Operational Aircraft Performance and Flight Test Practices

Operational Aircraft Performance and Flight Test Practices is intended to serve as a single source reference, from the basic theory to practical cases, for certification flight testing and operational performance monitoring. It provides more real-life examples than are offered in traditional textbooks. To this end, the first part of every subject begins with the development of the basic performance equations based on a given set of assumptions. Following this, we deconstruct the maneuver being analyzed to validate its components (create small flight test packages to validate models and expected airplane behavior). Then, flight test considerations are discussed including required instrumentation, flight test risk and risk mitigation, data scatter, data reduction and presentation of the performance information to the flight crew. Several examples of flight test results help the reader better understand what they may be faced with when collecting data to create performance models.

There is a major focus on FAA 14 CFR Part 25 certification requirements as a basis for discussion since the format of this set of regulations is publicly available and clearly shows the basic items that go into demonstrating that an airplane is safe to operate. The general approach is also valid for certification under Part 23 or military specifications and, from time to time, the reader will encounter these additional requirements to show variance into airplane certified performance. Throughout the book, readers will find review of accidents and incidents that have occurred on various airplanes. It is not the purpose of this book to assign blame or liability, but rather to share experiences and lessons-learned to hopefully aid in the prevention of future accidents and incidents as well as changes in regulations to continue improving aviation safety. See more