What do the functional tests for a new engine normally include?

Break-in runs that include a determination of fuel and oil consumption and a determination of power characteristics at rated maximum continuous power or thrust and, if applicable, at rated take-off power or thrust; and a period of operation at rated maximum continuous power or thrust, with part of that period at rated take-off power or thrust for engines that have a rated take-off power or thrust.

What must be done following functional testing of each engine or propeller?

Each engine or propeller will need to be inspected to determine that it is in condition for safe operation.

GM1 21L.A.124(b)(2)(vi) Management system for production

Q: What types of tests must a declared production organisation perform on manufactured products if relevant?

Functional, ground and flight tests for the manufactured products.

Q: Who specifies the production ground and flight tests for new aircraft?

The aircraft design organisation.

Q: What are the typical checks included in the production ground and flight tests for new aircraft?

A check on handling qualities; a check on flight performance using normal aircraft instrumentation; a check on the proper functioning of all aircraft equipment and systems; a determination that all instruments are properly marked and that all placards and required flight manuals are installed before flight test; a check of the operational characteristics of the aircraft on the ground; and a check on any other items peculiar to the aircraft being tested.

Q: What must be determined before flight test regarding instruments, placards, and flight manuals?

That all instruments are properly marked, and that all placards and required flight manuals are installed before flight test.

Q: Who specifies the functional test required for a new engine?

The engine design organisation.

Q: What accuracy level must the test equipment used for engine test runs be capable of?

A level of accuracy sufficient to assure that the engine output delivered complies with the specified rating and operation limitations.

Q: Who specifies the functional tests required for a new propeller?

The propeller design organisation.

Q: What do the functional tests for a new propeller normally include?

Several complete cycles of control throughout the propeller pitch and rotational speed ranges. In addition, for feathering and/or reversing propellers, several cycles of feathering operation and reversing operation from the lowest normal pitch to the maximum reverse pitch should normally be required.

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GM1 21L.A.124(b)(2)(vi) Management system for production

ED Decision 2023/013/R

TESTS

If relevant, the declared production organisation will have to perform functional, ground and flight tests for the manufactured products.

The production ground and flight tests for new aircraft are specified by the aircraft design organisation. These tests typically include:

— a check on handling qualities;

— a check on flight performance (using normal aircraft instrumentation);

— a check on the proper functioning of all aircraft equipment and systems;

— a determination that all instruments are properly marked, and that all placards and required flight manuals are installed before flight test;

— a check of the operational characteristics of the aircraft on the ground;

— a check on any other items peculiar to the aircraft being tested.

The functional test required for a new engine will be specified by the engine design organisation and are normally including the following:

— Break-in runs that include a determination of fuel and oil consumption and a determination of power characteristics at rated maximum continuous power or thrust and, if applicable, at rated take-off power or thrust.

— A period of operation at rated maximum continuous power or thrust. For engines that have a rated take-off power or thrust, part of that period should be at rated take-off power or thrust.

The test equipment used for the test run should be capable of output determination of a level of accuracy sufficient to assure that the engine output delivered complies with the specified rating and operation limitations.

The functional tests required for a new propeller will be specified by the propeller design organisation and are normally including several complete cycles of control throughout the propeller pitch and rotational speed ranges. In addition, for feathering and/or reversing propellers, several cycles of feathering operation and reversing operation from the lowest normal pitch to the maximum reverse pitch should normally be required.

Following functional testing, each engine or propeller will need to be inspected to determine that the engine or propeller is in condition for safe operation. Such inspections are specified by the design organisation and are normally including internal inspection and examination. The degree of internal inspections should normally be determined on the basis of the positive results of previous inspections conducted on the first production engines or propeller, and on the basis of in-service experience.

Details

Source-Title: GM1 21L.A.124(b)(2)(vi) Management system for production View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-22019 Compare versions

Domain: Initial airworthiness

Amendedby: Issue 1

Applicabilitydate: 21 October, 2023

Entryintoforcedate: 21 October, 2023

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2023/013/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part 21 Light

Typeofcontent: GM to IR (Guidance material to implementing rule)

Parentir: 21L.A.124 Management system for production

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR