This activity is used to raise an operational test task. Testing of an asset or aircraft is a basic means of establishing the compliance of the asset with its certification requirements. This can either be for a new asset or as a result of key changes to assets or aircraft, introduced as a part of a modification or upgrades which are undertaken as part of maintenance visits. Within the Aerospace industry various authorities have differing requirements to ensure the continued compliance with the applicable airworthiness requirements. Two of the primary authorities having policies, for instance, on post maintenance check flights are the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency).
This activity focuses on instances where the owner, operator or service provider have deemed that a post maintenance check flight requirement is to be performed prior to the release to service. To raise an operational test task you need to create a new operational plan, in this instance the plan could be for a post maintenance flight check. The plan should describe the various aspects of performance activities which need to be validated as part of the activity. The actions which are required to be performed can be recorded in a document and connected to the operational plan once it is handed over to the operational personnel. However, if the operator decides that a particular post maintenance check flight is not required, the various activities that are to be validated can be added as specific checks which are to be performed as part of a standard return to service. The aspects which can be validated as part of these check-flights should establish that:
To be suitable, the schedules should cover handling tests, including the effectiveness of primary controls and trimmers, with specific direction to evaluate certain characteristics during operation phases, such as, take-off, climb, cruise, descent and landing.
As a result of this activity, an operational plan is created.