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 are vital for ensuring aircraft safety by rigorously testing prototypes and newly built airframes, identifying irregularities, and requiring exceptional skill and intensive training.
Becoming a test pilot typically involves extensive flight experience (e.g., 1,000+ military hours or advanced civilian pilot certifications) and a strong STEM background, often gained through military pilot schools or specialized civilian test pilot programs.
The role offers a rewarding career with a median income of over $100,000, with highly specialized and senior positions potentially exceeding $200,000 annually.

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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.