Test Flight
#1
Test Flight
Anyone have a high-level list of procedures to use as rough reference for a post-maintenance test flight? Gonna pickup a mid-sized jet in a couple weeks, and am compiling a list of things to check. The maintenance being performed covers a few phases.
Don't need small details as our checkliksts cover it, but rather a high-level guide.
Thanks.
Don't need small details as our checkliksts cover it, but rather a high-level guide.
Thanks.
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2009
Position: A-320 FO
Posts: 693
Being that you have the small items covered such as running a complete trim check, you may want to double check the O2 system since you'll be going upstairs, following the pressurization system closely, ensuring that the engine bleeds react in all positions selected. Once you climb to cruise and level off, some basic air work is usually in order, slow flight, stall series, steep turns, etc. Double check that the engine pressures and temps are within normal operating, and the auto pilot couples to all of its parameters. Time to practice an emergency decent, making sure the speed brakes deploy and retract properly, then top it off with a coupled approach, and a landing checking spoiler ops, if applicable, and of course the anti-skid system. Debrief at hanger 19 over your favorite beverage.
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,265
What kind of maint was done?
Just as a point of interest, the full maint check we run consists of checking EVERYTHING on the ground. Turn every single thing on and check for proper operation. Down to cabin door light warnings if so equipped. Emergency O2, flight control rigging, operation, avionics, etc. We also run the fire light shut down on motors if you have it to verify operation. External lights, etc. ECS operation, individual bleeds (turn off the left, check for EGT drop on left motor, EGT rise on right... both on, repeat on right, both off check flow stops).
Taxi out, emergency brake system and anything you forgot in the line. Misconfigure for takeoff, check for warnings when throttles are run up (RECONFIGURE FOR T/O!!!) Throttle slams to idle to make sure the lockouts can't be pushed through to "off." On the runway, full run ups one engine at a time to check for EGT and N1/N2 within tolerance for given atmospherics.
In the air we'll do flight control rig checks from at 200, 300, 400, 500 and 550 knots to check for roll off, pitch tendencies, etc. Your airspeeds may vary. Throttle transients at 15K and >30K feet. Max power, to idle, and back to max again. Make sure operation is within tolerances. Emergency extend the gear, verify auto pilot operation, pressurization scheduling, avionics operation down to ATC observing an "ident."
Back in the landing pattern, we'll land the thing and stand on the brakes to check operation (and sometimes it'll trip the anti skid, although that's not the goal.)
You probably don't want to do a mach run, flight control rig loop, or some other fighter specific items. Just trying to give you an idea to start with.
Just as a point of interest, the full maint check we run consists of checking EVERYTHING on the ground. Turn every single thing on and check for proper operation. Down to cabin door light warnings if so equipped. Emergency O2, flight control rigging, operation, avionics, etc. We also run the fire light shut down on motors if you have it to verify operation. External lights, etc. ECS operation, individual bleeds (turn off the left, check for EGT drop on left motor, EGT rise on right... both on, repeat on right, both off check flow stops).
Taxi out, emergency brake system and anything you forgot in the line. Misconfigure for takeoff, check for warnings when throttles are run up (RECONFIGURE FOR T/O!!!) Throttle slams to idle to make sure the lockouts can't be pushed through to "off." On the runway, full run ups one engine at a time to check for EGT and N1/N2 within tolerance for given atmospherics.
In the air we'll do flight control rig checks from at 200, 300, 400, 500 and 550 knots to check for roll off, pitch tendencies, etc. Your airspeeds may vary. Throttle transients at 15K and >30K feet. Max power, to idle, and back to max again. Make sure operation is within tolerances. Emergency extend the gear, verify auto pilot operation, pressurization scheduling, avionics operation down to ATC observing an "ident."
Back in the landing pattern, we'll land the thing and stand on the brakes to check operation (and sometimes it'll trip the anti skid, although that's not the goal.)
You probably don't want to do a mach run, flight control rig loop, or some other fighter specific items. Just trying to give you an idea to start with.
#7
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 89
We have both pilots, with checklist in hand, do walk arounds in opposite directions with a list. We came out of paint and phase inspection at a major
maintenance depot with 26 squawks, including seats and elevators on the wrong side of the airplane. The elevator trim tabs going different directions would have been real interesting. We usually take a technician along that wasn't involved in the maintenance.
Dave
maintenance depot with 26 squawks, including seats and elevators on the wrong side of the airplane. The elevator trim tabs going different directions would have been real interesting. We usually take a technician along that wasn't involved in the maintenance.
Dave
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,265
We have both pilots, with checklist in hand, do walk arounds in opposite directions with a list. We came out of paint and phase inspection at a major
maintenance depot with 26 squawks, including seats and elevators on the wrong side of the airplane. The elevator trim tabs going different directions would have been real interesting. We usually take a technician along that wasn't involved in the maintenance.
Dave
maintenance depot with 26 squawks, including seats and elevators on the wrong side of the airplane. The elevator trim tabs going different directions would have been real interesting. We usually take a technician along that wasn't involved in the maintenance.
Dave
Seriously?!?! Is this place still in business????
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