The purpose of this scenario-based activity is to provide a simulated real-world example for you to demonstrate a particular action. This stretches your thinking by allowing you to go beyond the readings and answer direct questions posed; rather, you become an aviation professional solving real-life problems.
Assume you are an Aircraft Flight Test Engineer at an aircraft manufacturer that is making a new Transport Category airplane. A critical test program is about to start, and there are several concerns about the structural capability of this new aircraft. As the senior flight test engineer, you need to brief the company’s Chief Test Pilot on the design and safety characteristics of this new airplane, including important features of a flight envelope diagram (also known as a V-n or V-g diagram) and how the design meets all requirements. There are areas of the diagram that indicate regions of stalls and accelerated stalls and regions where possible structural damage may occur. You need to discuss aspects of these operational limitations and potential implications if the aircraft exceeds any of these flight parameters.
Instructions
Before the first flight, you have to brief the Chief Test Pilot and his staff on the operational flight limitations contained within the flight envelope diagram. Because the Chief Test Pilot is out of town, you need to brief him via a video presentation. Include a sample diagram with arrows or callouts to label the axes, regions, etc. Include your drawing/diagram as an attached photo or scanned image. Be sure to relate the components of your diagram(s) to the plane’s airworthiness and crashworthiness in your presentation. Keep in mind that merely providing a diagram alone is insufficient; you must explain what each item/aspect could mean for a potential pilot.
Post your video briefing below, along with a brief summary, from your viewpoint, on what risks are involved in the flight test of the new aircraft and what mitigations have been put into place to protect the flight test team and the aircraft.
Note: Be sure to include proper APA citations and references, as applicable.
