What structural tests are required for aircraft certification?

Structural testing demonstrates compliance with strength and fatigue requirements. Static testing: Ultimate load test - Apply 150% limit loads, must not fail; Limit load test - Apply 100% limit loads, no permanent deformation; and Test articles represent production structure. Fatigue testing: Full-scale fatigue - Two or more design service goals with inspections; Damage tolerance - Introduce damage and continue cycling; and Test spectrum represents operational usage. Component tests: Wing, fuselage, empennage separately or combined, Landing gear drop tests, and Pressurization cycles. Environmental: Temperature effects on composite strength, Fluid effects. Test program: Design of test article and fixtures, Instrumentation plan (strain gauges, deflection), Load application (hydraulic actuators), and Data acquisition and analysis. Certification: Test plans reviewed and witnessed by authorities, Test reports substantiate analysis methods. Testing finds issues not predicted by analysis; modifications incorporated before production.