The nine milestones
- Requirement — syllabus, authority, target level, aircraft type, site, budget and timing, confirmed in writing.
- Shortlist — the relevant partner device or devices, with published information and references to check.
- Specification and qualification plan — written specification, QTG scope, validation data and evaluation support.
- Contract — between the buyer and the manufacturer, with scope, payment structure, warranty and support defined.
- Factory acceptance test (FAT) — the buyer's team tests the device at the factory against agreed criteria.
- Shipping — crating, export documents, freight and import clearance.
- Installation and site acceptance (SAT) — installation by the manufacturer's engineers and acceptance on site.
- Authority evaluation — the operator submits the QTG; qualification is granted per device by the competent authority.
- Support — warranty, spares, updates and recurrent evaluations.
Who is responsible for what
| Item | Usually responsible |
|---|---|
| Device design, QTG preparation, validation data | Manufacturer |
| QTG submission and compliance monitoring | Operator (buyer), per UK CAA Standards Document 18 |
| Qualification decision | Competent authority |
| Site preparation (room, power, cooling) | Buyer |
| Written coordination of requirement, documents and milestones | AeroOrigin |
Total cost of ownership checklist
- Support scope and response times in writing.
- Spare parts list and where stock is held.
- Software, navigation and visual database updates.
- Recurrent evaluation support and re-qualification after changes.
- Instructor and technician training.
How long it takes
Timing typically depends on configuration, the manufacturer's production schedule and the authority's evaluation calendar; a written schedule is provided per project before any contract is signed.
How communication works
Everything is handled in writing by email — specifications, questions, schedules and quotations — so every point is on record. Felix Chen reviews every requirement personally.