AC 25-7A

Historical

Advisory circular · Flight Test Guide for Certification of Transport Category Airplanes

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 25-7D CHG 1 is the version in force, approved September 16, 2025.
Approved
March 31, 1998
Last reviewed
June 8, 2015
Cancels
AC25-7
Cancelled by
AC25-7B Change 1 Incorporated
Family
AC 25-7 · 6 versions
Revision
A
14 CFR parts
25

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 1–2

CONTENTS Paragraph Pa ge No.

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL

1. FAR 25.1 Applicability [RESERVED] 1

2. FAR 25.2 Special Retroactive Requirements [RESERVED] 1 CHAPTER 2. FLIGHT Section 1. GENERAL

3. FAR 25.21 Proof of Compliance31

Figure 3-1 Weight Tolerance Limits33

Figure 3-2 Equivalent Weight Extrapolation34

Figure 3-3 Test Parameters That Normally Can Be Corrected35

Figure 3-4 Wind Profile Variation36

4. FAR 25.23 Load Distribution Limits [RESERVED]42

5. FAR 25.25 Weight Limits [RESERVED]42

FAR 25.27 Center of Gravity Li mits [RESERVED]42

6. FAR 25.29 Empty Weight and Corresponding Center

of Gravity [RESERVED]42

7. FAR 25.31 Removable Ballast [RESERVED]42

8. FAR 25.33 Propeller Speed and Pitch Limits43

Section 2. PERFORMANCE

9. FAR 25.101 General71

FAR 25.103 Stalling Speed (see paragraph 29)

10. FAR 25.105 Takeoff71

FAR 25.107 Takeoff Speeds71

11. FAR 25.109 Accelerate-Stop Distance80

Figure 11-1 Accelerate-Stop Time Delays80-7

Figure 11-2 Accelerate-Stop Speed Vs. Distance80-9

Figure 11-3 Anti-Skid System Response Characteristics

(On-Off System)80-13

Figure 11-4 Anti-Skid System Response Characteristics

(Quasi-Modulating System)80-15

Figure 11-5 Anti-Skid System Response Characteristics

(Fully Modulating System)80-17

Figure 11-6 Instantaneous Brake Force and Peak Brake Force80-21

Figure 11-7 Anti-Skid Efficiency-Wheel Slip Relationship80-23

Figure 11-8 Substantiation of the Optimal Slip Value80-24

12. FAR 25.111 Takeoff Path81

13. FAR 25.113 Takeoff Distance and Ta keoff Run88

Figure 13-1 Takeoff Distance on a Dry Runway89

Figure 13-2 Takeoff Distance (All Engines Operating)89

Figure 13-3 Takeoff Distance on a Wet Runway90

Figure 13-4 Takeoff Run (Critical Engine Fails at V EF)91

Figure 13-5 Takeoff Run (All Engines Operating)91

Figure 13-6 Clearway Profiles92

14. FAR 25.115 Takeoff Flight Path92

Figure 14-1 Takeoff Segments & Nomenclature93

Figure 14-2 Net Takeoff Flight Path94

15. FAR 25.117 Climb: General94

16. FAR 25.119 Landing Climb: All-Engines Operating95

17. FAR 25.121 Climb: One-Engine-Inoperative96

18. FAR 25.123 En route Flight Paths97

19. FAR 25.125 Landing98

Figure 19-1 Landing Time Delays103

Section 3. CONTROLLABILITY AND MANEUVERABILITY

20. FAR 25.143 General121

Figure 20-1 Sample Pitch Tracking Task129

Figure 20-2 A-PC Rating Criteria & Comparison to MIL Standard130

Figure 20-3 Example of Minimum Permitted HQ Rating for A-PC

Tendencies131

21. FAR 25.145 Longitudinal Control135

22. FAR 25.147 Directional and Lateral Control140

23. FAR 25.149 Minimum Control Speed143

Section 4. TRIM

24. FAR 25.161 Trim [RESERVED]157

Section 5. STABILITY

25. FAR 25.171 General [RESERVED]171

26. FAR 25.173 Static Longitudinal Stability171

FAR 25.175 Demonstration of Static Longitudinal Stability171

Figure 26-1 Longitudinal Static Stability173

27. FAR 25.177 Static Directional and Lateral Stability173

28. FAR 25.181 Dynamic Stability175

Section 6. STALLS

29. Stall Testing189

FAR 25.201 Stall Demonstration189

FAR 25.203 Stall Characteristics194

FAR 25.207 Stall Warning197

Figure 29-1 Stall Test Time History199

Figure 29-2 Stall CLCG vs. Entry Rate200

Figure 29-3 Stall CL vs. Weight and Flap Setting200

Figure 29-4 Stall Speeds vs. Weight and Flap Setting201

Figure 29-5 Thrust Effect on Stall C L201

Section 7. GROUND AND WATER HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

30. General211

FAR 25.231 Longitudinal Stability and Control211

FAR 25.233 Directional Stability and Contro l211

FAR 25.235 Taxiing Condition [RESERVED]212

FAR 25.237 Wind Velocities212

FAR 25.239 Spray Characteristics, Control, and Stability on Water213

Section 8. MISCELLANEOUS FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS

31. FAR 25.251 Vibration and Buffeting221

Figure 31-1 Maneuvering Characteristics224

(Speeds up to the Lesser of V FC or MFC or Buffet Onset)

Figure 31-2 Maneuvering Characteristics225

(Speeds between Figure 31-1 and V DF or MDF)

32. FAR 25.253 High Speed Characteristics225

33. FAR 25.255 Out-of-Trim Characteristics229

Figure 33-1 Mistrimmed Maneuvering Characteristics231

CHAPTER 3. STRUCTURE [RESERVED] CHAPTER 4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Section 1. GENERAL [RESERVED] Section 2. CONTROL SURFACES [RESERVED]

Section 3. CONTROL SYSTEMS

34. FAR 25.671 General261

[35-45] [RESERVED]261

46. FAR 25.701 Flap and Slat Interconnections261

47. FAR 25.703 Takeoff Warning System [RESERVED]262

Section 4. LANDING GEAR

[48-51] [RESERVED]283

52. FAR 25.729 Retracting Mechanisms283

53. FAR 25.731 Wheels284

54. FAR 25.733 Tires [RESERVED]286

55. FAR 25.735 Brakes286

56. FAR 25.737 Skis [RESERVED]301

Section 5. FLOATS AND HULLS [57-59] [RESERVED] 311 Section 6. PERSONNEL AND CARGO ACCOMMODATIONS

[60-61] [RESERVED]323

62. FAR 25.773 Pilot Compartment View323

[63-72] [RESERVED]323

Section 7. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS

73. FAR 25.801 Ditching [RESERVED]333

74. FAR 25.803 Emergency Evacuation333

[75-83] [RESERVED]333

Section 8. VENTILATION AND HEATING

84. FAR 25.831 Ventilation343

85. FAR 25.832 Cabin Ozone Concentration [RESERVED]343

86. FAR 25.833 Combustion Heating Systems [RESERVED]343

Section 9. PRESSURIZATION

87. FAR 25.841 Pressurized Cabins353

88. FAR 25.843 Tests for Pressurized Cabins355

Section 10. FIRE PROTECTION [RESERVED] Section 11. MISCELLANEOUS [RESERVED] CHAPTER 5. POWERPLANT Section 1. GENERAL

89. FAR 25.901 Installation [RESERVED]387

90. FAR 25.903 Engines387

FAR 25.903(b) Engine Isolation387

FAR 25.903(c) Control of Engine Rotation387

FAR 25.903(d) Turbine Engine Installations388

FAR 25.903(e) Engine Restart Capability389

91. FAR 25.904 Automatic Takeoff Thrust Control Systems (ATTCS)390

92. FAR 25.905 Propellers392

93. FAR 25.907 Propeller Vibration [RESERVED]392

94. FAR 25.925 Propeller Clearance [RESERVED]392

95. FAR 25.929 Propeller Deicing392

96. FAR 25.933 Reversing Systems393

97. FAR 25.934 Turbojet Engine Thrust Reverser Sys. Tests [RESERVED]396

98. FAR 25.937 Turbopropeller-Drag Limiting Systems396

99. FAR 25.939 Turbine Engine Operating Characteristics398

100. FAR 25.941 Inlet, Engine, and Exhaust Capability (RESERVED398

101. FAR 25.943 Negative Acceleration399

102. FAR 25.945 Thrust or Power Augmentation System [RESERVE D]399

Section 2. FUEL SYSTEM

[103-108] [RESERVED]419

109. FAR 25.959 Unusable Fuel Supply419

110. FAR 25.961 Fuel System Hot Weather Operation421

[111-116] [RESERVED]423

117. FAR 25.975 Fuel Tank Vents and Carburetor Vapor Vents423

[118-120] [RESERVED]424

Section 3. FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS

[121-126] [RESERVED]445

127. FAR 25.1001 Fuel Jettisoning System445

Section 4. OIL SYSTEM [RESERVED]

Section 5. COOLING

[128-130] [RESERVED]481

Section 6. INDUCTION SYSTEM

131. FAR 25.1091 Air Induction497

132. FAR 25.1093 Induction System Icing Protection499

[133-136] [RESERVED]501

Section 7. EXHAUST SYSTEM

137. FAR 25.1121 General511

[138-140] [RESERVED] Section 8. POWERPLANT CONTROLS AND ACCESSORIES

[141-154] [RESERVED]521

Section 9. POWERPLANT FIRE PROTECTION

[155-158] [RESERVED]537

159. FAR 25.1187 Drainage and Ventilation of Fire Zones537

[160-164] [RESERVED]537

165. FAR 25.1197 Fire Extinguishing Agents537

[166-169] [RESERVED]538

CHAPTER 6. EQUIPMENT Section 1. GENERAL

170. FAR 25.1301 Function and Installation559

171. FAR 25.1303 Flight and Navigation Instruments592

172. FAR 25.1305 Powerplant Instruments [RESERVED]594

173. FAR 25.1307 Miscellaneous Equipment [RESERVED]594

174. FAR 25.1309 Equipment, Systems, and Installations594

Section 2. INSTRUMENTS: INSTALLATION

175. FAR 25.1321 Arrangement and Visibility [RESERVED]605

176. FAR 25.1322 Warning, Caution, and Advisory Lights [RESERVED]605

177. FAR 25.1323 Airspeed Indicating System605

178. FAR 25.1325 Static Pressure Systems608

179. FAR 25.1326 Pitot Heat Indicator Systems [RESERVED]609

180. FAR 25.1327 Magnetic Direction Indicator [RESERVED]609

181. FAR 25.1329 Automatic Pilot System609

Figure 181-1 Altitude Loss vs. Altitude Go-Around Mode617

[182-185] [RESERVED]625

Section 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

186. FAR 25.1351 General635

187. FAR 25.1353 Electrical Equipment and Installations637

188. FAR 25.1355 Distribution System639

189. FAR 25.1357 [RESERVED]639

190. FAR 25.1363 Electrical System Tests639

Section 4. LIGHTS

191. FAR 25.1381 Instrument Lights651

192. FAR 25.1383 Landing Lights651

193. FAR 25.1385 Position Light System Installation651

[194-200] [RESERVED]652

201. FAR 25.1401 Anticollision Light System652

202. FAR 25.1403 Wing Icing Detection Lights652

Section 5. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

[203-207] [RESERVED]659

Section 6. MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT

208. FAR 25.1431 Electronic Equipment669

[209-223] [RESERVED]669

CHAPTER 7. OPERATING LIMITATIONS & INFORMATION Section 1. [RESERVED] Section 2. Operating Limitations [RESERVED] Section 3. Markings and Placards [RESERVED] Section 4. Airplane Flight Manual

224. FAR 25.1581 General679

[225-227] [RESERVED]679

CHAPTER 8. AIRWORTHINESS-MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

228. Design and Function of Artificial Stall Warning and

Identification Systems701

229. Reduced and Derated Thrust Takeoff Operations704

230. Runway Gradients Greater than +2 Percent705

231. Performance Requirements for Flight in Icing Conditions707

232. Flying Qualities in Natural Icing Conditions708

233. Criteria for Approval of Steep Approach to Landing709

234. Takeoff and Landing on Unpaved Runways713

235. Accountability of Performance De gradation Relative Both Minor Design Changes (External Exposure) and

Configuration Deviation List (CDL) Items716

236. Configuration Deviation List (CDL)717

237. Spare Engine Pod 719

238. Authorization for Ferry Flight with One Engine Inoperative719

239. Instrument Landing System Weather Minima720

240. Takeoff Performance Credit for Alternate Forward Center of Gravity Limits721

241. Performance Credit for Automatic Propeller Drag Reduction Devices724

242. Airplane Backing Using Reverse Thru st725

APPENDICES Appendix 1 History of Jet Transport Performance Standards (CAR 4b Special Regulations 422, 422A and 422B) Appendix 2 History of Accelerate-Stop Transition Time Development Appendix 3 Correction of Air Minimum Control Speed (V MCA) to Standard Conditions Appendix 4 Rudder Pedal Force-Limited Air Minimum Control Speed (V MCA) Appendix 5 One-G Stall Compliance Basis Appendix 6 Sample Flight Test Program [RESERVED Appendix 7 FAA Handling Qualities Rating System Appendix 8 Functional and Reliability Tests (§ 21.35(b)(2))

CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL

1.-2. [RESERVED]

Chap 2 12 CHAPTER 2 - FLIGHT Section 1. GENERAL

3. PROOF OF COMPLIANCE - § 25.21.

a. Explanation. In an effort to provide the necessary guidelines for the flight test evaluation of transport category airplanes, without producing a cumbersome document, this advisory circular assumes a conventional transport airplane configuration. In general, a “conventional” airplane configuration is one with: distinct wing and fuselage elements that are joined together; aft-mounted horizontal and vertical stabilizers that are attached to the fuselage; and propulsion provided either by turbojet/turbofan engines that do not provide any significant increase in lift due to their operation or engine-driven propellers. The effects of non-conventional airplane configurations (e.g., blown flaps) on the compliance methods should be evaluated and determined based on the intent of the guidelines presented for conventional airplane configurations.

(1) Section 25.21(a) - Proof of Compliance.

(i) The burden of showing compliance with the flight requirements for an airworthiness certificate or a type certificate rests with the applicant. The applicant should, at his own expense and risk, conduct such official flight tests as required by the FAA to demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements. During the certification process, the applicant should make available the airplane, as well as all of the personnel and equipment necessary to obtain and process the required data.

(ii) If the airplane flight characteristics or the required flight data are affected by weight and/or center of gravity (c.g.), the compliance data should be presented for the most critical weight and c.g. position. Unless it can be shown that the allowable c.g. travel in one or more axes (e.g., lateral fuel imbalance) has a negligible effect on the airworthiness requirements, compliance at the critical c.g. must be substantiated.

(iii) The gross weight and c.g. tolerances specified in paragraphs 3a(3)(ii)(A) and (D) are test tolerances and are not intended to allow compliance to be shown at less than critical conditions.

(iv) Section 25.21(a)(1) requires, in part, that the test airplane be in conformity with its type design specifications.

(A) This is interpreted as meaning the test airplane must be in conformity with its type design specification as relates to the particular test being conducted.

(B) Any deviation from conformity must be clearly shown to be of no consequence to the particular test being conducted. For example, if the slip resistant

Chap 2 13 escape surface required by §25.810(c) is not installed, it must be shown that its presence would have no effect on measured airplane performance and flight characteristics.

(2) Section 25.21(c) - Proof of Compliance (Altitude Effect on Flight Characteristics).

(i) Any of the flying qualities, including controllability, stability, trim, and stall characteristics, affected by altitude should be investigated for the most adverse altitude conditions approved for operations and limited, as appropriate, in accordance with § 25.1527.

(ii) Consideration should be given in the test program to aerodynamic control system changes with altitude (e.g., control throws or auto slats which are sometimes inhibited by Mach number at altitude).

(3) Section 25.21(d) - Proof of Compliance (Flight Test Tolerances).

(i) To allow for variations from precise test values, certain tolerances during flight testing should be maintained. The purpose of these tolerances is to allow for variations in flight test values from which data are acceptable for reduction to the value desired. They are not intended for tests to be routinely scheduled at the lower weights, or to allow for compliance to be shown at less than the critical condition; nor are they to be considered as allowable inaccuracy of measurement. As an example, when demonstrating stability with a specified trim speed of 1.4VS1, the trim speed may be

1.4VS1 +3 knots or 3 percent; however, no positive tolerance is permitted when demonstrating the minimum prescribed trim speed of 1.4VS1 (Ref. § 25.161).

(ii) Where variation in the parameter on which a tolerance is allowed will have an effect on the results of the test, the results should be corrected to the most critical value of that parameter within the operating envelope being approved. If such a correction is impossible or impractical (e.g., performance at forward c.g.), the average test conditions should assure that the measured characteristics represent the actual critical value.

(A) Weight limits. Figure 3-1, below, presents weight tolerances that have been found acceptable for the specified flight tests. Many flight tests need to be conducted at or very near the maximum operating weight for the airplane configuration, particularly those tests used to establish Airplane Flight Manual performance information. As noted in paragraph (i), above, the purpose of the test tolerances is to allow for variations in flight test values, not to routinely schedule tests at less than critical weight conditions or to allow for compliance to be shown at less that the critical weight condition.

Chap 2 14 FIGURE 3-1. WEIGHT TOLERANCE LIMITS Flight Test Conditions Weight Tolerance Limit +5% +10% Stall Speeds X Stall Characteristics X Climb Performance X Takeoff Flight Paths X Landing Braking Distance X Landing Air Distance X Takeoff Distance & Speed X Accelerate-Stop Distance X Maximum Energy RTOs X Minimum Unstick Speed X

(1) For follow-on airplane certification programs (e.g., minor gross weight increase), where it is desired to use an existing certificated data base from an aerodynamically similar model of the same airplane type, the test weight tolerance limits of Figure 3-1 have also been applied as extrapolation limits to minimize additional test requirements.

(2) For follow-on airplane certification programs, test data may be extrapolated to higher gross weights than specified in Figure 3-1, if the available test data includes an adequate range of weights and an appropriate number of points at the highest weight tested. If the test data analysis verifies the predicted effect of weight, then other extrapolation limits may apply.

(3) Equivalent weight extrapolation limits. For follow-on airplane certification programs where it is desired to increase a maximum operating weight based on existing certified performance parameters that have weight as one of their independent terms, those parameters should be examined for equivalent compliance with the weight tolerance limits of Figure 3-1. An example would be the reduction of an airplane's landing flap position, to one approved on a similar model of the same airplane type, which would incur an increase in landing speeds and brake energy, relative to the original certificated landing flap, at any given weight. The brake energy, at the maximum certificated landing weight, should be calculated for the reduced landing flap.

This brake energy should account for the increased landing speeds and reduced aerodynamic drag associated with the reduced flap setting. It should then be determined what "equivalent" gross weight would have rendered that brake energy with the original landing flap (see Figure 3-2). The resulting "equivalent" gross weight should not exceed the certificated maximum landing weight by more than the five percent weight extrapolation limit specified in Figure 3-1. If the "equivalent" gross weight (at the existing landing flap setting) is not more than five percent greater than the certificated