log book entry after test flights

[caymancraig]

Hello all, I finished my 40 hours of Phase 1 & 2 flight testing today. I can't remember if I need to make a log book entry or not. Does anyone know and if needed what it should say?

[gammaxy]

Congratulations! Phase 2 is after the 40 hours of Phase 1 and you can still go back to Phase 1 after modifications. Your operating limitations should have the exact verbiage, but it will probably be something like:

I certify that the prescribed flight test hours have been completed and the aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all maneuvers to be executed, has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features, and is safe for operation. The following aircraft operating data has been demonstrated during the flight testing: speeds Vso ______, Vx ______, and Vy ______, and the weight ______ and CG location ______ at which they were obtained.

[caymancraig]

Thanks for the information. I couldn't remember if I had to right anything in the log book.

[mike.smith]

Mine also added:

I certify that the following aerobatic maneuvers have been test flown and that the aircraft is controllable throughout the maneuvers' normal range of speeds, and is safe for operation. The flight-tested aerobatic maneuvers are aileron rolls, loops, fully developed spins, and wing overs.

[Sonerai13]

Always check YOUR aircraft's operating limitations, that were issued by the FAA as a part of its airworthiness certificate, for specific info on how to close out the flight test period. These operating limitations are supposed to be uniform, but I've seen some that are not exactly as the FAA Order spells out. Regardless of what the order says, or what your operating limitations are supposed to say, the controlling factor is what your operating limitations actually DO say.

Your FAA inspector or DAR was supposed to go over your operating limitations document in detail with you when they certificated the aircraft. If they didn't, bad on them. But it's still the operator's responsibility to adhere to what the operating limitations say.

AND, make sure the operating limitations are IN the aircraft during each flight. They are a part of the airworthiness certificate, and as such must be in the aircraft. The day you leave them laying on the workbench and go flying is the day you'll get ramp checked!