A test pilot is a highly skilled pilot who flies new and experimental aircraft to evaluate their performance and safety features. Test pilots must have extensive flying experience and a strong understanding of aircraft engineering and flight dynamics. They must also be able to think critically and make quick decisions in emergencies.

Test pilots play a vital role in the development of new aircraft. They are responsible for gathering data on the aircraft’s performance, identifying any potential problems, and making recommendations for improvement. Test pilots also help to train other pilots on new aircraft.

The Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is the world’s oldest test pilot school. It was established in 1943 at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, England. The school was founded in response to the high number of accidents that were occurring during the development of new aircraft during World War II. The school’s mission was to train pilots to test new aircraft safely and to gather data on their performance.

ETPS is a highly selective school. Applicants must have extensive flying experience and a strong academic background. The school’s curriculum covers various topics, including aircraft performance, flight dynamics, and systems engineering. Students also receive training in how to conduct flight tests and how to analyze test data.

ETPS has trained over 1,500 test pilots from over 30 countries. The school’s alumni include some of the most famous test pilots in the world, such as Chuck Yeager, Neil Armstrong, and Jean-Michel Cousteau.

ETPS continues to be a leading center for test pilot training. The school is accredited by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). ETPS also offers a variety of short courses for civilian pilots and engineers.

According to the Internet