AFRLI61-601 — AFRL Airworthiness

AFRLI61-601 governs airworthiness assessments and airworthiness flight authorizations for AFRL flight test aircraft.

Search AFRLI61-601

  • Publication number: AFRLI61-601
  • Title: AFRL Airworthiness
  • Date: 2025-03-05

View AFRLI61-601 on armypubs.army.mil

It defines roles, process stages, assessment approaches, and criteria for AFRL science and technology flight test activities. It requires independent airworthiness assessments and authorizations consistent with delegated USAF authority.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all AFRL personnel involved with the planning, management, and execution of flight test activities.

Topics covered

  • Airworthiness assessments
  • Airworthiness flight authorizations
  • Flight test planning meetings
  • Design-based assessments
  • Non-design-based assessments
  • Airworthiness technical risk

Questions and answers

Who must complete airworthiness flight authorizations for flight test?

Ensure airworthiness flight authorizations are completed in support of flight test. (paragraph 2)

Who issues AFRL airworthiness flight authorizations?

AFRL/EN is the airworthiness process owner and the AFRL DTA is responsible for conducting independent airworthiness assessments and issuance of an airworthiness flight authorization. (paragraph 2)

When is a new airworthiness assessment required for an existing program?

For existing programs, if significant changes to the test plan or configuration changes to the test vehicle have occurred since issuance of the original flight authorization, a new airworthiness assessment and airworthiness flight authorization shall be accomplished. (paragraph 61-103)

What criteria support a design-based airworthiness assessment?

Criteria listed in the current version of Military Handbook (MILHDBK)-516, Airworthiness Certification Criteria, will be used as the basis for any design-based airworthiness assessment. (paragraph 4)

What does the AFRL Center Test Authority do at the Flight Test Planning Meeting?

Convene and conduct the Flight Test Planning Meeting (FTPM). (paragraph 2)

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