Flight Test Engineer

Overview

Who is Flight Test Engineer?

Flight test engineers verify whether an aircraft is in safe operating condition. They are often experienced enough to deal with a variety of aircraft and through a lengthy and extensive training procedure. Flight test engineers evaluate which data is necessary and schedule test flights to get it. They also construct a budget for the expected testing expenditures when creating the test criteria. They then supervise the testing procedure and gather the necessary data. They utilise the data to ascertain how various systems operate under various scenarios. They then analyse the test data, compile reports on the findings, and draw conclusions based on the data. They assist in identifying solutions to problems they discover and cooperate with other engineers to improve design blueprints. They eventually verify that the aircraft performs as expected, complies with relevant rules, and is certified ready.

Typical day at work

What does Flight Test Engineer do?

Flight test engineers deal with a wide array of aircraft types. Their responsibility is to ascertain if the aircraft is operating efficiently. Furthermore, they must guarantee that the aircraft under test complies with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) performance standards. Additionally, flight test engineers are responsible for creating aircraft test criteria. Finally, after gathering data from the tests, they provide reports outlining the issues and recommending appropriate remedies.

• Flight test engineers have an extensive list of roles both on and off the ground. Before takeoff begins, they must inspect the aircraft and ensure that it is safe for use.
• They often have a pre-flight checklist that has to be completed before a plane is cleared to fly. These include checks for any fluid leaks or improperly inflated tires.
• Once the plane is airborne, the flight engineer, constantly monitors all of the computer systems and checks for any abnormalities.
• Flight test engineers are experts on all of the plane's mechanical instruments including the fuel gauges, pressure indicators, wing flaps and even the landing gear. The pilot can confer with the flight engineer if they have any questions or concerns about a specific instrument and its operation.
• They also take a look at the weather patterns and determine the proper amount of fuel required for the flight.
• They control the air conditioning, cabin airflow, the main electrical system and the engine power.

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Flight Test Engineer?

• Flight test engineers must have strong analytical skills in order to review large amounts of data and use it to inform their conclusions and recommendations.
• Attention to detail is important because they need to ensure that they have sufficiently tested all systems required and gathered sufficient data to form meaningful conclusions.
• They must be capable of multitasking because they are involved with many aspects of preparing aircraft and need to be able to meet deadlines.
• They also need strong communication skills to effectively present their findings.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?