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Dan Wells Test Pilot For the first Civil Certified Tilt Rotor. Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we have a special guest Dan Wells. Dan was recently named Fellow by The Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Today we are speaking with Dan about his career as a test pilot and hope to inspire you the listener to pursue this fascinating career. But what is a test pilot? But before we begin a few announcements.
Announcements:
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What is a test pilot?
Test Pilots are translators; they give engineers intricate feedback about aircraft while it is under development. They often hold advanced degrees in engineering or a related field, providing a foundation for understanding and describing how an aircraft performs under highly specific test conditions. Successful test pilots are like brave statisticians, comfortable holding the controls of an airborne machine then formulating a nitty-gritty report that leads to its improvement.
To discuss the role of test pilot and Careers is Dan Wells.
Dan is a test pilot for Leonardo AW609 TiltRotor. The AW609 is slated to become the world’s first civil-certified tiltrotor to market when it is FAA certified in late 2019.
Welcome to the podcast Dan and congratulations on your recent recognition as fellow for the Association of Experimental Test Pilots.
Dan Wells Test Pilot For first Civil Certified Tilt Rotor:
- Dan’s early career and did he ever image becoming a test pilot?
- The current project he is working on with the TiltRotor.
- You need to read.
- What is a TiltRotor.
- Why a tiltrotor.
- Advice for those considering becoming a test pilot.
- The challenges and rewards of Dan’s Career.
- What is Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
- Advice for those seeking a career in aviation
Links Mentioned in This Podcast:
Society of Experimental Test Pilots’ Challenge Award, given in recognition of the team’s continuous improvement of aeronautical knowledge and skills, and performance at the NIFA competition.
http://www.leonardocompany.com/en
Leonardo’s AW609 Test Pilot Describes What it’s Like to Fly a Tiltrotor:

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