This publication describes the aim and essence of testing transient states of direct current electric power systems in relation to normative characteristics of a transient state. The above diagnostic tests of the given direct current nodes of the aircraft enable to quickly and efficiently determine the capability of its electric power systems to the self-regulation of direct current voltage. Many years of research of the aircraft conducted in the Air Force Institute of Technology (ITWL) confirm that the ageing of power network elements impacts the deterioration of the parameters of voltage of transient state. On the basis of the results of on-ground tests of the Su-22 engine, the obtained model parameters of transient states were presented in subsequent years of its operation, which confirms the above-mentioned statement. There were also presented the selected results of tests performed during the follow-up overhaul of Su-22 aircraft with exceeded permissible normative thresholds of the change of voltage amplitude values by the step increase of load (decaying impulses). The determined reasons for detected malfunctions were the incorrect operation of the aircraft electrical system, the inefficiency of voltage regulators RN-180M and the defectiveness of direct current generators GS 12T 3s.