Acceptance test flights/ Demo flights

[Iron Duke]

Hi ..

Out of interest ... does anyone have anyone have any details of the flight parameters that are usually checked on an acceptance/ demo test flight for say a B767 .... ? I have tried google, but to no avail ..

Many thanks ..

I. Duke

[happybiker]

Hi the UK CAA publish a number of check flight schedules which provide the information you are looking for. Try the link below

Check Flight Schedules | Continuing Airworthiness & Maintenance | Safety Regulation (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1455&pagetype=68)

[Iron Duke]

Many Thanks Happy Biker .... some solid reading there !!

I.Duke

[Nightrider]

Great link, excellent!

[john_tullamarine]

The thread should get some more meaty answers in Flight Test ...

[safetypee]

Have a look here:- Functional Check Flight (FCF) Symposium Presentations | Flight Safety Foundation (http://flightsafety.org/aviation-safety-seminars/functional-check-flight-symposium-presentations).

[Milt]

First Flights

Acceptance and post maintenence test flights are one thing but how about those very first launches of something that has never used its wings before.
Many of my first launches were single engined jets following a meticulous inspection with special attenion to control surfaces. During the preliminaries there was always a rising sense of excitement and repetetive mental revisions of "what do I do Ifs?".

The real adrenalin rush occurrs in the initial climb with the gear coming up. It's a wonderful feeling of elation and "up and awayness" which rapidly transforms into an almost desperate need to know that every thing feels normal. Then a few little control inputs to achieve increasing confidence with eyes regularly cross checking instruments for any irregularities. Some part of the brain occupies itself with - "can I make it back if something serious quits?" and am I prepared to "throw this one away if I have to?" Never had to but some were close.

Through about 10,000 ft one realizes the need to start work so one is soon absorbed in ticking off the items in the flight test schedule on the knee pad. Pretty much routine from then on after one has done a few.
My landings, if everything received a tick, seemed to be shared with all of the people who had a hand in putting it together and preparing it for its first flight and how fortunate I am to be the TP involved.

At shut down the ground crew were always intent on determining whether I was smiling or not. They were also sharing the experience.

I'd like to know how others feel/felt handling the responsibilities involved with first flights.

[DragCurve]

Just seen this and the subsequent thread; the CAA site is indeed a good source of info and the Check Flight Schedules are very comprehensive. That said the CFS are aimed at continued airworthiness or series checks and, although a full CFS flight for customer acceptance would be laudable, most companies "moderate" the detail and therefore adjust the content to make them more focussed on their own requirements and desires. The content is normally agreed between the various parties and that can include maintenance lessee, lessor etc so may get convoluted! I've done several of these over the years, so if you need more just get back to me. If you end up doing one - be cautious there are traps - certainly worth speaking about if you jet-off to conduct it!! best wishes.