BGA AIRWORTHINESS AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES PART 2, LEAFLET 2-3

AIRWORTHINESS FLIGHT TESTING OF AIRCRAFT WITH CAA C of A

INTRODUCTION
1. The flight testing requirements for aircraft with a CAA C of A are determined by British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Section A3-5. The aim of this leaflet is to make these requirements readily available to gliding clubs.
FLIGHT TEST PERIODICITY
2. For the purposes of flight testing, aircraft maintained under the BGA's maintenance approval are classified as Group II. BCAR Section A3-5 requires that Airworthiness Flight Tests on Group II aircraft are carried out within a period of 62 days immediately preceding the date of renewal of the C of A. The requirement therefore coincides with the 'Star' check. However, it may be necessary to carry out an Airworthiness Flight Test at other times to demonstrate the continued airworthiness of the airframe, engine, propeller or aircraft equipment.
FLIGHT TEST SCHEDULE
3. The requirements for the use of Flight Test Schedules are as follows:
a. Tug Aircraft on BGA Maintenance Scheme An Airworthiness Flight Test for issue and renewal of a C of A is to be carried out using CAA Airworthiness Flight Test Schedule (AFTS) No 2. The completed schedule and the signed Flight Test Certificate are to be submitted to the Chief Engineer of the BGA M3 Facility which is supervising the C of A renewal process. Once satisfied with the aircraft’s performance the Chief Engineer is to forward the original completed Flight Test Schedule together with all the C of A renewal paperwork to the BGA for approval and forwarding to the CAA.
b. Motor Gliders An airworthiness flight test for the renewal of the C of A on a motor glider is to be carried out in accordance with BGA 267FT. The completed form is to be submitted to the Chief Engineer of the BGA M3 Facility which is supervising the C of A renewal process. Once satisfied with the aircraft’s performance the Chief Engineer is to forward the original completed form together with all the C of A renewal paperwork to the BGA for approval and forwarding to the CAA.
For initial issue C of A applications only, the CAA currently (1/7/02) require AFTS No 2 to be used for motor gliders. If desired, ACFT No 2 may be used for C of A renewal flight testing.

CONDUCT OF AIRWORTHINESS FLIGHT TESTS

4. Airworthiness Flight tests are to be conducted as follows: a. Tug Aircraft on BGA Maintenance Scheme Airworthiness Flight Tests on Tug aircraft maintained under the BGA Maintenance Scheme are to be conducted under the supervision of the Chief Engineer of the BGA M3 Facility.

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The pilot selected to fly the Flight Test must be acceptable to the CAA. However for aircraft certified in the Private category, the flight may be conducted by the owner of the aircraft who should be accompanied by an independent observer if possible see CAP 520 3.2 for details. The CAA may require to fly a proportion of Airworthiness Flight Tests using its own pilots; the maintenance organisation will be advised if this is required.
b. Motor Gliders Airworthiness Flight Tests on Motor Gliders are to be conducted under the supervision of the Chief Engineer of the BGA M3 Facility. The pilot selected to fly the Flight Test must be acceptable to the CAA. However for aircraft certified in the Private category, the flight may be conducted by the owner of the aircraft who should be accompanied by an independent observer if possible see CAP 520 3.2 for details. The CAA may require to fly a proportion of Airworthiness Flight Tests using its own pilots; the maintenance organisation will be advised if this is required.
FLIGHT TESTING AFTER MODIFICATION OR REPAIR
5. The requirements for Airworthiness Flight Testing after aircraft modification or repair are stated in BCAR Section A6-8. Any requirement for such a Flight Test on an aircraft supervised under the BGA's airworthiness approval is to be agreed by the BGA M3 Facility Chief Engineer and the BGA CTO. Depending on the extent of the repair or modification it may be necessary to obtain a CAA Permit to Fly before the flight test may be carried out.
Some design organisations will have the authority to issue a Certificate of Fitness for Flight under “B” conditions for the testing of a modification or repair
FLIGHT TESTING WITH AN EXPIRED C of A
6. A certificate of Fitness for Flight under “A” conditions is required. See AMP Leaflet 3-4 for information.

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