The European Aviation Safety Agency completed the first session of test flights of the Irkut MC-21-300 certification program.
“The completion of the first cycle of certification flights by EASA is an important stage in the development of the MC-21 program”, said the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov. He noted that the participation of EASA representatives in flight tests is a continuation of a large joint work carried out by specialists from the Russian aviation industry, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and industrial enterprises. “Obtaining a European certificate will open the way for the international market to the Irkut MC-21-300 aircraft”, added Denis Manturov.
According to the minister, during certification tests, the behavior of Irkut MC-21-300 aircraft was evaluated in various modes, including at high angles of attack and during stalling. Flights duration from 2.5 to 4 hours were performed at altitudes from 3 to 10 km.
The aircraft was piloted by an EASA test pilot. The crew also included Russian and foreign test engineers analyzing the current flight parameters. In September 2018, EASA testers took a special course in theoretical and practical training, as a result of which they were allowed to fly on Irkut MC-21-300 aircraft.
Irkut Corporation (as part of PJSC UAC) is conducting tests of the MC-21-300 aircraft in order to obtain Russian and European type certificates. Representatives of Russian aviation authorities and industry, as well as EASA experts, participate in the work.
