Perspectives on the evolution of the flight test profession: Examples from avionics and propulsion experimental flight test

Alessandro Ramazzotti, Heart Aerospace AB (Sweden)
Tiziano Bernard, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (United States)
Christian Callaway, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (United States)

Abstract

Flight testing involves experimental missions in the three major focus areas: avionics, aerodynamics, and propulsion. Each domain clearly has different requirements which influences the professional development of their respective FTEs.

This paper narrates examples where FTEs had to both rely on traditional FTE skills and yet explore new perspectives with emerging technologies and changing times. New technologies and aircraft systems have historically increased in complexity. As a result of this complexity, testing can often require real-time analysis and decision-making, which is the FTE’s responsibility. This trend indicates the need to have subject matter experts (SMEs) during flight test events. The paper will narrate two case studies – one from propulsion and one from avionics – to share examples of how an FTE needs to be trained in the “classics of flight test” yet remain flexible enough to become a SME on a particular system for proper execution.

The first case study, from Propulsion, will focus on the transition from traditional engines to more advanced and complicated forms of power, composed not only by turbomachinery but also from a dedicated control system with its own logic, limits and characteristics.

The second case study, from avionics, will focus on the Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), and its relation to traditional terrain alerting testing. The paper will finally summarize how the “new emerging FTE profile” will still need to be trained on the traditional aspects of flight test and receive ulterior training in the operation of new emerging technologies to optimize test execution.