This combination of technical expertise, hands-on flight experience, and the ability to communicate findings is essential for safely and effectively testing a large VTOL fixed-wing UAV during its development.Requirements:Advanced RPAS certifications and CAA ratings for fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs, especially those covering experimental aircraft.Specific certification or endorsement in flight testing would be advantageous.Extensive UAV Experience:A proven track record of flying both fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs with emphasis on VTOL systems.Experience flying large, complex UAVs, ideally with comparable size, weight, and operational characteristics to the one under development.Deep Understanding of UAV Systems:Comprehensive knowledge of flight control systems (e.g., Ardupilot, PX4), including Mission Planner and QGroundControl.Familiarity with autopilot tuning, system integration, and troubleshooting.Experience with VTOL UAVs:In-depth experience piloting VTOL UAVs, particularly large-scale models. The pilot should be comfortable with the transitional flight modes between vertical and horizontal flight.Flight Testing and Development Experience:Previous experience in flight testing, particularly with prototype aircraft or systems in development.Knowledge of test procedures, safety protocols, and data collection during test flights.Ability to provide detailed feedback to engineering teams about aircraft performance, stability, and issues encountered.Strong Technical and Analytical Skills:Ability to interpret and work with telemetry data during test flights to identify potential issues or inefficiencies.Skilled in performing in-flight adjustments to autopilot systems and fine-tuning flight characteristics.Mechanical Aptitude:An understanding of the aircraft's mechanical and electrical systems to diagnose issues or make minor repairs/adjustments if necessary.High Safety Awareness:Strict adherence to safety protocols, especially when dealing with new or experimental UAVs.Risk assessment skills to evaluate environmental conditions, aircraft status, and mission-critical factors before and during flights.Problem-Solving and Adaptability:Ability to think quickly and react calmly during unexpected flight anomalies.Flexibility to adjust flight plans or techniques based on real-time conditions or feedback from the development team.Communication and Reporting Skills:Capable of producing detailed flight reports outlining test results, issues, and potential improvements.Strong verbal communication skills to interact effectively with engineering teams and management.Additional Ideal Experience:Familiarity with aerodynamic testing and data analysis tools.Previous involvement in UAV research and development projects.RC modelling and building experience, especially with fixed-wing VTOL platforms.Experience working with military-grade or commercial-grade UAVs.
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