Test pilots....

[Bundy]

My dad and I were chatting earlier in the week about one of his good friends and a collegue of his, who sadly was killed in a Hanglider accident quite a few years back now. He was a qualified Hanglider Test Pilot (One of very few as I understand it.... accident was not during testing though) and had 1000's of hours. There are no doubt many here who will know who I'm talking about but I won't mention his name out of respect for his friends and family... May he rest in peace.

How does one become a test pilot? What are the requirements? Are they rated as Test pilots by Class of aircraft (Eg WCM/CCM) or specific types?

I would imagine a Instructor's rating as well as a Technical Qualification of some sort are the basics? Just curious to know...

[KFA]

As the current regulation stands you will have to comply with the requirements of part 61. As far as I have it there are no new ratings issued until the new regulations come into effect somewhere this year. Call RAASA for a list of the current test pilots for NPL aircraft. We are only a hand full of current test pilots on ccm and lsa and there are even less for the wcm class.

[bobthebuilder]

Have a chat with Mark Gregson . I'm pretty sure he is qualified , and could probably give you some info.