Initial Installation of a Moving Map System in a Short-Haul Airplane

The first step entails developing precise specifications for this device with a listing of all mechanical and electrical requirements as well as the tests to be performed in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s processes.

These specifications are submitted to the unit manufacturer, who, upon completion of all prescribed tests, produces a QTR (Qualification Test Report) listing the test results. The quality department must verify and validate the QTR to receive a release for installation.

Extensive parallel testing is conducted in the lab to test the functionality of the system as well as the interfaces with other equipment providing flight information (e.g. ARINC 429). The results are forwarded to the device manufacturer who has to make the necessary changes to ensure proper functioning. As long as this can be achieved via a software update, no new qualification tests are required. In the event of a need for hardware changes that could change the device’s electromagnetic emissions, the EMI test is repeated.

A final “flight test” provides conclusive assurance that everything is working properly and that all possible error sources were taken into account. This several-hour flight serves to test the functionality of the device as well as to examine potential error scenarios (power failure, data loss).

This detailed approach ensures that the requirements specified by the customer are met by the device manufacturer and that the stated functionality is actually provided.