Originally Posted by Affirmatron
Right then, got it:
1) Let the qualified and certified TPs/FTEs do the tricky bits (envelope expansion, handling characteristics, new and difficult stuff) and be accredited by virtue of them having completed a TP/FTE course.
2) Let the unqualified and uncertified pilots and engineers do the systems/avionics work, but understand they're not TPs/FTEs because they haven't completed a relevant course.
To keep the personal or personnel side out of this - this attitude seems terribly old-fashioned and just doesn't square with the requirements of current test programs. With FBW or even conventional + AP systems where the usual flight sequence is "Gear Up, Flaps Up, Engage AP", it's becoming less & less clear where the general flight qualities end & the "systems" begin. The corollary to this is that complex systems often require more specialist knowledge not always found in conventionally-trained FTEs or even TPs.
Maybe that's why most organizations I know use a team approach where the certification is carried out by TPs, FTEs, engineers & specialists working together using rigs, simulators and aircraft.