Conspiracy covering up international test programme? (5)

I believe the answer is:

pilot

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'test programme?' is the definition.
'pilot' can be an answer for 'programme?' (pilot is a kind of programme). I'm not certain of the 'test' bit.

'conspiracy covering up international' is the wordplay.
'conspiracy' becomes 'plot' (I've seen this before).
'covering up' indicates putting letters inside.
'international' becomes 'i' (abbreviation eg in IMF).
'plot' enclosing 'i' is 'PILOT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pilot that I've seen before include "Drive" , "Flier or helmsman" , "Plane flyer" , "One licensed to fly" , "Test or trial (project or programme)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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