NTSB Recommends FAA Require Flight Test Plans for Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft
Safety Recommendation A-12-029 urges regulatory updates to ensure safety and accurate documentation.
Safety recommendation
Safety Recommendation A-12-029 urges regulatory updates to ensure safety and accurate documentation.
The National Transportation Safety Board has issued Safety Recommendation A-12-029, identified as DCA12SS005, directed to the Federal Aviation Administration. The board recommends revising 14 Code of Federal Regulations section 21.193 and Federal Aviation Administration Order 8130.2G, along with related guidance or regulations. These revisions would require applicants for an airworthiness certificate for experimental, operating amateur-built aircraft to submit a flight test plan for FAA acceptance. The plan must ensure the aircraft has been adequately tested and determined safe within its flight envelope. Additionally, it must produce data to develop an accurate flight manual and establish emergency procedures. A copy of this plan would become part of the aircraft’s certification file.