NASA Test Pilot: Day in the Life

David Nils Larson, the chief test pilot at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, talks about his job and some of the influences that guided his career.

[MikeJamesMedia]

The only thing wrong with these videos is that they're too short. I could watch test flight video all day. Thanks for posting what you can!

[addienoyes]

thank you for helping me find my dream career

[TTF-]

To everybody involved... Keep up the incredible work!

[dalesfailssagaofasuslord]

Such a legendary place out there in the high desert. I also read the right stuff when I was young and definitely started my obsession with aviation and particularly test flying. The days when Yeager and crossfield were both chasing new speed records are so epic.

[Avofan]

I got meet Nils Larson at the 2014 LA County Air Show. He is a really cool guy to talk too. Even though I missed Space Shuttle Endeavour flying around LA, it made up for it meeting one the pilots who flew the escorting F-18s.

[wedgeantilles]

You all will be in the sequel book: Still the Right Stuff
Thank you all for your skills, dedication and hard work! Go NASA ❤❤❤

[Astro_molldoll]

Working towards my pilot's license right now while also being a test engineer- this right here is my dream job!! @NASA

[AVLife]

I can’t even describe how much this excites me

[chetankamble]

NASA Engineers ...Gods of Aircraft birth to tomorrows aircraft job....

[bknuckles]

I am a test engineer working on full flight simulators. Can't wait to work in the actual flight test field someday.

[sandmandealer]

What's crazy, is that it's getting easier to get into this field. Almost anyone with a background in engineering has a real shot at going to space

[dalesfailssagaofasuslord]

That static x1-E was the one Joe walker piloted I believe. I’m pretty sure it was called Little Joe and I remember it having dice on the side of the canopy haha.

[TheRealCFF]

I would love to be a test pilot, but the only conceivable way to achieve such a role would be to do it through the military. Back when I was eligible to be a military pilot, the eyesight requirements and other standards were too stringent for me. I would, however, love the opportunity to get involved with the test pilot work today. I just don’t know how that can be possible.

[louissanderson]

Go check out his interview on the Fighter Pilot Podcast!

[leisuregaming]

Is there a way I can reach out I have some questions. I am currently a freshman at a maritime academy as a navy option in the aviation community. I wanna fly jets and would like to know what path to take to get this job. Thanks!

[Thecraig]

If I were to become a test pilot, will I ever have a chance to get to space?

[JinNani]

So what’s the ratio of flight hours vs desk hours?

[NeonsStyleHD]

Some nasty flutter in that elevator after you wiggle it at 2:18

[JamesJoyce]

dude wearing a leather flight jacket with a nasa patch and a set of wings - wonder how many folks think he bought it off ebay

[christosantonopoulos]

Test pilot hey, a day in the life. Well I've lived a life of 48yrs and tested living a human life and it's a major failure and I've flown planes at the moment I'm looking for the eject switch in my body