test pilot episode 1

[@hdvsmedia]

Hi. I recorded them at the time of broadcast on the BBC and recently found the VHS tapes again. Thought that I would upload them as there are no clips that I could find and it would give another chance to see the series in full. Unfortunately only VHS quality but hope that you enjoy them.

[@aayzcmm]

Great to see again. Many thanks for putting it up.

[@GHELitefire]

Thanks so much for uploading!

[@maxflight777]

hdvsmedia I cant thank you enough .... utterly compelling content

[@carsonhaught9934]

So good to find this again... I had it on Betamax... long gone. Read the book too. Both were excellent. Sadly nothing produced for TV today seems to come close. Why is the Beeb so unaware of the hordes of plane fans out here? They used to bring us airshows too... thank goodness for YT and generous people like you!

[@EricIrl]

Because the people who thought these subjects were interesting no longer work in the BBC. Why do you think we have so many "feminised" style programmes (interiors, cooking, baking etc).

[@timorvet1]

Late reply but your right I remember watching all these type of shows from the annual RAF force in action...I cant remember the actual title for it (I believe it was shown live in the UK) to the Farnborough air show which were both televised here in Australia back in the 70s

[@Seminal_Ideas]

There's a certain calm refinement about the instructors. I see it in watching the other old BBC documentary on KZbin, Fighter Pilot. They're of a certain time perhaps, but certainly of a certain breed.

[@ianmedium]

I loved this series when it came out, thanks so much for uploading it here. I am really enjoying it once again.

[@woooster17]

I watched this series when it was on tv and had recorded it on VHS.. I was around 14 at the time and was in the ATC. I wanted to join the RAF after I left school. I never did. I worked in scientific research and then joined the Police 😄 Still a great series 👍🏼

[@HughJarse1968]

I found the part about the Bassett fascinating. Thanks for the upload :)

[@philallon9079]

Excellent series - and well done to you hdvsmedia for uploading it to KZbin. I echo the words of uncleslim64. Well done that man. :)

[@UncleSlim64]

I watched "Test Pilot" on the BBC way back when it was first transmitted in 1986. I also bought the book the same year. I for one am mighty glad you have uploaded the episodes, as I thought it to be a very interesting programme (plus I live about 10 miles east of Boscombe Down - in Andover, Hants - and often used to take trips there to watch the aircraft). So what can I say other than WELL DONE THAT MAN. :)

[@redvanman10]

16.12 is the funniest moment....loved the series and watching it now its just as good !

[@robertfoote6748]

Brillant got the series on betamax tapes but unable to view at the present time. Well done!!

[@ryanterry-babb3617]

Andy Tailby, the pilot who flew Bravo November was my teachers husband!

[@planejunky]

This is a great vid, but even with all the volumes up to max I was struggling to hear it so had to give up. =(

[@Cheezsoup]

Remember when the MRCA was cutting edge?

[@Seminal_Ideas]

I remember it well. I built the 1/72 scale Airfix red and white prototype. Happy days.

[@mikepodella]

WTF is up with the sound volume on this? Loud then so soft you can't hear it, then louder, then can't hear it again.

[@avrovulcan617]

Just bought the book of the series at a car boot by Brian Johnson, i remember watching the tv series in 86 & wondered if i could find some clips on youtube and lo and behold heres all the episodes.......(fantastic) where did you find them? and thanks very much for uplaoding :)

[@1case100]

great thanks

[@paulmurphy42]

At 17:58 the commanding officer says, "we don't give them long conversions to the aircraft, we give them minimum conversions to the aircraft". Can anyone explain what the difference between a long and minimum conversion is?

[@hdvsmedia]

Quote from an ex test pilot in reply to your question: In the RAF the process of qualifying a pilot to operate a new aircraft type was carried out at an Operational Conversion Unit so this became known as ‘conversion’ to a new type. But note the use of the term ‘operate’ which implies qualifying the pilot to operate in the aircraft’s military role which is a much more complicated process than just learning how to ‘fly’ the new type. A typical OCU course might be 50-70 flying hours of which perhaps the first 4-7 was needed to learn to fly the type - the remainder was to learn the role. So, to just learn to fly a new type a long conversion might be 4-7 hours whereas the conversion to type at test pilot school might be 1-3 trips. This was enough to allow the student test pilot to make local trips solo to practice flight test techniques in a variety of aircraft that he would not have to operate on ‘the front line’ with all that implies.

[@paulmurphy42]

How safe would the ETPS pilot on the Andover be compared with a British Airways pilot on the 748 civilian version, if the BA pilot is fully type rated and the ETPS pilot has only done the 1-3 trips you mention? Would the test pilot know the a/c as thoroughly? Obviously he would know more about the things on the ETPS syllabus (stability, control, performance etc), but would he be as knowledgeable about that particular type, and, therefore, as safe on it? I know that the ETPS pilot is much more thoroughly trained as an aviator than an ATPL but, in a way, wouldn't he be less safe on that particular type, at least on his first few flights? He wouldn't be able to find so many switches and controls in the dark (or would he?) and wouldn't know the systems and backups so well (or would he?) Can you see where I am coming from, or have I got it all the wrong way round? Am I making too much of it? Please unconfuse me!

[@simonmorgan7981]

I went there with the ATC

[@grahamwilson5835]

Shame about the sound.

[@cybermarsactual]

Clearly Beta Max, The best way to test fly is: a 90 degree dive followed by an jerking ham fisted yank on the control stick. When done properly (the wings should depart the plane). After parachuting down, then proclaim that "that plane was junk", Then go ask for a pay raise.

[@christiansfortruth5953]

This was a good vid. But we cant hear a damn thing becauze the sound engeneer needz ti go back to achool.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

So do you for that spelling. The sound is bad because this is uploaded from a thirty seven year home recorded VHS tape.

[@johnvaleanbaily246]

Good subject matter - really, really crappy audio !

[@88SPIKE]

Sound is awful, can't watch any more