Definition

1. Verb:
   • To fly an aircraft for the first time to evaluate its performance: The action of piloting a new or modified aircraft to assess its airworthiness, handling, and systems before it is approved for regular use.

Usage

• The verb "test fly" is used to describe the specific, professional act of evaluating an aircraft through flight. It is typically used in technical, engineering, or aviation contexts.
• It is a transitive verb and requires a direct object (the aircraft being tested).
• Conjugation: test fly, test flies, test flew, test flown, test flying.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The chief pilot will test fly the new prototype tomorrow.
  • Engineers need to test fly the modified engine extensively.
  • She test flew five different models before writing her report.
  • The aircraft has been test flown successfully over the desert.

Advanced Usage

• "to test-fly" (Hyphenated form): Often used, especially before a noun, to form a compound modifier.
  • The test-fly mission was a complete success.
  • He completed his first test-fly assignment.

Variants and Related Words

• Test flight (n): The event or instance of flying an aircraft to test it.
  • The test flight lasted two hours.
• Test pilot (n): A pilot who flies aircraft to test their performance.
  • She is a renowned test pilot.

Synonyms

• Flight-test: To test an aircraft, missile, or component by flying it. (Often used interchangeably with "test fly").
• Evaluate in flight: A more descriptive phrase for the same action.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

Verb

1. test a plane