FAR 21.127 — Production Flight Tests
FAR 21.127 requires manufacturers to flight test each aircraft built under a type certificate using an approved procedure and check-off form. See what's required.
In Plain English
FAR 21.127 governs how aircraft manufacturers must flight test each aircraft they build under a type certificate. Before delivery, every production aircraft has to be flown using an approved production flight test procedure and a flight check-off form.
Each production flight test procedure must include:
- An operational check of trim, controllability, and flight characteristics to confirm the production aircraft has the same range and degree of control as the prototype.
- An operational check of every part or system operated by the crew in flight, verifying instrument readings stay within normal range.
- A check that all instruments are properly marked and that placards and required flight manuals are installed after the flight test.
- A check of the aircraft's operational characteristics on the ground.
- A check of any other items peculiar to that aircraft best evaluated during ground or flight operation.
Why it matters: this rule is the manufacturer's quality gate that ensures the airplane you eventually fly performs like the certified prototype and is properly documented before it leaves the factory.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.127§ 21.127 Tests: aircraft.
(a) Each person manufacturing aircraft under a type certificate must establish an approved production flight test procedure and flight check-off form, and in accordance with that form, flight test each aircraft produced.
(b) Each production flight test procedure must include the following:
(1) An operational check of the trim, controllability, or other flight characteristics to establish that the production aircraft has the same range and degree of control as the prototype aircraft.
(2) An operational check of each part or system operated by the crew while in flight to establish that, during flight, instrument readings are within normal range.
(3) A determination that all instruments are properly marked, and that all placards and required flight manuals are installed after flight test.
(4) A check of the operational characteristics of the aircraft on the ground.
(5) A check on any other items peculiar to the aircraft being tested that can best be done during the ground or flight operation of the aircraft.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Who is required to perform production flight tests on newly manufactured aircraft, and under what procedure?
Per FAR 21.127, each person manufacturing aircraft under a type certificate must establish an approved production flight test procedure and check-off form, and flight test each aircraft produced in accordance with that form.
Q2What in-flight checks must a production flight test procedure include?
FAR 21.127(b) requires an operational check of trim, controllability, and flight characteristics to confirm the same range and degree of control as the prototype, plus an operational check of each crew-operated part or system to verify instrument readings stay within normal range.
Q3Besides flight checks, what else must the production flight test cover before the aircraft is released?
FAR 21.127(b) also requires a check of ground operational characteristics, verification that instruments are properly marked and that placards and required flight manuals are installed after the flight test, and a check of any other items peculiar to that aircraft.
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Related Sections in Part 21