first flight
I would make sure I had spent a lot of time in the workshop with the engineers at each stage of the rebuild ,so you know they know you know!And the man who signs it off will be going along on the airtest as well !
If you are experienced on the a/c type then i`m sure you will know how it should all work ; if not, then go and get some time on type first,and speak to all known B-18 pilots about the "gotchas", from start-up to shutdown.
I would suggest that the first flight is going to be at a safe height ,around the airfield,with the gear down at a light weight ,but with enough fuel to sort out any problems,without declaring a fuel emergency.
At a safe height ,a preliminary look at the basic stalling speeds,to check they are close to the book figures.
This should also give you an idea about how well the aircraft will trim out,or whether it is bent; operation of the flaps- again at a safe height- in case you get asymmetric flaps, then a gentle trickle back ,and land.
The a/c should then have a thorough check over by the engineers,to make sure everything is tight and secure,before prising you out of the bar!!! Take it steady and expand each flight,but stop if you come up against a problem.
Try a PM to Chuck Ellsworth as I believe he`s a Master-pilot on B-18`s. Hope it works fine..