The Test Pilot Role in Risk Management of Helicopter Design and Test

This paper presents the unique perspective and role of the test pilot in helicopter design and test risk reductions efforts. The system safety process provides a framework to show points of contribution during design and risk reduction (mishap prevention) in developmental, engineering and production rotorcraft flight operations. Taking a historic perspective of risk reduction during test, chief engineers who were also test pilots had an intuitive understanding of the risks and mitigations present during flight testing. With the specialization of both engineering disciplines and test pilot skills, a gap has emerged in the mutual understanding between the two roles. Using the system safety process can help fill that gap and provides an opportunity to highlight risks and mitigations in aircraft design and test. The intent of this paper is to encourage use of the system safety process and specifically early and frequent test pilot participation in risk management strategies during the design and test phases of aircraft development.