60 Seconds with Capt Marc-Antoine (Mac) Pelletier, Fixed-Wing Flight Test Engineer
Video / May 28 2026
Transcript
Hi, I'm Captain Marc-Antoine "Mac" Pelletier. I'm a flight test engineer at the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment and this is the 60 seconds with challenge.
What's the best advice you've gotten?
Well, in the words of my test pilot’s instructor, don't mess it up.
How long does a flight test usually take?
Shorter programs, three to four months and longer ones many, many years.
If you could fly anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would like to fly over the Antarctic.
One word to describe flight testing. Fast!
Do you work alone or as part of a team?
I work as part of a team, sometimes big, sometimes large, with test pilots and other engineers.
Is every flight test about speed and performance?
No. Nowadays it's mostly about systems and software.
Do you actually fly the aircraft during tests?
No, someone has to take notes.
Do you travel or deploy for work?
Yes, many times a year.
If you could test any aircraft ever, which one?
Well that would be the XB70 Valkyrie because 6 engines at Mach 3 sounds pretty cool.
In one sentence, describe what you do. I test airplanes and make sure that their systems and the airplane itself is safe to fly.
And that was the 60 seconds challenge.