Cubdriver

Experimental Test Pilot in Savannah, GA

Unique Skills:
See Experience/Education Requirements.

Experience/Education:
- Bachelors degree in Engineering or technically related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
-Ten (10) years progressively responsible experience in flight operations and flight test to include
-at least three (3) years progressively responsible management and/or supervisory experience in the aerospace industry.
- See Other Requirements.

Position Purpose:
Under general direction of the Chief Test Pilot, act as the project pilot for new and existing product development projects.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
1) Provide the Flight Operations interface to Design Engineering in the development of new technology for new and existing airplanes.

2) As project test pilot, conduct developmental, engineering, and experimental test flights in support of new and ongoing flight test projects. Debrief engineering personnel and supplier engineering personnel on ground and flight test results and personal observations. Report these results and observations in a concise, written Flight Test Report on a timely basis for distribution to the highest levels in management and engineering departments. Discuss problem areas with both GAC and supplier engineers to assist them in design or redesign of equipment being tested. Conduct engineering meetings to assess progress of new and ongoing programs involving the issues involved to bring the new technology to the appropriate level for certification.

3) Represent GAC in meetings with FAA, JAA, and EASA representatives in all matter regarding the certification of the new technology.

4) Review and critique developmental and certification test plans to assure that the means of compliance for certification are assured and met.

5) Conduct certification test flights with the certifying authorities in a manner consistent with the test plans and assure success for the program.

6) Assist in the completion of the certification test reports to assure that the required test points demonstrate compliance with the regulations.

7) Assist the Senior Experimental Test Pilot in developmental training sessions with junior pilots in their progression towards advancement within the department.

8) Provide interface with Engineering, Marketing and Technical Operations to ensure a smooth transition from certification to Entry-Into-Service for all new products.

9) Provide ground and flight instruction to company and customer flight crews on operations of new aircraft products, new installed systems, and new or upgraded appliances.

10) Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Requirements:
1) FAA ATP rating to include GIV and/or GV type ratings.

2) Effective verbal and written skills required.

3) Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School or Significant Equivalent Experience in Military Flight Test.

4) FAA Airline Transport Pilot license.

5) FAA Flight Instructor certificate (desired).

Additional Information
Requisition Number
31411

Category
Flight Operations

Percentage of Travel
26-50

Gjn290

Does anyone know what the potential earnings are for a job like this? I just Googled 'Test Pilot Schools' and the link I found said tuition for a pilot is $915,000! Is there a specific route people take to attend these schools? I can't see the classrooms being packed full of students.

tomgoodman

A student at NTPS would probably be sent there by a corporation or a government which already employs them as a pilot.
Earnings vary:
"According to Salary.com, intermediate test pilots earn a median annual income of $71,400 while senior test pilots earn a median income of $102,421 and specialist test pilots earn a median income of $154,106."
Aircraft Test Pilot: Career and Salary Facts

Cubdriver

Those would have to be salaried figures because contract rates are much higher. If you are a former military test pilot on a year or indeterminate contract and are paid less than $200k with moderate overtime, something is wrong. Even the more experienced desk engineers in the bizjet industry can push $200k with a fair bit of overtime, working 6 days per week on average. Salaried people tend to make a lot less, this data sounds about right for salaried workers before overtime.

tomgoodman

Yes, it does say "salary facts". I suspect that those who can command a high-paying individual contract have many years of experience and an established reputation in the flight test community.