Test pilots are often involved in designing the airplane, like Scott Crossfield and the X-15. They are also involved in understanding the flight envelope. If

Test pilots are often involved in designing the airplane, like Scott Crossfield and the X-15. They are also involved in understanding the flight envelope. If you think of them as "drivers", then you don't understand what they do at all. I do maintenance test flights, which involves verifying what mechanics did to the plane before students attempt to fly. Always find something.