First Speaker Confirmed for #EAC26

Boeing UK Chief Test Pilot Rich Pillans

We are pleased to welcome Rich Pilland as a speaker and first confirmed participant in the 2026 EAC Convention.

Richard Pillans is the Chief Test Pilot at Boeing in the UK. With extensive expertise in aviation and aeronautical engineering, he plays a pivotal role in the testing and certification of new aircraft technologies. Richard's career is marked by a commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in aerospace performance. His leadership ensures that Boeing's aircraft meet the highest standards before reaching the skies worldwide.

Having joined the Biritsh Army in 1999 as a Pilot with the Army Air Corps, he completed and graduated as a Test Pilot from the famous Empire Test Pilots School in 2006, becoming the senior Test Pilot with the Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Squadron at Boscombe Down, later becoming an Experimental Test Pilot and Deputy Director of Aviation (Manned) with Qinetiq, before joining Boeing as Chieft test Pilot in 2014. Richard has flown many types, more latterly the mighty Boeing Chinook.

Outside flying some of the most modern helicopters, he has put his skills to use in the display world, flying with the Army Air Corps Historic Flight, flying both the Scout and Sioux in displays across the UK. He is also part of the Flying Display Director team at Farnborough International, brining his expertise to the flying display world on the ground.