Flight Test Programme Development
Test programmes are designed to demonstrate certification compliance with traceable acceptance criteria for each test point. The scope includes data acquisition system specification and instrumentation planning, along with the associated risk assessments and flight test safety documentation that the certification authority expects before approving the test programme.
Flight Test Execution Support
On-site engineering support during flight test campaigns covers real-time data monitoring and test point progression management, including occurrence assessment when results deviate from predictions. Test execution is coordinated within the applicable DOA framework or as independent engineering support, depending on the client's organisational structure.
Ground Test Engineering
Ground test programmes for structural, propulsion, and systems testing are developed and coordinated to produce substantiation data that the certification authority can accept. Typical programmes include propeller ground testing, engine run programmes, and structural proof load tests, followed by data analysis against the acceptance criteria.
Build Inspection and Experimental Approval
As OUV-authorised inspectors, Aufwind carries out technical build inspections for owner-built experimental aircraft under German LBA regulations. The inspections cover structural integrity, systems installation, engine installation, and flight readiness assessment, and extend to flight test programme development for first flight and envelope expansion.
Certification Compliance Documentation
Compliance substantiation reports, test reports, and engineering analysis documentation are produced to EASA standards, with means of compliance proposals and certification basis interpretation where the applicable requirements leave room for interpretation.
Flight Test Training
Curriculum development and lecture delivery for seaplane water operations physics and flight test methodology, covering the hydrodynamic theory, water handling assessment techniques, and operational limitations that are relevant to seaplane flight test training.
Our Approach
The test programmes Aufwind develops are shaped by the expectation that understanding the design before the first flight reduces both cost and schedule risk, since a test point that yields a predictable result is a test point that confirms compliance rather than discovering a problem. Build inspection and experimental aircraft work reinforce this perspective, because they provide direct exposure to the way design intent translates into hardware and flight behaviour. The work integrates with client design organisations or stands alone as independent engineering support.