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The DC-10 aircraft test program has been planned to provide increased overall efficiency and effectiveness. A series of comprehensive engineering development simulations and aircraft ground tests will precede the flight test program, which will employ a sophisticated data acquisition and processing system with the capability to provide real-time data while the tests are in progress. A flight controls development test stand will be used to evaluate the prototype flight control and avionic equipment and provide the capability for pilot assessment of the Flight Guidance and Control (FG&C) System by means of an integrated simulator complex. A laser beam tracking system will be used to provide the space positioning data required in Flight Guidance and Control, noise measurement, and takeoff and landing performance tests.

The FAR Part 36 Noise Certification of subsonic turbojet-powered airplanes is reviewed. As more airplanes have been tested under FAR Part 36, the FAA has implemented several amendments to the rule and has established policies that interpret sections of the rule and add new constraints to demonstration procedures. In some cases, the policies have resulted in considerable economic burden without commensurate benefits for the airport neighbor. Based on the experience acquired at Douglas in DC-9 and DC-10 noise certification programs, and on the results of aircraft noise research conducted within and outside the Company, several opportunities have been identified for controlling certification costs without compromise of national noise abatement objectives. These opportunities involve expansion of the allowable temperature-humidity test window, expanded use of acoustical analysis rather than flight testing, and simplification in the determination of maximum sideline noise levels.