What are the best practices for testing new aircraft systems in airport management?

2 Follow the testing standards and regulations

Testing new aircraft systems must comply with the relevant standards and regulations, such as those issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These standards and regulations provide the minimum requirements and guidelines for testing various types of aircraft systems, such as communication, navigation, surveillance, automation, and security systems. They also specify the testing methods, procedures, documentation, and certification that must be followed and obtained.

3 Minimize the operational impact and risk

Testing new aircraft systems can have a significant impact and risk on the normal airport operations, such as affecting the air traffic flow, the runway capacity, the terminal services, and the safety and security of the passengers and staff. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the operational impact and risk by choosing the appropriate testing time, location, duration, and frequency, as well as by implementing contingency plans, backup systems, and risk mitigation measures. For example, testing new systems during off-peak hours, in isolated areas, for short periods, and with low traffic volumes can reduce the operational disruption and interference.

4 Evaluate the testing results and feedback

After testing new aircraft systems, it is important to evaluate the testing results and feedback, such as by analyzing the data, reports, observations, and comments collected during and after the testing process. This will help to assess the performance, functionality, reliability, and compatibility of the new systems, as well as to identify any issues, errors, gaps, or improvements that need to be addressed. Moreover, evaluating the testing results and feedback will also help to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and value of the testing process, as well as to determine whether the testing objectives and outcomes have been achieved.

5 Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders

Testing new aircraft systems requires effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, such as the system developers, the airport operators, the airlines, the regulators, and the customers. This will help to ensure that everyone is informed, involved, and consulted throughout the testing process, as well as to foster trust, transparency, and cooperation among the stakeholders. Furthermore, communicating and collaborating with stakeholders will also help to solicit feedback, suggestions, and support for the testing process, as well as to address any concerns, questions, or issues that may arise.

6 Learn and improve from the testing experience

Finally, testing new aircraft systems is an opportunity to learn and improve from the testing experience, such as by reviewing the testing process, outcomes, and feedback, as well as by applying the lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for future testing. This will help to enhance the quality, efficiency, and innovation of the testing process, as well as to optimize the performance, functionality, and reliability of the new systems. Additionally, learning and improving from the testing experience will also help to increase the knowledge, skills, and confidence of the testing team, as well as to foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning in airport management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?