What is the difference between Test Flight and Flight Test? Are they the same thing or synonymous?
2 Answers
Flight testing is the process (usually involving a number of test flights) by which the capabilities and performance of and aircraft (usually a new one or one which is substantially modified) are established.
Test flight refers to an individual flight which is used for testing purpose. it can be used either as part of flight testing or as a standalone for testing some minor modification.
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3$\begingroup$ A 'flight test' is also used when talking about assessing the pilot's competency, whereas I have never come across 'test flight' meaning the same. $\endgroup$– BenAug 31, 2016 at 10:03
They are synonymous in the business.
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1$\begingroup$ the other answers disagrees and gives details. could you provide something more that shows how the two are synonyms? $\endgroup$– FedericoAug 31, 2016 at 21:30
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1$\begingroup$ Well ten years in the business of designing and flight testing aircraft would be the first one. No one at an OEM is that distinct. $\endgroup$ Aug 31, 2016 at 21:53