Test Pilot School

Summary

The undefined website outlines the rigorous requirements and training processes for aspiring test pilot engineers, detailing the various paths and qualifications needed to attend test pilot school and fly advanced aircraft like the T-38 and X-class planes.

Abstract

The undefined website provides an overview of the Test Pilot School, highlighting the dream of flying supersonic jets and experimental aircraft. It emphasizes the necessity of a master's degree in science, which can be obtained through courses at prestigious institutions like Edwards Air Force Base, the 412th test wing, NAV, or the National Test Pilot School. These schools use a range of aircraft for training, from the Cessna to the Bell UH-1N helicopter. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or physics, and meet specific flight hour requirements that vary depending on the specialization they pursue, such as Experimental Test Pilot, Experimental Test RPA Pilot, CSO, or Experimental Flight Test Engineer. The website also details the service time limits, flight hour prerequisites, and additional training requirements, including altitude chamber tests, flight physicals, and centrifuge training at facilities like NASTAR. A testimonial expresses the excitement of flying helicopters while acknowledging their slower speed compared to planes.

Opinions

Flying supersonic jets and X-class planes is presented as a thrilling aspiration for test pilot school candidates.
The article suggests that flying a helicopter is an exhilarating experience, but planes are preferred for speed and efficiency.
The requirement for a technical master's degree is highly desired for Experimental Flight Test Engineers, indicating a strong emphasis on advanced technical education in the field.
The inclusion of a direct quote from a testimonial adds a personal touch, emphasizing individual experiences and opinions within the test pilot community.

Test Pilot School

Have you dreamed about flying through the sky supersonic in a T-38? Have you dreamed out about becoming a test pilot flying X-class planes? Welcome to the future friends!

There are a lot of requirements to be able to go to test pilot school and become a test pilot engineer. To earn your masters in science you will have to pass the course at Edwards Air Force Base, the 412th test wing, NAV, or at National Test Pilot School. They all fly similar planes to test you on different types of aircraft. Anything from the Cessna which a lot of trainee pilots start at to a Bell UH-1N, a rotor helicopter.

To be able to qualify to go to these schools there are a few requirements that each candidate has to have. Firstly, you have to have a Bachelors's in engineering, math, or physics. From this point, you have to have varying degrees of flight hours depending on what you're going in for. You can go in for Experimental test pilot, experimental test RPA pilot (drones), CSO ( Combat Systems Officer), or an Experimental Flight test engineer. Each one of these different courses has different requirements in order to qualify. I will leave the link below to find the pdf for the USAF pdf.

Experimental Test Pilot

Less than or equal to 9 and 1/2 years of service, 12 months AC in MWS, 750 hr or IP(MWS), 1000 hr if dual IP, 250 hrs of manned non-MWS may be included

Experimental RPA pilot

Less than or equal to 9 and 1/2 years of service, IP in RPA MWS or at least 750 hrs(250 hrs in a manned MWS may be included)

CSO

Less than or equal to 9 and 1/2 years of service, IP in CSO MWS or at least 500 hrs in MWS, excluding student time

Experimental Flight Test Engineer

Less than or equal to 8 years (includes guard and reserve), Technical Master degree highly desired, greater than 2 years in an engineering AFSC(air force jobs), class three physical

In addition to the above requirements, you have to pass altitude chamber tests a flight physical 2 or 3 for an engineer, and centrifuge training. The altitude chamber at NASTAR can go up to 100,000 ft, max ascent rate 12,000 ft/min, and an automated flight system. NASTAR also has a centrifuge which is the spinning thing in the movies. It puts G’s, or centrifugal force on the passenger.

“Everything is awesome about flying a helicopter, but they are slow. If your looking to get somewhere a plane is the way to go”

Testimonial