We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced AH-64E Maintenance Test Pilot to perform functional check flights (FCFs), maintenance test flights (MTFs), and limited operational flights in support of AH-64E Apache helicopter maintenance activities. The Maintenance Test Pilot ensures aircraft are airworthy after maintenance, upgrades, or component replacements, and plays a vital role in diagnosing complex mechanical or systems issues during flight evaluations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Must ensure that all aircraft inspection procedures, maintenance practices standards, and records comply with all FAA, EASA, Etc. TAMMS and the company's regulations
- Performs as MTP on the focal aircraft and serves as Pilot in command (PIC) in accomplishing maintenance test flights, acceptance flights, and support missions as prescribed by customer requirements
- Obtains briefing information on purpose of flight test, weather, operation procedures, intelligence, and special instructions.
- Prepare flight plans considering such factors as altitude, terrain, weather, aircraft, crew capabilities, threats, operational / training requirements and flight procedures
- Ensures that all concerned aircraft are being maintained to airworthiness standards prescribed by applicable regulations, technical manuals, airworthiness directives, and good maintenance practices
- Ensures the aircraft is pre-flight inspected, loaded, equipped, and manned for mission.
- Inspect engines, fuselage, and control surfaces for mechanical and structural soundness.
- Inspect and test mission equipment for proper operation.
- Ensures that weight and balance is valid, fuel supply is adequate, plus, survival and rescue equipment is properly stowed
- Brief all crew members and non-crew members on safety, emergency procedures, and scope of mission.
- PIC and crew to accomplish assigned mission.
- Perform prescribed test maneuvers, instrument readings, records results and test specifications as prescribed by the contract or customer requirements
- Test both normal and emergency functions of systems.
- Coordinate and direct flight phases of test or support missions with other aircraft.
- Maintain flight records and report observations made during mission.
- Conduct and supervise training of crew members.
- Instruct local national crew members in the operation and techniques of maintenance test flying.
- Orient and brief crew members and non-crew members on duties, responsibilities, flight operation, and mission profile
- Preferably with at least 1 combat mission deployment exposure
- Must be able to perform limited duties of technical inspector, inspecting maintenance, and modification actions on assigned aircraft