How to Be Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 27, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer is vital in ensuring the safe operation of an aircraft. They use a variety of engineering tools to assess an aircraft's performance capabilities and identify any issues that may affect its safety. This includes conducting pre-flight checks, analyzing flight data, and performing tests in flight.

The findings of these tests are then used to adjust the aircraft's design and operation to ensure that it meets the required safety standards and performance requirements. By doing this, Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineers can help to prevent potential problems before they occur, thereby ensuring the safety of everyone on board.

Steps How to Become

Get a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer is to obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. This will provide the foundational knowledge of aircraft design and performance that you need to become an aircraft performance flight test engineer.
Gain Flight Experience. To become an aircraft performance flight test engineer, it is essential to gain experience flying different types of aircraft. You will need to be familiar with different types of aircraft systems, avionics, and the associated performance characteristics. This experience can be obtained through piloting or participation in aircraft flight operations.
Take Aviation Courses. To become an aircraft performance flight test engineer, it is beneficial to take aviation courses to increase your knowledge of aircraft design and performance. This can include courses in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and aircraft control systems.
Get Certified as a Flight Test Engineer. Once you have obtained the necessary knowledge and experience, you must get certified as a Flight Test Engineer. To do this, you must complete an FAA-approved training program and pass the exam. This certification will show employers that you have the skills and knowledge to safely perform flight tests of aircraft.
Find a Job. After obtaining certification, you can begin searching for an aircraft performance flight test engineer position with an airline or aerospace company. You can also look for positions with government agencies or research organizations that conduct flight tests on aircraft.

To stay updated and efficient as an Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer, it is essential to stay informed of the latest industry trends and technological advancements. This can be done by attending conferences, industry events, and training seminars, as well as regularly reading industry magazines and technical journals. staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards, regulations, and procedures is crucial for aircraft performance flight test engineers.

Furthermore, having a comprehensive understanding of aircraft systems, components, and operations is essential for ensuring safety and accuracy. Finally, staying organized and maintaining accurate records of all flight tests conducted is necessary for providing effective and reliable flight test results. All of these elements combined will help to ensure that aircraft performance flight test engineers are working efficiently and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

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Job Description

Develop plans and procedures for aircraft performance flight tests.
Design and implement aircraft performance flight test programs.
Monitor aircraft performance during flight tests and document results.
Analyze aircraft performance data and evaluate its impact on aircraft operations.
Evaluate the safety of flight test operations and recommend corrective action as necessary.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure proper flow of information during flight tests.
Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate results of flight tests.
Participate in design reviews to provide insight into aircraft performance requirements.
Maintain technical records of aircraft performance flight tests.
Stay up-to-date on industry developments related to aircraft performance testing.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft performance and flight test procedures
Experience in operation and maintenance of aircraft systems
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manuals
Understanding of aircraft performance and handling qualities
Proficiency in flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
Expertise in planning and executing complex flight test activities
Ability to analyze and interpret flight test data
Knowledge of regulations governing aircraft operations
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineers require a multitude of skills to be successful in their role. Chief among them is a strong knowledge of aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and related engineering principles. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the various components of aircraft performance such as engine power, lift, thrust, drag, and weight.

test engineers must have an excellent understanding of flight test techniques and protocols in order to execute accurate and reliable performance tests. Finally, the ability to effectively interpret and analyze data collected from flight tests is critical for engineers to produce useful and accurate results. All of these skills combined allow Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineers to accurately assess and measure aircraft performance, allowing for improvements to be made that optimize safety and efficiency.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aircraft performance flight testing?
How do you stay up to date on new technologies related to aircraft performance and flight testing?
How have you effectively managed a team of engineers to reach project goals?
Describe a time when you identified an issue with a flight test and developed a solution.
What challenges have you faced in aircraft performance flight testing?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when conducting flight tests?
How do you identify potential risks and develop risk mitigation plans?
Describe your experience developing aircraft performance test plans.
What have you done to increase safety during aircraft performance flight tests?
How have you collaborated with other stakeholders in the aerospace industry to complete projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Test Computer. This is a specialized computer system used in aircraft performance flight tests to calculate and record data from flight conditions. (eg: Garmin G1000)
Flight Data Recorder. This device records data from the aircraft during flight tests such as airspeed, altitude, and acceleration. (eg: L3Harris FA2100)
Flight Test Instrumentation. This includes sensors, transducers, and other devices used to measure and record aircraft performance during flight tests. (eg: Honeywell HFS-900 Airdata)
Flight Test Software. This is a suite of software programs used to analyze, visualize, and report on aircraft performance data collected during flight tests. (eg: AVL Flight Test Suite)
Flight Test Logbook. This is a paper or electronic logbook used to record key events, observations, and results from the flight test. (eg: LogTen Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

Royal Aeronautical Society
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Society of Flight Test Engineers
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
International Society of Air Safety Investigators
International Association of Airways and Air Communications Services
International Air Transport Association
Airline Operators Committee
Flight Safety Foundation

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Common Important Terms

Airspeed Indicator. A device used to measure the speed of an aircraft through the air.
Altimeter. A device used to measure the altitude of an aircraft.
Autopilot. A system of computer controlled flight systems that are used to control an aircraft's flight path.
Pitch Trim. A system used to adjust the aircraft's pitch in order to maintain a desired altitude and speed.
Powerplant. The engine and associated systems used to produce power for an aircraft.
Flaps. A system of movable surfaces on the wings of an aircraft used to control the lift generated during takeoff and landing.
Fuel System. The system of tanks and pumps used to dispense fuel to the engine.
Landing Gear. The system of wheels, struts, and brakes used to support an aircraft on the ground.
Stall. A condition caused by a loss of lift due to an increase in angle of attack that can cause an aircraft to lose altitude rapidly and become uncontrollable.
Thrust Reversers. Systems used to redirect engine thrust during landing to reduce the speed of an aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer do?

An Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer is responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing flight tests in order to verify aircraft performance and safety. They must ensure that the test aircraft meets all applicable regulations and standards.

What qualifications are required for this role?

Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineers typically require a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field, as well as extensive experience in the aerospace industry. They must also possess valid FAA certifications for piloting, engineering, and testing.

What tasks are typically performed by an Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer?

Typical tasks performed by an Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer include designing, planning, and executing flight tests; collecting data; analyzing test results; writing reports; and recommending modifications or repairs based on test results.

What tools are used by an Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineer?

Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineers utilize a variety of tools and technologies in their role, including flight planning software, aircraft systems simulators, data collection systems, and analysis software.

How do Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineers ensure safety during a test?

Aircraft Performance Flight Test Engineers must ensure the safety of personnel and the test aircraft during a test. This is accomplished by adhering to all applicable regulations and standards, as well as following established safety protocols.

Web Resources

Aircraft Performance and Flight Test Engineering | Department of physics.osu.edu
Flight Test Engineering, M.S. | Florida Tech - FIT www.fit.edu
Flight Test Engineering > Flight Test Engineering | Florida Tech research.fit.edu