Beach was known for changing his recipes over time,[1] and multiple versions of the test pilot attributed to both him and others make the cocktail one of his more frequently imitated and varied tiki drinks.
[2] Test pilot recipes call for multiple rums and typically include the use of falernum syrup and lime juice.
[4] The use of Pernod and bitters was employed by Beach as one of his signature combinations, and some cocktail enthusiasts feel it is a pivotal part of the recipe.
[13] Some Beachcomber and Trader Vic competitors named their versions as the Jet Pilot, including at The Luau restaurant and the Mai-Kai.
[14][15] The Jet Pilot was similar to Beach's 1941 version but was slightly spicier with the addition of stronger rum, grapefruit juice, and cinnamon syrup.