A method and apparatus for payout testing of an optical fiber. The invention involves the attachment of a pod to a high speed aircraft with a parachute released during flight to initiate payout. The apparatus of the invention includes a bobbin mounted on a craft for retaining a coil of optical fiber and a parachute for using the air or fluid flow past the craft when the craft is in motion to pull the fiber from the coil. In a specific embodiment, the invention includes an electrooptical circuit for sending and receiving an optical signal along the fiber. Further, more specific, embodiments contemplate the use of load cells on the craft and parachute ends of the fiber to measure tension. This information is then transmitted to a receiver for analysis and/or storage. Other specific embodiments include a brake for inhibiting the payout of fiber during aborted test runs and a turns counter for providing a measure of the rate and amount of fiber payout.