are graduating in the US i guess it's near what RN/RAF are used to.

PS i'm pleased to see there are flyers in this forum.