The Fundamental of Testing

The foundation of a sound testing is a sound Testing Program

The testing goal is not only to know the performance envelope of an airplane; it is also an assessment of its reliability. Reliability is inherent to a system. An aircraft is a system, integrated by its hardware, software, supporting infrastructure, operators and procedures.

The Testing Program begins during the construction of the plane, with a clear definition of its intent of design and specifications and a good documentation of the systems that form the aircraft.

The Testing Program does not end with Phase 1, its life spans thru the life of the airplane.

A sound Testing Program does not only encompasses good inspection and testing methods, it includes good recording practices, it also includes sound evaluation, assessment of records and results, action curse definition and follow-up

The most important resource to secure for the Testing Program is the Team. Testing can’t be done alone, it is fundamental to have a group of persons working for one objective, a Team. When the Team is working properly, its results are greater than the mere sum of its parts.

Once you get the Team, setting the right teamwork is next. The key is to have a plan, assign tasks and responsibilities to each member, and rehearse until you are sure that everyone and the team as a unit are capable of ‘Plan the flight, and fly the plan’.

Having the Team and  the plans does not suffice, it is necessary to identify and procure the needed resources, in terms of time, equipment, tools, instruments, instructions and reference info. As said it has to be obtained at the time of rehearsal.

The results consists of knowledge of airplane capacities, airworthiness, and finally as a consequence, the reliability and confidence in the plane.