Theory and Practice of Aircraft Performance

CHAPTER 18Miscellaneous Considerations

18.1 Overview

Although the main task of the aircraft performance analyses is now complete, there are a few more topics of interest, varied in nature, which should be exposed to broader understanding on the subject. This chapter briefly overviews the history of US certification, now manifested as the FAA, and briefly outlines flight testing, describing the influence of wind, ground effects during field performance and effects of ice accretion on the wing. Detailed study of these topics is beyond the scope of this book.

18.2 Introduction

Described below are the few topics chosen here to broaden the horizon of readers on areas associated with aircraft performance.

1. History of the FAA

   A newcomer will find a maze of documents pertaining to airworthiness on the top of what the FAA issues. This is because there is an evolutionary past. The FAA, after its formation, continued with older issues by previous authorities. A brief history should help the newcomer with the structure of type‐certification.

2. Flight testing

   To satisfy the mandatory requirements of the FAA, manufacturers’ check out the design and guarantee customer specification. It is essential that the aircraft go through a lengthy series of flight tests for substantiation. Aircraft performance engineers play a significant role in analysing the flight test data to reduce it in prescribed format for documentation and issuance. The scope of flight tests is outlined here.

3. Contribution ...