Flight Test
Flight Test is a crucial phase in aircraft development where new or modified aircraft are thoroughly checked to make sure they're safe and working correctly before being sold to customers. It's like a thorough inspection and trial run of an airplane, similar to how a car undergoes road testing before going to market. Flight Test teams include pilots, engineers, and technicians who work together to verify everything from basic flying abilities to complex electronic systems. This process is essential for getting official approval (certification) from aviation authorities like the FAA or EASA.
Examples in Resumes
Coordinated Flight Test activities for new commercial aircraft development program
Led Flight Testing team of 15 engineers in evaluating aircraft performance
Conducted Flight Test data analysis for engine certification requirements
Managed Flight Test Operations for military aircraft modifications
Typical job title: "Flight Test Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Flight Test Engineers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a complex flight test program with multiple aircraft and tight deadlines?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in project management, resource allocation, risk assessment, and coordination with multiple teams. They should mention safety priorities, regulatory compliance, and contingency planning.
Q: Describe a challenging flight test situation you've managed and how you resolved it.
Expected Answer: Candidate should demonstrate leadership, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of both technical and safety aspects. Look for examples of decision-making under pressure and stakeholder management.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What key parameters do you focus on during a typical flight test?
Expected Answer: Should mention basics like speed, altitude, fuel consumption, stability, and system performance. Look for understanding of data collection methods and what makes a test successful.
Q: How do you ensure flight test data is properly collected and analyzed?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic data collection systems, quality checks, and analysis methods. Look for understanding of documentation requirements and reporting procedures.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main safety considerations in flight testing?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the importance of following test plans. Look for awareness of risk management in aviation.
Q: Explain the basic steps of a flight test program.
Expected Answer: Should be able to outline the general process: planning, ground testing, flight testing phases, data collection, and reporting. Look for basic understanding of the testing cycle.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of flight mechanics
- Data collection and basic analysis
- Following test procedures and checklists
- Support role in test operations
Mid (2-5 years)
- Test planning and execution
- Data analysis and reporting
- Understanding of certification requirements
- Coordination with test pilots and engineers
Senior (5+ years)
- Program management
- Test strategy development
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Team leadership and mentoring
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of aviation safety regulations
- Lack of experience with flight test instrumentation
- Poor understanding of aviation terminology
- No experience with technical documentation
- Unfamiliarity with aircraft systems and operations
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