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Flight Test Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

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Flight Test Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$80.8K

$104.2K

$174.5K

How much do flight test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test pilot in Virginia is $104,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Flight Test Pilot?

A typical day for a Flight Test Pilot involves thorough pre-flight briefings with engineers and technicians, reviewing test objectives, meticulously planning flight profiles, and conducting test flights to evaluate aircraft performance, systems, and safety features. After each flight, the pilot collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to debrief, document results, and discuss any anomalies or findings. Besides flying, significant time is spent analyzing data, preparing reports, and refining test procedures. The role often requires adaptability and close teamwork, as flight test schedules and objectives can evolve based on weather, technical readiness, or program priorities.

Are test pilots still a thing?

Yes, test pilots are still a vital part of the aerospace industry, responsible for evaluating new aircraft and systems. They typically hold advanced pilot certifications, such as an Airline Transport Pilot license, and work closely with engineers to ensure aircraft safety and performance during development and certification phases.

How much does a flight test pilot make?

A flight test pilot's salary varies based on experience, employer, and location, but typically ranges from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually. Experienced test pilots working for aerospace companies or government agencies can earn higher salaries, especially when combined with specialized certifications and extensive flight hours.

How much do flight testers make?

Flight test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the aircraft tested. Senior or specialized test pilots in aerospace companies can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as travel allowances and performance bonuses.

Is being a test pilot worth it?

A flight test pilot plays a critical role in evaluating aircraft performance and safety, often working for aerospace companies or military organizations. The job requires advanced flying skills, certifications, and the ability to handle high-stress situations, with compensation reflecting the specialized expertise involved. While it offers unique challenges and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aircraft, it also involves significant risk and demanding schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Test Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Pilot, you need exceptional piloting skills, in-depth knowledge of aeronautical engineering, and a degree in a related field, often supplemented by military or advanced civilian test pilot school training. Familiarity with specialized flight data recording equipment, flight test instrumentation, and certification from organizations like the FAA or EASA is often required. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail distinguish top performers in this role. These qualifications are critical for safely conducting complex test flights, analyzing results, and ensuring new or modified aircraft meet rigorous safety and performance standards.

What is a Flight Test Pilot job?

A Flight Test Pilot is responsible for flying and evaluating new or modified aircraft to assess their performance, safety, and compliance with regulations. They work closely with engineers to test systems, aerodynamics, and handling characteristics under various conditions. Their role involves executing test plans, documenting results, and providing critical feedback for aircraft development. Flight Test Pilots often have extensive experience in aviation, advanced training in aerodynamics and flight testing, and may hold military or engineering backgrounds.

Infographic showing various Flight Test Pilot job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,208 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Aircraft Pilot (FW/H60M Maintenance Test Pilot)

Aircraft Pilot (FW/H60M Maintenance Test Pilot)

Yulista

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$185K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Yulista rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Yulista Support Services LLC Regular

This position serves as a H-60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and fixed-wing (FW) multi-engine Project Pilot. Duties include project flight tests, maintenance test flights, and other assigned aviation duties in support of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) missions. The incumbent operates rotary-wing (RW) and FW aircraft in support of Army aviation system integration, experimentation, and operational testing.

Salary Range: $ 142752 - $185580 annually. Compensation is based on relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity.

Essential Duties
* Serve as a H-60 Maintenance Test and Project Pilot on our H-60 L/M aircraft.
* Serve as a FW, multi-engine Project pilot.
* Conduct developmental, operational, and project evaluation flight missions.
* Perform mission planning, including weather analysis, flight routing, and airspace coordination.
* Support aviation test planning and execution in coordination with engineers and test personnel.
* Prepare flight reports, evaluations, and technical documentation.
* Perform additional aviation-related duties such as assigned.
* This position requires one or more additional duties (Operations officer, Safety officer), as assigned by the Lead Pilot.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Desired Flight Hour Experience:
* Previous flight test or RDT&E experience highly desired.
* Total flight time: 1,500 hours total time
(RW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC): 250 hours * Night flight/NVG: 75 hours * Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine helicopters (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds).
(FW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 250 hours * Night flight: 75 hours * Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine airplanes (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds).

Required Qualifications
* FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or higher with appropriate ratings (multi-engine, instrument, helicopter)
* Applicants must be H-60M Maintenance Test Pilot qualified.
* Applicant must be U.S. Department of War FW multi-engine qualified.
* Applicant must be able to complete physiological training (Hypobaric Chamber).

Medical:
* Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
* Maintain required medical certification and flight currency.

Additional Requirements:
* Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
* Subject to random drug testing.
* Temporary Duty (TDY) travel varies, approximately 30%.
* This position requires rotating shift work.
* This position requires unscheduled overtime work.


Required Documents:
Resume' detailing flight experience and qualifications.
Pilot certificates and ratings * Medical certification documentation * Flight-hour documentation/logbooks * Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms (DA form 759), or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.
* Active Secret Security Clearance is required.
The H60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and FW Project Pilot will work in an RDT&E Environment and will be evaluated on the following competencies consistent with the GS-2181 Aircraft Pilot series:
* Technical Competence
* Attention to Detail
* Oral Communication
* Planning and Evaluating

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.


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