What is the purpose of a flight test plan?

1 Scope and objectives

The first section of a flight test plan defines the scope and the objectives of the test program. It answers the questions of what, why, and how the test will be conducted. It specifies the test article, the test environment, the test phases, the test criteria, and the test methods. It also identifies the risks, assumptions, and limitations of the test program, and how they will be managed or mitigated. The scope and objectives section provides a clear and concise overview of the test program and its expected outcomes.

2 Roles and responsibilities

The second section of a flight test plan assigns the roles and responsibilities of the test team and the test support personnel. It describes the qualifications, duties, and authority of each member of the test team, such as the test pilot, the flight test engineer, the test director, the data analyst, and the safety officer. It also defines the communication channels, the reporting procedures, and the coordination mechanisms among the test team and the test support personnel, such as the air traffic control, the ground crew, the maintenance staff, and the emergency services. The roles and responsibilities section ensures that everyone involved in the test program knows their tasks and expectations.

3 Test design and procedures

The third section of a flight test plan details the test design and the procedures for each test phase and test point. It outlines the test matrix, which is a table that shows the test parameters, the test variables, and the test conditions for each test point. It also provides the test cards, which are checklists that guide the test pilot and the flight test engineer through the steps and actions required for each test point. The test design and procedures section ensures that the test program is well-planned, well-organized, and well-executed.

4 Data collection and analysis

The fourth section of a flight test plan describes the data collection and analysis methods and tools for the test program. It specifies the data sources, the data types, the data formats, and the data rates for each test point. It also identifies the data acquisition systems, the data processing systems, and the data analysis software that will be used to record, store, process, and analyze the test data. The data collection and analysis section ensures that the test program generates accurate, reliable, and relevant data for evaluating the test results.

5 Test results and evaluation

The fifth section of a flight test plan presents the test results and the evaluation of the test program. It summarizes the data analysis findings, the test criteria compliance, and the test objectives achievement for each test point and test phase. It also discusses the discrepancies, anomalies, deviations, and issues encountered during the test program, and how they were resolved or addressed. The test results and evaluation section ensures that the test program provides valid, meaningful, and useful information for decision-making and improvement.