[pastaguy1]

Since the cause was multiple birdstrikes, I don't know how specific to being a test pilot this episode was. Maybe they do more stuff with higher risk of birdstrike in general, or maybe they didn't yet know the plane's flight envelope, etc., but this would have been a bad day even if the MiG was production at this point, i would think.

edit: I guess this plane was already production at this point. maybe i'm confused about what constitutes a test pilot.

[coldcode]

My friend flew every plane they delivered, sort of a functional test, in addition to practicing/planning for airshows, as well as sometimes showing off for employees at lunchtime.

[LorenPechtel]

Civilian aircraft are speed limited below IIRC 18,000' because of the danger of bird strikes. Military aircraft are no less vulnerable, they just have ejection seats if the pilot loses the game with the birds.