How are aircraft tested?
One of the most cutting-edge ways of testing modern planes involves building the guts of the aircraft on the ground and then testing these systems digitally. Bombardier, for instance, has built a ground testing facility called “Aircraft Zero” (Complete Integrated Aircraft Systems Test Area or Ciasta) in Montreal.
How do pilots know how high they are?
When you let air out, lowering the pressure, the aircraft sinks closer to the sea. As a result, pilots have to be aware of the air pressure for their location in the world. To make sure they are flying the correct altitude, they have to update their altimeter accordingly.
What is the purpose of a test pilot?
A test pilot is a pilot who flies new or modified aircraft that may be still under development. The purpose of the tests is to determine if the aircraft is safe, operates as expected and meets aircraft regulations.
How to calculate the performance of an aircraft?
(Maybe one of those passengers could be your FI.) alculate your test weight and note runway condition, elevation, density altitude, and wind direction/ speed. Next you’ll fly several takeoffs and landings noting your performance on each trial. When you’re done, you can average your performance figures and complete your baseline chart.
What’s the difference between a helicopter pilot and a commercial pilot?
The key difference between commercial and helicopter pilots and test pilots are that test pilots fly aircraft that have been pulled from service and modified, or new aircraft that has not been approved for regular use yet. Commercial and helicopter pilots fly planes and helicopters that have been approved for regular use.
What do you mean by Baseline in aviation?
Think of your baseline as an omnibus reference that relates pilot and aircraft performance under a given set of environmental circumstances on a given day. To establish your baseline, we suggest you load your aircraft with a typical mix of fuel, cargo, and passengers.