Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) F-35 maintenance test pilot Ross Fearon prepares to conduct a functional check flight on an F-35B Lightning II to ensure the aircraft’s airframe, engines, accessories, and equipment are functioning according to standard following service at the depot. Fearon took on the role to test pilot at FRCE following 20 years of service as a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps in order to continue serving the nation by helping deliver flight-ready aircraft to the warfighter.