scope:

This handbook addresses the airworthiness qualification of air vehicles and related systems. The air vehicle and systems to which an airworthiness qualification program is applicable might be completely new or might be the result of major modification of a previously qualified system. This handbook is for guidance only. It cannot be cited as a requirement. If it is, the contractor does not have to comply. It is not intended to provide mandatory or regulatory requirements that must be achieved during the course of a program. Such requirements will be included in the specific contractual requirements for the program. Excluded from the discussions of this handbook are tests normally conducted after completion of airworthiness qualification testing, such as force development test and experimentation (FDTE) tests that are intended to provide insight into the type of force structure best suited to the operation of the air vehicle.

The purpose of this handbook is two-fold. First, it is intended to serve as a tutorial for persons unfamiliar with the airworthiness qualification process. This includes Government and contractor personnel who are involved in development of requirements or members of the design team who are not directly involved in the qualification process. In this context the handbook provides an overview of the airworthiness process for developing requirements. It describes air vehicle and typical system requirements as a guide for airworthiness qualification. Second, it is intended to serve as a reference guide for those involved in preparing airworthiness qualification documentation. This includes persons who are responsible for generating and reviewing documentation that establishes the airworthiness of systems and subsystems. Requirements for and examples of airworthiness documentation are covered in the Appendices to this handbook.