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Maintenance Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$131K - $171K/yr

As a HELICOPTER FLIGHT MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT (MTP) (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: * Performs preflight weather analysis, route ...

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How much do maintenance test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for maintenance test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Maintenance Test Pilot job?

A Maintenance Test Pilot conducts test flights to evaluate aircraft performance after maintenance, repairs, or modifications. They ensure that the aircraft meets operational and safety standards before being returned to service. This role requires in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems, troubleshooting, and flight testing procedures. Maintenance Test Pilots work closely with engineers, mechanics, and other aviation professionals to diagnose and resolve issues. Their assessments help verify airworthiness and maintain operational readiness.

What are some typical challenges faced by Maintenance Test Pilots on the job?

Maintenance Test Pilots often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle or intermittent system issues that only appear under specific flight conditions. They must work closely with aircraft maintenance teams to interpret technical data, conduct thorough post-maintenance checks, and ensure all issues are resolved before returning the aircraft to service. The role can involve working in changing weather conditions, adapting to irregular schedules, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong technical acumen, clear communication, and a proactive approach to problem solving.

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

To thrive as a Maintenance Test Pilot, you need a commercial or military pilot’s license, in-depth understanding of aircraft systems, and extensive flight experience—specifically in conducting post-maintenance test flights. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, flight data recording equipment, maintenance documentation systems, and relevant airworthiness regulations is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication enable seamless collaboration with maintenance teams and clear reporting of test results. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring aircraft safety, compliance, and optimal performance after repairs or modifications.

More about Maintenance Test Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Maintenance Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Maintenance Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Maintenance Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Maintenance Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Maintenance Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Maintenance Test Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Maintenance Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

AH-64D/E MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT

System Dynamics Intl

Fort Novosel, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT

AH-64D/E MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT

SUMMARY: Performs flights and demonstrates proficiency during standardization flights on

aircraft. Performs mathematical calculations required for weight and balance, performance data

for takeoff, cruise, and landing configurations of aircraft in which the individuals are qualified.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight procedures in accordance with Company,

Army or Air Force directives depending on assignment.

2. Performs operational ground checks, taxi checks, hover checks on rotary wing aircraft;

functional check flights, general and limited maintenance test flights, confirmation check

flights of aircraft and aircraft systems undergoing maintenance and determines, in

accordance with Army or Air Force technical publications and Company procedures, the

airworthiness of an aircraft prior to its release for customer use.

3. Performs troubleshooting procedures of an aircraft on the ground and in flight, and

makes appropriate (verbal or written log entry) recommendations to assist ground

personnel in correcting deficiencies.

4. Performs recovery and ferry flights.

5. Instructs maintenance personnel for aircraft ground run-up and taxi operations to

prepare employees for certification.

6. Keeps abreast of and complies with FAA and local flying regulations and safety

procedures as applicable for the job.

7. Maintains proficiency in basic flight maneuvers, appropriate aircraft emergency

procedures and instrument flying consistent with Army or Air Force technical publications

and Company requirements.

8. Briefs and demonstrates operational and emergency procedures to flight crew and noncrew

members.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. When not actually engaged in the physical operation of the aircraft, must be willing to be

engaged in study, preparation and personal development to further physical and mental

skills required to operate aircraft.

2. Operates motor vehicles in performance of assigned duties.

3. Completes records as required by TAMMS-A necessary to record aircraft and / or

engine performance data. Completes maintenance documentation accurately using

Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS) and required forms, and must show

proficiency in IMDS within ninety (90) days when assigned to the Air Force Project.

4. Required to participate in instrument flight simulator training.

5. May be required to fly profile flights, which may include NVG, PNVS, and tactics.


QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must demonstrate successfully the ability to start, run-up, fly, navigate and land aircraft

that the individual is qualified to operate.

2. Must hold a valid and current FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with rotorcraft and

instrument ratings in the aircraft class (fixed, rotary or both) for which a position is

offered.

3. Must hold a valid FAA Instrument rating in the designated aircraft class for which job is

offered.

4. Must have recorded (and proof presented) a minimum of one thousand (1,000) hours as

pilot in command in the specific aircraft class for which a position is offered. Must have

recorded (and proof presented) a minimum of one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours

of pilot in command in the specific aircraft class for which a position is offered with five

hundred (500) hours experience in helicopters of which at least two hundred fifty (250)

hours must have been in the UH-1H or Bell 205 when assigned to the Air Force Project.

Fifty percent of minimum flight time of pilot in command can be in commercial aircraft

similar to or already in the Army or Air Force offered.

5. -

1H Maintenance Test Pilot Course) or FAA Test Flight Program in the UH-1H or Bell 205

when assigned to the Air Force Project.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

1. High school diploma or equivalent General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

2. AMOC II graduation is a requisite for this job classification. Pilots flying OH-58D, CH-47,

AH-64 or UH-60 aircraft must be a Phase II graduate in that particular aircraft before

assuming Maintenance Test Pilot duties in those aircraft. Job candidates who meet

qualifications 1 through 4 can be provided an AMOC Phase II course within one hundred

eighty (180) days from entering the classification to become Phase II AMOC II qualified,

provided the Government approves AMOC Phase II flight training. Failure to successfully

complete the required course will disqualify the employee for this job classification.

3. Maintenance Test Pilots flying UH-60, CH-47, or AH-64 aircraft, have successfully

completed MTPC prior to assuming PC and MTP duties in those aircraft.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

1. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole integers,

common and decimal fractions.

2. Ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpolations necessary for aircraft

and engine performance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must hold a valid and current FAA or military Class II Medical Certificate as prescribed

by the Government. Must undergo initially and annually thereafter, flight physical(s) prior

to piloting an U. S. Army or Air Force aircraft.