The planning and execution for technical flights, such as Maintenance Check Flights (MCF) and often lease acceptance flights, require attention to detail with regulatory compliance, particularly when operating under Part NCC (Non-Commercial Complex) or Part SPO (Specialised Operations) with the UK CAA and EASA.
Technical Flight Solutions Ltd (TFS), operating under the supervision of the EASA Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and UK CAA, specialise in providing these services.
NCC/SPO Flight Planning
Planning for these complex flights is critically guided by manufacturer documentation, such as the Airbus In-Service Aircraft Technical Flight Manual (ISA TFM).
This manual is not just a guide; it stipulates in detail the exact procedures, parameters, and limitations under which technical checks must be carried out to verify the airworthiness of the aircraft following maintenance.
Risk Evaluation and Planning
The regulations for NCC and SPO flights mandate a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) and a rigorous, flight-specific risk assessment.
This is because these flights intentionally manoeuvre the aircraft outside the normal operating envelope to test non-normal events. The ISA TFM forms the basis for this planning, dictating the precise manoeuvres and the required pre-flight system checks and emergency procedures.
“the big difference is during these tests we are asking the aircraft a question, you have to be prepared for the answer”
Eoin O’Sullivan, Commercial Manager.
Compliance with Test Stipulations: The ISA TFM is designed to ensure the tests are performed safely and effectively, remaining within the aircraft’s certified envelope for technical flights.
“this can be in what’s called direct law where a lot of normal protections are deliberately tested or reduced to evaluate specific systems and requires our flight crew have advanced upset recovery training for all eventualities and why we risk assess each and every fight”
Donal Young, Accountable Manager.
Enhanced Requirements: Training, Insurance, and Risk Management
Operating under NCC/SPO, particularly for technical flights, necessitates significantly high standards, especially concerning crew competence and risk mitigation.
Higher UPRT Training Levels
The inherent risks of testing systems close to their limits—or simulating failures—demand pilots with increased experience and training.
NCC/SPO operations require a higher level of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT).
This advanced training enhances the flight crew’s resilience to startle and surprise and equips them with the competency to recognise and recover from extreme flight upsets, which is vital for the safety of dynamic test profiles not seen in normal flights.
Comprehensive Insurance and Liability
Due to the elevated risk profile, the NCC/SPO framework mandates specialized and higher-limit insurance coverage to address potential liabilities arising from these unique, high-energy flight profiles.
This provides financial protection for the aircraft asset, crew, and third parties, recognising the non-standard nature of the operation.
Operations Manual and Management System
Part NCC and SPO operators must have a detailed Operations Manual (OM) that accurately reflects the complexity of their unique operations, including specific chapters on the conduct of check flights as laid out by the ISA TFM.
Furthermore, their Management System, including the SMS, must be proportionate to the risks, effectively integrating the extreme flight data and risk evaluations associated with technical flying into their continuous safety improvement processes.
This comprehensive, risk-based approach is central to maintaining the NCC/SPO declaration.
“flights where you get to test the aircraft systems, limits and performance can be challenging but preparing, training and open discussion allows us to deliver and there is nothing more rewarding than watching that aircraft return to service”
Colin Ryan, Technical Pilot
http://www.technicalflightsolutions.com
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