Test Pilots: Need of the Hour for the Aviation Industry

What is the scope of work of a test pilot in India? Can an Indian test pilot work abroad? What's the scope there?

In India we have only one government aircraft production unit, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bangalore. At the moment, Taneja Aerospace in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, is also producing aircraft for private use. More units are likely to come up soon, started by Mahindra & Mahindra, Tatas and Larsen & Tubro. Test pilots will be needed to clear their aircraft.

Indian test pilots can work abroad but so far such work has been done only on behalf of the Government of India on deputations. The IAF deputed me to three aircraft companies in the UK and one in Egypt. Most countries prefer to use their own citizens for (flying) military aircraft, but for civil aircraft, employment is possible, though rather unlikely.

Does India have enough test pilots?

We do have enough numbers of test pilots, though not always in the right places. Today, we have perhaps around 120 trained test pilots in the defence services. While they are not all working as test pilots, the services would be reluctant to release them. By definition they are some of the best pilots available to them.

How safe is test flying?

There is a general belief that test flying is extremely dangerous, more than most types of flying. This is only partly true as demonstration flying close to the ground is perhaps just as dangerous. But for the careless and lackadaisical pilot, test flying is almost invariably fatal. But similar to other adventures, successful coping with the job gives unmatched satisfaction. Lately, with simulation and constant real-time monitoring of critical flights, there is a remarkable improvement in safety.

As for all flying, or even driving, etc, anticipating problems and being ready with solutions is the main method of ensuring one's safety. It is known as, ‘Failure-mode Analysis' or in simpler terms ‘what ifs'. In this activity, all possible problems must be foreseen and the action (including bailing out) must be pre-planned. After this, the main challenge for a test pilot remains to be able to retain his medical fitness.

What is the difference between a test pilot working in the IAF and one working in HAL? How does the test pilot contribute to the organisational growth?

A test pilot in the IAF mostly tests proven aircraft but with changes introduced to it, after a major overhaul or installation of new equipment. Tests are also carried out on the equipment itself and weapons used on the aircraft or fired at the ranges. These pilots are not specifically employed for testing newly designed aircraft at their prototype stage, though their training is geared for it. However, at present many test pilots from the navy and the IAF are flight-testing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) named Tejas.

Experienced test pilots in HAL fly new aircraft from their very first (maiden) flights to certification. In addition they undertake all other testing similar to the IAF. The test pilots of HAL need to integrate into the early design process of the aircraft to ensure optimum design and safety with desired operational capabilities. This is a difficult task but immensely satisfying if the final product is good. Their work is vital to the health of the company.

Author: Pranab Ghosh (HT Horizons)

Date: 16th December, 2010

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