James,
I suggest a read through FAR Part 23, which you should be able to get to fromhere.
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Gu...meset?OpenPage The information in there will give you a good understanding of what the aircraft must demonstrate to be certified. If you fly Cessnas, I also recommend "Cessna, Wings for the World". It well describes the development and testing of the Cessna 100 and 200 series, from the test pilot's perspective.