Flight Testing
Flight Testing and Check Flights of CAA and EASA regulated aircraft
Whenever an application is made to obtain the approval of a new type of aircraft, to make a modification to an existing one, or to receive any type of airworthiness certificate, the extent of any flight testing that may be necessary must be established.
The scope of flight testing will depend on the purpose and nature of the application. For Type Certificate or Supplemental Type Certificate approval more precise details, of what airborne evaluation may be necessary, can be found either in Regulations (EC) 1702/2003, Part 21, and 2042/2003, Part M, or in CAP 553.
Periodic testing for the purpose of continuing airworthiness monitoring is currently not mandated for aircraft already possessing an EASA Certificate of Airworthiness (frequently referred to as EASA aircraft), although the import into the EU of second-hand aircraft may require a check flight [see CAP 562 Leaflet 1-17]. Non-EASA aircraft are still subject to continued airworthiness flight tests in accordance with existing arrangements as described in CAP 553 or 554. When it is necessary to fly and/or test an aircraft that is not in possession of any form of valid airworthiness certificate a specific approval is required, and details of the appropriate process may be found in CAP 562 Leaflet 1-15 for aircraft subject to EASA oversight, or the Air Navigation Order for non-EASA aircraft.
Other reference material may be found via the links below, and covers,
the occasions when airborne evaluations are required
Flight Testing and Check Flights of UK Civil Registered Aircraft
the safe conduct of check flights, whether required or performed at the election of the owner or operator
Check Flight Handbook- Recommended Techniques and Procedures for the Conduct of Check Flights
the use of an appropriate Check Flight Schedule
a selection of Check Flight Schedules
Further Check Flight Schedules may be available by request to the Flight Test Section.
Responsibility for the regulation of the safety of CAA-mandated flight testing of UK-registered aircraft rests with the Flight Test Section (Aircraft Certification Department) of the Airworthiness Division of the CAA. The CAA does not accept any responsibility for the use of CAA Check Flight Schedules on test flights not directly under their control.
