Benedict Laidlaw
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dynamic Test Pilot and team leader with 30 years of military and industry aviation experience of delivery results. A National Test Pilot School graduate and combat veteran, highly experienced in complex problem-solving and team leadership and a proven record on operational efficiency. Spearheaded the UK Flight Test team for the development and test of the MQ-9B Skyguardian, and continued outstanding advancement of the 9B system as a GA-ASI employee. Recognized for excellent critical thinking and effective communication, driving successful combat operations and strategic relocations in high-stakes environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Test Pilot
GA-ASI
02.2024 - Current
- Lead Test Pilot on multiple MQ-9B projects including UK Weapons testing, CGCS and Skyguardian software upgrades.
- Formally trained in Simulator acceptance and embedded with GA-ASI STS/SMT development teams; conducted in-country testing both UK and Belgium.
- CGCS electronic checklist and 9B training documentation SME.
Test Pilot - MQ-9B SkyGuardian/Protector RG-1
Royal Air Force
08.2017 - Current
- Executive Officer, leading a UK Flight Test team in a 3-party international test organization.
- Executed effective development flight test for the MQ-9B whilst integrating within the design organization structure. T&E Level 3 qualified.
- Simulator acceptance trained inline with EASA and UK MOD requirements.
Director of Operations, 39 Squadron, MQ-9A Reaper
Royal Air Force
04.2015 - 05.2017
- Led UK Reaper combat operations on 39 Squadron and met all National commitments for worldwide operations.
- Maintained combat output levels of all personnel on a 90-person operational squadron, oversaw all LRE deployments
- Commanded the Squadron in the absence of the designated commander.
- Flight Evaluator and Instructor Supervisor.
ISTAR Desk Officer for MQ-9A Reaper
Royal Air Force
06.2013 - 03.2015
- Led a team tasked with ensuring all UK political and military MQ-9 operational requirements and objectives were met.
- Increased UK MQ-9A Reaper output from 2 operational squadrons, on behalf of the 1* General in charge of all ISTAR platforms.
- Led the relocation plan for UK Reaper from operational theatre A to theatre B, including site surveys, reports and international engagement through the UK Foreign Office & Pentagon.
Pilot MQ-9A Reaper
Royal Air Force
01.2010 - 05.2013
- Graduated top of Reaper FTU at Holloman AFB, Top Gun and Ground School Award.
- Front Line Combat Pilot for 3+ years, on constant combat operations and 2000+ hrs.
- Multiple LRE deployments with several hundred LRE events and Operations Supervisor on deployed USAF Squadron with both MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircraft.
C130J Captain, 47 Squadron Special Forces Flight
Royal Air Force
05.2006 - 12.2009
- Highly experienced Special Ops Pilot and lead C130J captain. Includes over 500hr NVG flying, AAR qualified.
- Constant deployed worldwide operations to support UK/US post 9/11 interests.
Education
RAF Test Pilot -
Royal Air Force
Mojave, CA04.2021
Systems Test Pilot -
National Test Pilots School
Mojave, CA06.2019
Post Graduate Diploma - Defense Acquisition Management
Cranfield University
Shrivenham, UK07.2018
Bachelor of Science - Human Biology
Kings College London
London, UK07.1998
Skills
- Advanced problem-solving
- System evaluation
- Collaborative communication skills
- Effective team leadership in challenging environments
- Prioritizing team objectives
- Outstanding Critical Thinking
- Trained in media communications
- Instructional Techniques
- Operational resource management
- Analytical decision-making
Flying Hours
- C130J (2-crew, glass cockpit) 1500hrs
- C130K 1640hrs
- Training aircraft various 286hrs
- Total manned fix wing RAF flying – 3426hrs
- FAA/GA ASEL/AMEL 130hrs (US based civilian flying)
- MQ-9A Reaper 2160hrs
- MQ-9B Test Flying & STS 300+hrs
- Total MQ-9 2300+hrs
FAA License
- Current: Commercial + Instrument Rating (ASEL & AMEL)
- AGI & IGI FAA instructor
Timeline
Test Pilot
GA-ASI
02.2024 - Current
Test Pilot - MQ-9B SkyGuardian/Protector RG-1
Royal Air Force
08.2017 - Current
Director of Operations, 39 Squadron, MQ-9A Reaper
Royal Air Force
04.2015 - 05.2017
ISTAR Desk Officer for MQ-9A Reaper
Royal Air Force
06.2013 - 03.2015
Pilot MQ-9A Reaper
Royal Air Force
01.2010 - 05.2013
C130J Captain, 47 Squadron Special Forces Flight
Royal Air Force
05.2006 - 12.2009
RAF Test Pilot -
Royal Air Force
Systems Test Pilot -
National Test Pilots School
Post Graduate Diploma - Defense Acquisition Management
Cranfield University
Bachelor of Science - Human Biology
Kings College London
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