Airframe Static Testing is a rigorous process of testing that is performed on an airframe prior to flight certification.
The test involves simulating airframe loads to the design maximum and could, in some instances, test to failure. Testing includes the wings, fuselage and flight control systems. All tests must be completed successfully without failure, in order to eliminate the need for any redesign or re-testing.
In Airframe Static Testing, a distributed load is applied to a complete airframe to validate that the aircraft meets the necessary JAR or FAA requirements for structural integrity.
The test includes limit loads, which are the highest loads the aircraft would ever expect to experience, as well as ultimate loads, which represent 1.5 times the limit loads.