A view expressed by a friend over here in the US a couple of weeks ago is that he’d rather have his recently-restored vintage aircraft tested by a high-time taildragger / vintage pilot, who has many hours on similar types (although not necessarily the exact type to be tested) than a military-trained test pilot, with high hours predominantly on fast jets, and often with an ego to match the ‘test pilot’ tag.

One well-known vintage aircraft engineer in the UK has on several occasions bemoaned to me the number of vintage aircraft bent by ‘test pilots’ over the years.

This is just the point I’m trying to make.

I only have 31 years hands on & legislation in aviation, with only 20 years on historics. Perhaps I need more time on type?

mick