Phase I Flight Testing

[radfordc]

Someone recently alluded to the first 40 hours of flight testing being something to get over with so that the "real" flying could begin. I was thinking to myself that those hours should be some of the most exciting and rewarding flying you will ever do in your plane. Each flight should have a specific purpose and be thoughtfully planned and executed so as to gain the most knowledge about your plane as possible. Getting the engine broken in and sorting out any possible glitches; determining performance numbers and characteristics; working out to the edge of the envelope in speed and maneuvers; and in general just getting to know your baby. A good pilot I know with more hours than God told me you don't really know a plane until you have about 50 hours in it.

So, how do you turn what might be considered a boring drudge (flying around in circles inside your test area) into something to be enjoyed and looked forward to?

[mike.smith]

I was one of those people :-) I have test cards made up for much of my coming 40 hours. But (thankfully) I've been getting through 2 and 3 test cards per flight simply because everything has been working well and flying well. Yes there are many performance numbers to verify, including working up to gross weight flights, but I don't know how to make that stuff less boring. I also realized there are only 4 airports within my 25nm test area, none of which are terribly exciting locations, and only my home airport has a restaurant nearby. It's pretty easy to reach 25nm in a heartbeat, so it feels like being a ship in a bottle (though with only 2 hours of flight time I'm staying really close to my airport at the moment).

So if anyone has suggestions to make it all less boring, I'm all ears!

Mike Smith
N439M

[Sonerai13]

Flight testing a homebuilt airplane is something that is all to often taking too lightly. Many of the accidents that have occurred in homebuilt aircraft could have been avoided if only the owner had taken the time to properly test the aircraft during the initial flight-test period. It is definitely NOT something that has to be "gotten through". It is a very important time for both airplane and pilot.

I highly recommend that everyone who is undertaking the flight testing of a new homebuilt use the guidance found in FAA advisory circular AC 90-89A. This AC, created with much input from EAA and other stakeholders, offers a comprehensive guide to flight-testing. Also, take advantage of the EAA Flight Advisor program. These resources are there to help you and keep you safe. Use them!

[mike.smith]

I agree. I have test cards that I take on every flight, and I write my engine and performance numbers as I fly. In 2 hours I've already flagged some squawks, verified controls, verified flap operation at various speeds, verified a heavy wing, verified trim operation, done slow flight, solved a cooling issue, verified flight instruments, etc. I have a full test card for the next flight.

Testing is extremely important. But when things are running well I was simply opining that it's a shame I can't share this with anyone for another 38 hours. And that my test area doesn't have interesting places to go for a $100 hamburger as a reward for all the testing.

Mike Smith
N439M

[Fastcapy]

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[fastj22]

I was fortunate to request and receive all of eastern Colorado for my test area. I stayed close for the first 20 hours, then was able to do some long cross countries to finish up the last 20 hours. They didn't want me over the mountains or any controlled airspace. Eastern Colorado is pretty flat and inhabited by more cattle than people.

[sonex1284]

I requested and received a 100 mile radius! It was great.

[MichaelFarley56]

I was given a Phase 1 operating area that was a 75 NM circle around an airport nearly 40 NM from my home base. This gave me a huge unpopulated area to work with.

If you want a specific test area, be sure to ask for it!

[mike.smith]

I would have to have mine amended since I already have mine and its 25 nm. Not sure how easy it would be to amend.

Mike

[fastj22]

I would have to have mine amended since I already have mine and its 25 nm. Not sure how easy it would be to amend.

Mike

I'm sure the friendly faces at the FSDO would love to hear from you and gladly take the time to amend your area. :lol: NOT!
You will well done with your 40 hours before they even answer the phone.

I just finished a lengthly process getting my repairman's certificate. 1 year, 2 lost applications, 1 misfiled one, and three temporaries later, I finally have my permanent card.