FAA Test Hazard Analysis

FAR No.:

23.149(f)

FAR Title:

Minimum Control Speed

Risk Level:

High

Maneuver Title:

Vmcg

Maneuver Description:

1. At the option of the applicant, ito comply with the requirements of para 23.51(c)(1), Vmcg may be determined.
2. Work from high speed to low.
3. Light GW and aft CG worst case.
4. Nose wheel steering disengaged or lift nosewheel off runway to simulate slick runway.
5. No differential braking
6. At least one fuel cut to investigate difference with idle chops.

See AC 23-8B (not much guidance here) Suggest AC 25-7A Para 23-b3 for guidance

Hazard:

Aircraft departs runway

Cause(s):

1. 1. Tire failure / gear collapse
2. Thrust asymmetry
3. Primary flight control failure
4. Vmcg greater than prediction

Mitigation(s):

1.1 1. Test pilots knowledgeable in the aircraft.
2. Tests previewed in simulator or similar aircraft.
3. Conduct work-ups with reduced asymmetric thrust (e.g. perform engine chop to Idle).
4. Testing is conducted during several test runs, with the initial fuel cut occurring at a speed well above the anticipated minimum control speed.
5. If aircraft directional control cannot be regained, retard the operating engine to idle, and abort on the runway. It is not advisable to force the aircraft into the air at low speed, even if departure from the runway is imminent.
6. Engage NWS if required / available for directional control. Ensure that rudder pedals are close to neutral at engagement to avoid large yaw inputs.
7. All testing shall be conducted under day VMC conditions on a smooth, hard surfaced dry runway. Winds must be 5 kts or less from any direction, except no tailwinds are permitted.
8. Real time monitoring of critical parameters (tire temps, gear loads, engine health, centerline deviation, etc.)
9. Brief abort procedures (throttles up and go; throttle back and stop)
10. Inspect wheels, tires, and brakes at regular intervals during the testing.
11. Minimum Crew to wear helmets and gloves.
12. Flight crew to review emergency evacuation procedures.
13. Select runway of sufficient length and width to perform the testing.
14. All vehicles and personnel must be at least 400 ft away from runway.
15. Ground support personnel to be available with support equipment, cooling fans, etc.
16. Egress doors available & functional.


Emergency Procedures:
a) Turn nosewheel steering ON (if available). Reduce Power to IDLE to minimize any asymmetric thrust, use all flight controls, braking and nosewheel steering as required to regain aircraft control.


Warning: It is imperative that this information be applied by a knowledgeable flight test professional given the inherently hazardous nature of these activities. This data is general and all items may not apply. Application may require additional research to understanding the safe approach and mitigation sequence for a specific flight test situation.

* FAA Note: The maneuver information described in this database is for reference only. Consult Title 14 CFR for actual FAR requirements.