When performing a post-maintenance test flight, which of the following would be checked?

• A. System operations and indications only
• B. System operations, control responsiveness, indications, and any abnormal vibrations or noises
• C. Visual inspection only
• D. Fuel economy calculations

Answer: (B)

After maintenance, a post-maintenance test flight is about verifying that everything works as designed in flight. It’s not enough to look things over; you need to confirm that all systems operate properly, the flight controls respond correctly and reach their expected positions, and the gauges and indications display accurate values under real airplane loading and conditions. Listening for or feeling for any abnormal vibrations or noises is also essential, because unusual sounds or vibrations can reveal hidden issues with rigging, mounting, or components that wouldn’t show up in a static check. This approach helps ensure hydraulic, electrical, fuel, environmental, avionics, and flight-control systems are functioning together and that no maintenance-induced anomalies could affect safe flight.

Visual inspection alone can miss functional problems, and fuel economy calculations aren’t a standard or reliable measure of airworthiness during a post-maintenance flight, since fuel use can vary with many factors and isn’t a direct indicator of proper system operation.