Flight Deck Support (FDS) is licensed by European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) to perform Part NCC and SPO Maintenance Check Flight Operations.
FDS has fully EASA compliant organization structure in Europe for the use of customers.
Previously, these checks could be carried out by independent and unexperienced Operators. However, this is no longer the case, and they can only be carried out by an operator who is able to demonstrate full compliance with the regulations and is an Approved Operator under EASA’s Part SPO Regulations
MCF FLIGHTS
Maintenance Check flights Level A
MCF Level A flights are check flights where the use of abnormal or emergency procedures, as defined in the aircraft flight manual, are expected, or where a flight is required to prove the functioning of a backup system or other safety devices. Special requirements and training do apply to the flight crew. A type-specific MCF manual is used to perform the checks.
Maintenance Check flights Level B
MCF Level B flights are also defined as a check flight, without the use of abnormal or emergency procedures, as defined in the aircraft flight manual or the requirement to prove the functioning of a backup system or other safety devices, is not planned or expected.
A Declaration Form for SPO/MCF must be submitted to the CAA to perform MCF Level A & B.
Flight Deck Support has a contract with the direction general de l’armement (DGA) “Essais en vol”, flight tests. The DGA has control over seven dedicated airspaces in France for MCF and flight tests. In addition, they provide dedicated Air Traffic Controllers for the duration of the MCF, allowing us to be able to conduct the flight profile very efficiently. Such flight operation can only be obtained with the proper DGA authorizations.