To the best of my knowledge nowadays they're all ex-military pilots who have passed a test pilots school such as the ones run by the RAF or USAF...

I'm pretty sure mfr. test pilots are hired from the civilian pool, too, nowadays... some might even be freelancers. Unlike the military, I think you can get an ATP if you wear corrective lenses. Another interesting job is being a line instructor or type instructor- mostly it's sim time, but they get to fly the heavies without necessarily living the gypsy-like life of an airline pilot (they aren't all from the airline pilot ranks, either).
  Also, with a mechanical background and an ATP, you'd be a good prospect for a charter or timeshare job flying smaller jets. They like to have pilots who can also do maintenance, and that's a growing portion of the aviation market, unlike the airlines, who are all looking at uncertain times ahead. But like the airline pilot, they're on the road a lot, which has its bad as well as good points.
In general, I'd suggest acquiring as many skills and certifications as you can, including something non-aviation- related, just in case.

There is an alternative to laser eye surgery which is a simple procedure (can't remember its name) where they make a small incision and adjust the eyeball, much safer, and quicker to recover from. And of course it doesn't damage the blood vessels

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Ouch!!

Most are military pilots, but there's a civil school called the National Test Pilot School. You can find them here: www.ntps.com

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Unfortunately you will have departed with 2 arms and both legs by the time you could finish this course. 2 hrs in their Draken would set you back around $17,000, so a years worth of course would be a wee bit steep.

However, you don't have to be a TP to do test flying - it depends on what you are doing.

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It rings a bell with me - he was RAF Harrier display dude from 20 Sqn last year or the year before, or both! The RAF's rule on eyesight is fairly clear - nigh on perfect when you join, but deterioration after this is natural and hence expected.

My personal advice on Lasik - wear glasses - I haven't heard of the long term effects of the treatment, and until I have, I would prefer the specs. Also you never know, even if people are happy to accept people with the treatment now, they may not in the future. For anyone considering a flying career in the UK forces DO NOT go near it.


Charlie.

Please listen to Charlie & think very carefully about this operation. I don't want to scare anyone but this could mess up your eyesight & your future career. Aiming at test pilot is all very well but there are plenty of other opportunities in aviation. I know plenty of commercial pilots who wear glasses while flying. I don't think most of the current test pilots would have started out with that ambition. The major companies are in a postition to choose who they want & there are plenty of experienced candidates to pick from.

PS. I found out that David Slow is the pilot who ejected from a Harrier at the 2002 Lowestoft Air Show. I'm pleasantly surprised to see that not only is he still flying jets but as a member of the Reds. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2168921.stm
I'm sure this isn't the chap I was thinking of. I read an article about him once & I think he hailed from Bournemouth or somewhere down your way Charlie. He was also a member of the ATC.

PPS. Oops. I read the article again & found out I was wrong. Not David Slow at all. Still, it's an interesting story.

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Read my PS. Not sure where I got that idea.

The chap I'm thinking of was at the Shoreham display at least 2 years running -, before Chris Margiotta.. I have a video of him taken from the cockpit during the display. I'll check it out.

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Yes, I've seen them several times. I believe a couple of them displayed at Old Warden last season. Excellent.
PS. Lucky sod.

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Sounds good to me. It's nice to have connections.