Latest "test pilot" stories

CORRECTS AND CLARIFIES NAME AND LOCATION OF TRUCKEE FIRE & RESCUE - FILE - In this photo provided by Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, in Reno, Nev., members of Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue and other officials look over aircraft wreckage, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Reno, after two California pilots were killed when their planes collided in mid-air while preparing to land after completing a race at the National Championship Air Races north of the city. Aviation experts say that for whatever reason, at least one racing pilot apparently didn’t see the other when their vintage planes collided in mid-air while preparing to land after finishing first and second at the air races the previous weekend. Federal investigators expect to release a preliminary report in another week or so. (Adam R. Mayberry/Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue via AP, File)

Collision that killed 2 pilots at Reno air show confounds experts

The first- and second-place winning pilots likely crashed at the National Air Race Championships, possibly because of a blind spot, glare or loss of focus.

7 days ago

B-21 test pilot: Odd windows? No problem.

“Your body is very good at adjusting,” test pilot Lt. Col. Clifton Bell said. "I’ve yet to fly with windows that I have any concerns about.”

By Stephen Losey

10 months ago

Eagle II gets its claws: F-15EX fires first missile in Gulf of Mexico test

The test pilot who fired the missile called it another step towards getting the F-15EX ready for combat.

By Stephen Losey

20 months ago

Air Force holds week of F-15EX tests at Nellis

Both the Air Force's F-15EXs -- tail numbers 001 and 002 -- spent a week at Nellis for a battery of operational tests.

By Stephen Losey

23 months ago

Meet the first female test pilot to fly the F-35

Maj. Rachael Winiecki says her background as an A-10 pilot helps her make sure the F-35's ground capabilities, such as close-air support and combat search-and-rescue, are being tested.

By Stephen Losey

5 years ago

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