Figure 9. An example of the finalized flight test cards, broken down into major sections. flight steps describe actions taken before the aircraft is flown. The departure section describes takeoff and climb procedures. Most tests are preceded by a Cruise section which details pre-test procedures. The test itself is broken into however many major flight phases it covers, including climbs, descents, and cruise legs. Each test includes a post-test Landing section which provides details on landing and securing the aircraft. Finally, a Post Flight section instructs test personnel on how to extract and interpret the data gathered during the test, as well as corrective steps that need to be taken before the next flight. Safety takes priority over following the test plan, so the pilot is to use their own discretion in deciding whether or a particular step is safe to follow. Since phase I flight testing is more about establishing the handling characteristics of the aircraft than obtaining perfect data, a flight test can still be considered successful despite some modifications to its procedure. However, the pilot should record any discrepancies between the written steps and the steps actually taken. C. Notes Section Every single test card has a large notes section where the pilot or other flight crew can record anything about the test flight. These notes might be comprised by amendments to certain steps, notes on dangerous conditions, or anything else. Additionally, some tests include pre-written notes to the pilot about specific dangers that might be encountered during the test.
Figure 9. An example of the finalized flight test cards, broken down into major sections. flight steps describe actions taken before the aircraft is flown. The departure section describes takeoff and climb procedures. Most tests are preceded by a Cruise section which details pre-test procedures. The test itself is broken into however many major flight phases it covers, including climbs, descents, and cruise legs. Each test includes a post-test Landing section which provides details on landing and securing the aircraft. Finally, a Post Flight section instructs test personnel on how to extract and interpret the data gathered during the test, as well as corrective steps that need to be taken before the next flight. Safety takes priority over following the test plan, so the pilot is to use their own discretion in deciding whether or a particular step is safe to follow. Since phase I flight testing is more about establishing the handling characteristics of the aircraft than obtaining perfect data, a flight test can still be considered successful despite some modifications to its procedure. However, the pilot should record any discrepancies between the written steps and the steps actually taken. C. Notes Section Every single test card has a large notes section where the pilot or other flight crew can record anything about the test flight. These notes might be comprised by amendments to certain steps, notes on dangerous conditions, or anything else. Additionally, some tests include pre-written notes to the pilot about specific dangers that might be encountered during the test.
Flight%20Test%20Program.docx