How do you become a test pilot?And how long does it take?
 

Hello!! I was wandering wich qualities and academic background do you need to become a test pilot? How much$$$ and how long does it take?

Iceman -
There should be a whole thread in this forum that talks about the training, etc. Basically, lots of bucks!
One recommendation is to look at National Test Pilot School's website (www.ntps.edu) and look at some of the week long academic short courses they offer. All very good.
They also have some two-week long 'Introduction to Flight Test' courses that are not too expensive, and very good introductory stuff.

(From the FAQ thread at the top of the page)


How to enter the flight test profession(s)
Discussion on the possibility of FTE and TP licensing (from about the 5th post)
Flight test engineer/Test Pilot Wanabee
Flight Test Jobs - where are they?
French/German Test Pilot Licences
How to become a test pilot?
TPS versus degree courses
Wanabee test pilot



G

Flight testing is a vast subject so it depends on how committed you are. I started flight testing simply by gaining a flight test approval from the CAA to perform airworthiness flight tests and C of A renewals on already certified aircraft. For this I had to have a breifing from Darrol Stinton, the then CAA flight tester, way back when. Darrol was an extrodinary man and taught me more about aircraft over the years than I can remember. After a while I built up a reputaion with him and the CAA such that He would invite me to flight test certain aircraft for the issue of a British C of A and to evealuate some vary strange machines, often before he had the chance to fly them. I also got involved with accident and icident flight testing to try to find answers to some accidents etc. Prototype flight testing, however, is mostly done by pilots who have gained some real qualifications in the subject and are mostly employed by the manufactuers themselves. So if you just fancy just the mundane stuff and you have the experience, ask the CAA what the current requirements are and then get along to your local light aircraft maintanence company and see if they might put you forward for flight test approval. Then build up a reputation.