Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Flight Test Squadron Flight Test Approval Process.

Abstract : This presentation will provide a description of the process used by the Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron, at Patuxent River, for minimizing the risk associated with its flight test operations. This process is defined in terms of three basic functions. These functions are: Test Plan, Flight Clearance, and the Aircraft Modification/Configuration Control Sheet. It is through these functions that we provide oversight of the test planning, insure that any required aircraft modifications are sound, and provide controls over the aircraft modification process. Each of these functions play a role throughout the test program in preventing changes in testing that could jeopardize the quality of the test results or the safety of the crew or the aircraft.