How to Become a Test Pilot

Safety pilots also have a significant responsibility. They must put an airplane through a range of maneuvers and operations beyond normally expected and denote any irregularities and problems that must be fixed by engineers and production staff.

Becoming a test pilot often requires special experience and qualifications beyond those required for normal civilian pilots. Test pilots must be at the top of their game and be ready to handle any irregularity that arises inflight. These pilots go through rigorous training in order to do their jobs.

Many test pilots are graduates of military training programs. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy both have test pilot schools that graduate dozens of test pilots a year. The pilots they train are already military pilots, often with extensive flying experience and advanced degrees in engineering, aerospace, math, or other physical sciences.

The military will train civilians, but these are usually for flight test engineer roles as opposed to pilot jobs. Even some of the pilots in training do not end up being actual test pilots. Rather, some become combat systems officers, engineers, or even drone operators. Training concludes with commission as an officer before the new test pilots are sent to each branch of the military to carry out their duties.

Not all civilian test pilot jobs require military experience. Nonmilitary government agencies and aircraft manufacturers hire pilots to work on and test-fly aircraft in production or coming out of heavy maintenance. Though military service can help, an experienced civilian with the appropriate FAA pilot certification and medical clearance can apply for these jobs as well.

Civilians who want to be test pilots should also hold STEM degrees in aerospace engineering, flight sciences, math, or similar fields.

Military pilots usually must hold at least 1,000 hours of military flying to be considered for a test pilot role. This requirement selects from the best of the best in military aviators who are well versed in flying, handling, and information of aircraft and their systems.

Civilian test pilots must start off as all other pilots—by becoming a private pilot and advancing through advanced training such as the instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, and beyond. Often, manufacturers look for experienced pilots to test aircraft, so often one must pursue work as a flight instructor, corporate pilot, or airline pilot before becoming a test pilot. 

Work on aircraft similar to that you will be testing is always a plus. For example, a pilot who wants to test fly for Boeing will be especially notable if they have flight time in Boeing airplanes because they will already be somewhat familiar with the characteristics and design of the company’s aircraft.

Civilian pilots often consider putting themselves through courses in the National Test Pilot School (NTPS), as doing so is among the best ways to stand out for manufacturers looking for test pilots. The barrier to entry in the NTPS often selects military aviators not paying out of pocket but rather getting paid to attend on military assignment.

Other test pilot schools for civilians do exist, giving civilians greater access to the test pilot career. Schools use a variety of aircraft to train pilots in many tasks, scenarios, and situations before beginning their career. Working with these schools can go a long way to boosting your résumé and making yourself attractive to new companies.

Other civilian test pilots have previous experience and have experience working for a company developing aircraft in the first place. Often these are flight test engineers with previous experience in the testing environment that a manufacturer will train to fly as well. Hence, without the NTPS, another great way to succeed as a test pilot is to seek out other opportunities at aircraft manufacturers and work up to a test pilot role from inside the company.

The median income for a test pilot in the United States is just over $100,000, with wide variations in different roles. The more specialized and senior a test pilot is, the more they will make, with some bringing in over $200,000 annually. However, flying different categories of aircraft (helicopters versus airplanes) can bring some variation, while working for different companies and manufacturers will also impact salary.

Commissions, bonuses, and profit-sharing can drive total compensation up, but test pilots should expect to take time working through the ranks and gaining experience before making substantial amounts of money.

Test-flying is a rewarding career, as pilots get to see the fruits of their labor roll off the production line constantly. Even more rewarding is completing testing on a brand-new, clean-sheet aircraft and watching it roll into regular production. Though the road to get there may be challenging, achieving the goal is worth it in the end.