ED-342 is intended to present a structured approach for the usage of simulation as a means of compliance for VTOL Handling qualities certification, namely the EASA Special Condition VTOL. The proposed approach falls into the certification methodology commonly denominated as “Certification by Simulation/Analysis”, focusing on cases where the traditional flight testing to acquire physical evidence of compliance is substituted, totally or partially, by flight simulations with the pilot in the loop.

As regards the EASA SC VTOL, this standard supports the showing of compliance with the following requirements and/or complements the following related Means of Compliance:
– EASA MOC 5 VTOL.2500 (b)
– MOC VTOL 2135 and 2145

Whilst this guidance was developed with a particular view to the European legal framework, it may be applied to support other regulatory frameworks.

The intent is to reduce the risk, plus time and cost burden of flight test activities for VTOL aircraft, by enabling certain scenarios (inside/outside normal envelopes, atmospheric disturbances, failure conditions) to be demonstrated in the flight simulator.