Single heading climbs - An alternate technique for determining performance

Abstract

This paper presents an alternate flight technique for determining actual climb performance levels on jet transport category airplanes. The current technique requires demonstration of reciprocal heading crosswind climbs. The new technique requires only single heading climbs using an INS installation and adhering strictly to onboard stability monitoring criteria. This concept has been validated by reanalysis of previous test results from reciprocal heading crosswind climb demonstrations and by use of stringent onboard stability monitoring criteria during the MD-83 program. FAA Draft Advisory Circular AC No. 25-XX, titled “Flight Test Guide For Certification of Transport Category Airplanes,’’ paragraph 17b.(l)(i) accepts this concept as a valid technique that could be used throughout the industry to demonstrate climb performance. This will reduce the current flight hours required to demonstrate actual climb performance levels by 50 percent, shorten test schedule time, and reduce the total man-hours spent in data analysis.