I think that statement is erroneous. The course of study/curricula at that Course does not encompass practical flying/test-flying. Historically, selected pilots of both PAF and IAF (post 1947) were assigned to the test-pilots' course at what was then known as the Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS);
There were short courses for the ETPS(diplomas), but no PAF pilot ever went through the complete graduate course before the JF-17 program.
as an eg..
Both PAF and IAF exp pilots regularly took this course as part of their exchange at the RAF.
From the ETPS website.
course is for experienced military pilots who currently carry out post maintenance airtests or who have been selected for such duties. These duties may be either full time, such as those of a dedicated unit test pilot, or as a secondary duty for a line pilot.
The course has a generic content that applies to both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft (turbo-jet, turbo-prop and piston engined), operational and trainer types, fixed wing and rotary wing, however each course will be run for either fixed or rotary wing pilots.
The overall aim of the course is to provide the necessary training required for the planning and performance of post maintenance airtests safely and efficiently. This is a three-day course, which gives the students ground based instruction in the discipline of post-maintenance airtesting of aircraft.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
Understand the engineering requirements associated with the post maintenance airtesting of aircraft, the documentation that controls airtests, and why and when such airtests are performed.
Understand the responsibilities of airtest crews, their selection, training and supervision.
Examine the conditions relevant to an airtest sortie, specifically weather conditions, external stores configurations, cg position.
Consider all aspects of pre-flight preparation and planning, risk analysis of test points, knowledge and understanding of the aircraft and its systems, and understanding the requirements of the flight test schedule.
Adapt a critical and analytical approach to the in-flight conduct of airtests, an incremental build-up to critical tests, achieving consistent results, observation and recording of results, understanding of limits, and analysis of problems that occur.
Understand the test techniques required to complete the flight test schedule, with special emphasis on test safety.
However.. for the Jf-17 which is an entirely new aircraft, PAF pilots were sent for the complete graduate course.
Most of the JF-17 T&E pilots were also CAE(college of aeronautical engineering) graduates. So they also had a solid ground in aeronautics and aviation design. The selected pilots went through the tough Flight test engineer course
from the ETPS website.
The course is intended to teach experienced aerospace engineers the philosophy and skills required to undertake all forms of research and development test flying, including complete military release to service programmes. The aim is to produce a graduate well versed and practised in flight and systems testing techniques. Specific objectives of the course are:
To teach a philosophy that can be applied to any type of flight testing
To develop a sound academic background to flight test
To develop skills in the analysis and presentation of flight test results
To develop a broad knowledge of all aviation matters
To promote team-building skills by providing the opportunity of working with pilots and flight-test engineers from a wide variety of nationalities and backgrounds
Course overview
Ground school gives the students an initial intensive period of instruction to ensure that they have the necessary academic skills, thereafter the course is divided into three main topics:
Performance
Handling qualities
Systems
Flying exercises
The ability of the students to take a full and active part in the flying exercises greatly enhances the value of the course, as it instils a greater appreciation of the problems associated with test flying and the cockpit environment in particular. In addition working closely with the pilots, the FTE student will obtain a strong appreciation and understanding of the operational roles of the aircraft. For the majority of flying exercises students are first given a demonstration flight with their tutor before planning and conducting their own test flights. Qualitative observations and performance data taken in flight are then presented in the form of technical reports and 'customer' briefings.
Typically the FTE students achieve over 120 flying hours and all can expect to fly for evaluation purposes in over 15 different types of aircraft. Great emphasis is placed on the need to develop skills of analysis and presentation of flight test results.
Syndicate working
The ETPS environment encourages team building and the test pilots and flight test engineers learn together to gain mutual understanding and respect. Students are placed in syndicates of three, each of which are allocated a course tutor skilled in-group dynamics. The tutor leads the discussions and encourages the development of each individual as a fully contributing team player. The composition of the syndicates is changed each term to allow students to benefit from the experiences of other tutors and students.
Visits
Throughout the course, students are exposed to as wide an experience of aviation matters as possible through visits to the UK and European aircraft industry and various experimental establishments world-wide. They also attend a number of international conferences and exhibitions.
Preview
The course culminates in the assessment of an aircraft on which the student has no previous experience, normally at an overseas test centre or a manufacturer's airfield. Students are formed into teams of two or three and are allocated ten flight hours for their evaluation which results in a full report and presentation to an invited international audience of test personnel.
