How to Become a Test Pilot

Aviation job helps to ensure aircraft prototypes are in safe condition for flight.

John McDermott

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Test pilots walk toward a Leonardo SW4 helicopter equipped with Daedalean’s visual air traffic detection system. [Credit: Daedalean]

Key Takeaways:

Test pilots play a critical role in aircraft safety and development, performing rigorous tests beyond normal operations to identify and resolve issues, requiring specialized skills and extensive training.
There are two main pathways to becoming a test pilot: through military training programs requiring significant flight experience and STEM degrees, or via a civilian route that also demands extensive flight experience, advanced certifications, and often STEM qualifications.
Both military and civilian aspiring test pilots often benefit from specialized test pilot schools or working their way up within aircraft manufacturing companies.
The career offers competitive compensation, with a median income over $100,000 annually, potentially exceeding $200,000 for specialized or senior roles.

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Test pilots have an opportunity like no other. They get to ensure that aircraft prototypes and newly built airframes are safe for further development, test flying, and eventual commercial operation.

Safety pilots also have a significant responsibility. They must put an airplane through a range of maneuvers and operations beyond normally expected and denote any irregularities and problems that must be fixed by engineers and production staff.