Guidelines for integrating instruments on NASA aircraft

When new instrumentation is to be installed on one of the Suborbital Program platforms, or an operational instrument is to be migrated from one platform to another, there are standard procedures to follow. Program engineering personnel is available to assist and/or advise investigators with instrument integration, and the formal airworthiness approval process. The normal Flight Request process is used to document requirements and track the progress of the effort. 

The instrument integration process should be typically initiated one year from the anticipated dates of first operation, in order to complete the necessary mechanical and electrical interfaces, and airworthiness approvals. In some cases this can be accelerated, depending on the complexity of the effort, and the extent of modifications required to the selected platform. The process is formally initiated by filing a NASA Flight Request form at http://suborbital/sofrs/ (this first requires a simple online registration.) Indicate on the form that this will require a new instrument integration.

Upon receipt of the Flight Request, the investigator will be contacted by the Suborbital Program, to assess requirements and facilitate the process. These services are provided free of charge, up to and including engineering consultations for instrument integration. In some cases, more extensive engineering support services can be provided at minimal cost, if requested by a NASA SMD Focus Area lead. In every case, the most cost-effective solutions will be sought for the requestor.

All airborne experiments developed by NASA investigators, contractors, and grantees are required to conform to published NASA regulations relating to airworthiness and the safe operation of aircraft. This is mandated by NASA Policy Directive NPD 7900.4B ("NASA Aircraft Operations Management,") which states, in part:

NASA has a responsibility to ensure that all aircraft, which conduct flight operations under NASA authority, meet approved airworthiness and operational safety standards.  

General Policy:  All NASA-conducted or NASA-sponsored aviation operations, including research or scientific projects that use aviation assets, are to be evaluated and approved by the NASA airworthiness and aircraft management organizations at the Center that is responsible for those projects (home Center).

Ref.: http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/displayDir.cfm?Internal_ID=N_PD_7900_004B_&page_name=main

Whether or not a Suborbital Program catalog aircraft is used, all new instrument integrations within the Agency must be inspected and approved by a NASA Airworthiness Flight Safety Review Board (AFSRB,) prior to flight. This applies to contracted commercial aircraft, and those belonging to other agencies or institutions, when NASA instrumentation is being used. It is incumbent on the investigator to ensure that these approvals are obtained. The AFSRBs convene at most NASA centers, including the Wallops Island Flight Facility, and the Langley, Glenn, Dryden, and Ames Research Centers. They may also convene at offsite locations, as required. 

The Suborbital Program engineering team has extensive experience with the instrument integration and approval process, and is tasked with facilitating this in any way practicable.

For further questions please contact Jeff Myers at (650) 604-3598