Chapter 10 - Safety Aspects

It is considered self-evident that flight testing should be conducted "safely", i.e., without hazarding the aircraft, its crew, or persons or property on the ground. It is equally obvious that not all flight tests incur the same degree of risk: for example, the risks incurred in testing the departure (stalling and spinning) characteristics of a new aircraft type can be expected to be an order (or even orders) higher than those associated with range measurements on a new radio. However, it must be recognized that there is an (accepted) element of risk in any flight operation, and "safe" is a relative term. In devising his test programme the Flight Test Engineer (FTE) can rarely quantify, let alone guarantee, the actual level of risk involved. But what he can and must do is to so plan and execute the test programme that, within the constraints imposed by the nature of the tests themselves and the resources available, the risks incurred are always kept within what are judged to be acceptable limits. This section confines itself to safety-related matters peculiar to flight testing, and it is assumed that readers will be aware of those applicable to all flight operations (e.g., the need to ensure that the aircraft is serviceable, and always operated within its permitted limits and in accordance with the approved procedures). It discusses responsibilities for flight test safety, the safety-related aspects of trials facilities, and crew constitution and training. It then outlines the principles of test planning and conduct, and concludes with a summary of the main points to be borne in mind.