Okay. I am retired US Air Force (22 years active duty) so I think I can speak on this.
There are jets that get the F, as in Fighter designation. They are called fighter jets.
Pilots of Fighter jets that fight have to be trained and authorized to do so. It takes a real long time. Moreover, they must be US Military officers. Only then can they be correctly called fighter pilots.
A civilian that ferries or tests jets and other aircraft, to include those that are intended to get the fighter role assigned, is not a fighter pilot. They are just pilots, flying aircraft that, once assigned to the United States military, may be assigned the F as in Fighter role.
Yeah sure, but DoD contractors employ test pilots. If they’re testing one of their fighter aircraft, the pilot of that airplane, for all intents and purposes, is going to have to be a fighter pilot. See Lockheed Martin job listing below:
Job Responsibilities
JOB ID: ABC123
Date posted: Mar. 13, 2024
Description:
Lockheed Martin Flight Operations is looking for an energetic test pilot who wants to make a difference. You will start by supporting the F-35 program, but the position will grow to involve other projects including Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs, better known as Skunk Works.
We want a person who is willing to provide leadership, apply technical acumen, and make the team better.
Duties will include, but are not limited to:
• PVI development, requirements development, market assist.
• Subject matter expert on all aspects of the F-35
• Subject matter expert for flight test to include flight test planning, run card development, test execution and reporting.
• Fly F-35 missions such as experimental, developmental, production, engineering flight test, test support, customer demonstration flights and others as assigned.
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **
This position is in Fort Worth, TX.
Basic Qualifications:
• Suitable FAA Commercial Pilot (SE Land, Instrument Airplane) or Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
• Current FAA Class I or II medical certificate.
• 1,500 hours first-pilot time in a tactical aircraft.
• F-35 flying experience in excess of 100 hours.
• Graduate of a military or recognized Test Pilot School (TPS).
• Must be willing to travel and have a valid U.S. passport.
Desired Skills:
• Comfortable working with Communications and Public Relations in front of a camera.
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: TS/SCI
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Aeronautical Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First