There are professions that, despite the high level of salary, are quite rare, but at the same time in demand. They can be attributed to the profession of the pilot test. Not every person can master this specialty and devote himself to her. In this article we will try to understand the features and requirements for it.
Features of the profession
The main feature of the profession the pilot test is that not every pilot, the more not every person can master it and do it. Testers become pilots who do not just have knowledge and have a good physical form, but they necessarily have experience in a flight business. As a rule, these are military pilots, but there are also tests of civilian aircraft.
They are the first to master all the innovations and innovations of aviation. Any innovations in aircraft construction, in flight rules, in the observation systems and the like first check the test pilots. These are specialists working with a high risk share and degree of responsibility.
Their task is to check everything that concerns the work of the aircraft, make a complete report so that the designers can eliminate the shortcomings. Their errors can cost life as themselves and many people.
Responsibilities
The test pilot will not just check the work of a new aircraft or helicopter, it also takes part in creating new aircraft. Its participation is mandatory both on the theoretical stage of the creation of the vessel and directly on the practical one.
At the stage of development of the theory of the creation of an aircraft in his obligations include:
- Analysis of data on previously operated, but now outdated machines;
- Evaluation of all sorts of situations of refusal of the established technique, the calculation of the necessary measures and actions at the same time;
- Testing on stands that simulate certain parameters and characteristics of the future aircraft during flight.
At theoretical stage, the duties of the test pilot are very extensive. This requires deep knowledge in the field of physics, engineering, meteorology and many other areas.
During the practical tests of a new sample of technology among the main responsibilities, the following can be allocated:
- fulfill all the tasks and maneuvers provided for by the tests, including refusal situations that may arise from the moment of starting until the aircraft landing;
- When testing combat vehicles, apply all the weapons provided for by the machine design;
- At the end of the test on a specific plane, to train all its crew changes in the work of the apparatus and all innovations.
Important qualities
Among the personal qualities for the test pilot, the ability to make responsible decisions and understand their consequences. You need to be a bold person and be able to concentrate in an emergency. At the same time, it should be calm and collected. An important quality is the interest in everything in aviation business. Securely desire to do something better and more efficient than it was before.The candidate for this specialty must have the qualification of the first class pilot and a red diploma on the end of the relevant university. Age restriction upon admission to service is not older than 31 years.
The future test must be in good physical form and without health problems.
Skills and knowledge
From the above, we can conclude that this profession requires a person to own a large volume of knowledge. But this will not be enough if he cannot apply them to communicate with other specialists or in practice. The pilot testing during his work interacts, communicates and works with a whole team of specialists from different spheres. These are scientists, designers, engineers, navigations, even managers and leadership. He must be able to prove his thoughts, operate with his knowledge and apply them during testing.
During his service, there may be a business trip abroad, therefore, the knowledge of at least one foreign language (English) is necessary. In addition, joint military exercises or exhibitions of aviation equipment are often carried out. At such events, it is necessary not to speak in a foreign language, but also worthy of submitting and talking about the latest achievements in aviation. As for personal qualities and physical form, the test must always adhere to the right routine of the day and perform physical exertion. Emotional experiences, lack of leadership qualities or, on the contrary, a sharp character is unacceptable in his behavior. After all, his psychological and physical condition directly affects the success of the test.
Education
There are 2 educational institutions in our country, in which you can master the profession's pilot profession. The first educational institution is located in the small town of Akhtubinsk Astrakhan Region is the State Flight Testing Center of the Russian Air Force. V. Chkalov. Here professionals are preparing for air force.The second institution is the School of Test pilots to them Fedotov A. V. - located in the Moscow Region, Zhukovsky. This school is mainly engaged in training specialists for design bureaus, experimental aircraft and research. On average, Russia has about 50 people - aviation testes.
In the world, 4 schools are engaged in their preparation - two in the United States, and one in England and in France.
Perspectives and Career
To become a test pilot, you need not only to complete the appropriate educational institution, but also have from 3 to 5 years of experience in flights. Usually, The overall work experience of the test is 15-20 years, they will retire quite early. Test pilots, especially military, are always in demand at aviation factories, in test and design centers. At the end of the assembly of an airplane or helicopter before launching it into serial production, the tests produce the factory flight.
After the end of the career, such specialists most often become instructors for recruits. There are those that are attracted as independent consultants in spheres that are not related to aviation and the production of aviation equipment (cinema, mountain tourism or simply owners of private aircraft). Probably there is no need to talk about how risky and dangerous this profession is dangerous.
