§3.16 Flight tests.

After proof of compliance with the structural requirements contained in this part, and upon completion of all necessary inspections and testing on the ground, and proof of the conformity of the airplane with the type design, and upon receipt from the applicant of a report of flight tests performed by him, the following shall be conducted: (a) Such official flight tests as the Administrator finds necessary to determine compliance with the requirements of this part. (b) After the conclusion of flight tests specified in paragraph (a) of this section, such additional flight tests, on airplanes having a maximum certificated take-off weight of more than 6,000 pounds, as the Administrator finds necessary to ascertain whether there is reasonable assurance that the airplane, its components, and equipment are reliable and function properly. The extent of such additional flight tests shall depend upon the complexity of the airplane, the number and nature of new design features, and the record of previous tests and experience for the particular airplane type, its components, and equipment. If practicable, these flight tests shall be conducted on the same airplane used in the flight tests specified in paragraph (a) of this section.