Our Austrian Members

DR. Gerhard Lippitsch

Contact: Gerhard.Lippitsch@austrocontrol.at

Gerhard majored in aerospace engineering from Technische Universität München.  He is currently employed at Austro Control Gesellschaft für Zivilluftfahrt GmbH (Austrian CAA) and an accredited EASA test pilot.

In his previous position Gerhard served as Manager Flight Test, Certification Verification Engineer, Flight Test Engineer,  Flight Test Pilot and finally Head of Flight Test at Diamond Aircraft.

Currently, Gerhard is in charge of simulator evalution and he is also the focal point for the Austrian CAA:

  • National Focal Point for UAS
  • National Coordinator for FSTD
  • Surveyor Small Aircraft
  • Surveyor Large Aircraft
  • Surveyor Small Rotorcraft
  • Surveyor Gliders
  • Surveyor Ultralights
  • Surveyor Homebuildt

In addition, Gerhard serves as President of “Verband der akademischen Fliegergruppen Österreichs” (AKAFLIEG) and is a Board Member AKAFLIEG WIEN. Gerhard received test pilot training from National Test Pilot School (NTPS), Mojave.

Ingmar Mayerbuch

Contact: i.mayerbuch@diamond-air.at

Ingmar Mayerbuch is a graduate of Technische Universtät München (Aerospace Engineering) and currently Head of Flight Test at Diamond Aircraft in Austria. In his function of Chief Experimental Test Pilot he has conducted numerous first flights including the worlds first serial hybrid electric aircraft and only just recently a “first” on a fly-by-wire research platform. His broad experience ranges from envelope expansion, spin testing, handling qualities and performance flight testing of single and multi engine piston powered aircraft. Several successful certification programmes were completed under his leadership.

Before joining Diamond Aircraft, he was engaged in the German Aerospace Center (DLR), working there on its distinguished research aircraft fleet.

Areas of expertises are flight testing of new or novel engine installations as well as external loads certification.

Ingmar teaches as test pilot instructor at the upcoming TB2 course in Manching, Germany. In his spare time he enjoys the silent way of flying and is involved in building experimental aircraft.

Sören Pedersen

Contact: flighttest@flyingad.at

Sören Pederson graduated from Hamburg University and National Test Pilot School (NTPS). After years of test flying for Thielert Aircraft Engines (TAE) he joined Diamond Aircraft in different capacities: flight test pilot to Chief Test Pilot. Sören is now a free-lance experimental test pilot and has covered a wide range of testing: from electric powered airplanes to heavy fuel, FADEC controlled, engines. He has flown spin campaings, flutter tests as well performance flight test.

Sören is presently CVE for an Austrian gyrocopter manufacturer and runs his own company http://www.flyingad.at/

Sören flew several competitions in gliders and even record attempts with heavy-fuel powered aircraft, attempting to cross the North Atlantic non-stop in a single engine, piston aircraft. Unfavorable winds caused him to return.

Sören is an accomplished aerobatic competition pilot who enjoys his Extra in his spare time.

Ing. Michael Seibt

Contact: m.seibt@diamond-air.at

After having received his engineering training at University of Vienna, Michael joined Diamond Aircraft in March 2000 and is currently Chief Production Flight Test Pilot and Deputy Head of Diamond´s Inspection Group.

Michael is an accomplished test pilot. In the last 10 years he has flown more than 4.500 Production / Development-Certification/ Maintenance Flights of which more than 400 were production firsts. His flying expertise ranges from very light single engine aircraft to heavy-fuel powered twin pistons.

Michael received his test pilot training from the International Test Pilot School (ITPS) and National Test Pilot School (NTPS). He is experienced in CS23 Aircraft Certification and Evaluation Flight Test. Special areas of expertise are Autopilot Certification and Evaluation. He did DA40 /42 KAP 140 Autopilot integration testing, DA40/DA42 Garmin GFC 700 Autopilot (servo malfunction tests , MUH – Test , certification flights etc.). Among other, Michael also participated in

  • Human Factor Program DA42/ GFC 700
  • Known Icing Certification ( ICTS, Ice shapes Tests, including 1st flight into known icing with a DA42).
  • Flight envelope   expansion program   DA40  for MTOM 1200 kg
  • Cooling improvement program HK36 TTC
  • D-Sim Parameter Identification Test program  /  FTD Level 6 development

As Certifying Staff – EASA Part 21, Michael is authorised to sign Form 52 (Statement of Conformity), Permit to Fly/ Flight Conditions.

Ing. Manfred BLEYER

Contact: office@imb.aero

Manfred is a Rotray-Wing flight test pilot with numerous yeass of experience in Part 27 and 29 helicopters.

  • Night Vision Goggle Instructor
  • Performance Flight Testing
  • Handling Qualities
  • Expert Witness to the Court

Retired Members