test pilot
Flies untried aircraft
A test pilot flies new or modified aircraft to evaluate their performance, handling, and safety before they enter regular service.
The job demands exceptional skill and coolness under pressure, since test pilots deliberately push aircraft to their limits and beyond: She was a test pilot for experimental military jets.
The role carries prestige and risk in equal measure.
- aviationFlying or operating aircraft
- sound barrierMach one transition zone
- Mach numberRatio to sonic velocity
- aircraftAirborne transportation vehicle
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
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- transport workerstruck driver, coachman, taxi driver, stagecoach driver, train driver
- tropical drinkspina colada, mojito, mai tai, daiquiri, rum punch
test pilotairline captain
Chief pilot of aircraft
cargo pilot · charter pilot · desk pilot · flight instructor · ground crew
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