test pilot

noun

1. a pilot employed to test-fly newly-built aircraft.

test pilot

noun

1. a pilot who flies aircraft of new design to test their performance in the air

Word History and Origins

Origin of test pilot¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

He retired from the Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel and went on to work as a test pilot.

From Seattle Times

And, like a junior officer first learning tactics, some lessons can only be learned in the air, Vista’s test pilots said.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Dwight was a charismatic, handsome test pilot, a public relations dream for an administration looking to lead on civil rights.

From New York Times

He later served as a test pilot and flight instructor, among other roles, before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force in the mid-1960s.

From Los Angeles Times

Legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager gave the Mercury astronauts the sassy nickname “Spam in a can,” given their role as relatively passive passengers in a largely automated space flight.

From Los Angeles Times