alf5071h,
Each condition of the test was over when heading could no longer be maintained. It never was the intention that it would be necessary for me to move, but just in case they wanted ballast that could move. I happen to weigh about 240 lbs and am quite athletic. Not saying I could have moved once the spin happened.
I don't know how much involvement in certification testing you have been in, but somebody has got to do it. You must know the limitations of the aircraft or the aftermarket product, in this case strakes. You can't just say "Well we think it will do this......" You got to prove it and the simulator is not good enough.
I happen to be one of those people that believe when your time is up, your time is up. No matter if your sitting on the couch or in a flat spin.
john_tullamarine,
You can tell if I am joking or poking fun when I post when I add the
to the post. In this case, I was not joking. Flight testing aircraft can be a very big rush. I have seen and heard airplanes do things that most pilots never will. Better rush than any circus ride.
It also gives you a good sense of accomplishment when you offer a relitive product to the industry that actually enhances the profitability or safety of an aircraft. Something one of the aircraft manufacturers has yet to figure out.
