Does every Safety–of–Flight Test (SOFT) include full testing of each and every equipment with the full EMC or is it just a basic quality test for some of the affected systems?
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
2
Safety of Flight (SOF) Testing is a sample, a subset, of a more exhaustive set of tests.1 It evaluates critical functions that "assures basic" levels of safety for critical components of the system.
The FAA further defines "critical" in this way: Usually a function whose loss would prevent the continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.2
Though the definition is somewhat circular, it is usually clear when a function is not critical, not required for safety of flight. For example, a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) is not required to be installed, therefore, it's function would not be part of the SOF testing. However, attitude display, engine instruments, and airspeed are all defined in 2 as critical and would be part of SOF testing.
answered Jan 5, 2018 at 14:53
-
$\begingroup$ You are confusing SOFT with functional testing and development assurance level (DAL). If you quoted from your reference 1, you'd have: "SOF assures basic pilot safety. Tests are shortened versions of qual tests in the areas of structural integrity, thermal and electrical safety, operation in explosive atmospheres and during explosive decompression." These are tests to ensure the hardware does not pose a hazard to the aircraft or crew. The function of the component has no relation to SOF. SOF only assures that it won't break something else on the plane. Flight test tests the function. $\endgroup$– GerryCommented Oct 5, 2019 at 2:49
-
1$\begingroup$ We disagree, and I assure you I am not confused. If the engine does not function, it clearly affects SOF. $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 6, 2019 at 3:09