Testing a new home built
FWIW I have flown different examples of exactly the same model aircraft that exhibited slightly (but noticeably) different behaviours when stalling and spinning (in fact - encountered an example just this afternoon as a case in point!).
These are an aircraft manufactured in large numbers compared to most homebuilts and have been around for a long while so you would expect some consistency.
I have also read how in testing new aircraft for spin recovery there can still be surprises for TPs who have done what appears to be the same standard actions in the same aircraft previously and found that some slight variation in W+B or entry technique or minor mod to the structure/rigging results in a noticeably different spin mode.
If the aircraft were mine (and it isn't so I am offering simply my take on it - feel free to dismiss it) I would prefer to get someone who has TP training to do the initial flights. There is a big difference between having some aero training and experience and having test pilot training and experience. I do not have the later so would find someone who did for that phase.
Look - chances are very good they will find the aircraft behaves just as you expect (fantastic!) - however - if you assume that must be the case, why would it need test flying at all? Why not just strap the plane on and off you go? I mean you have carefully built it and it is a design that has many examples flying just fine - what could possibly go wrong?
Just in case it has some odd rigging problem, some slight difference from other examples of the aircraft and this difference impacts how it behaves in a nasty way, I would prefer someone holding the stick who knew how to pick that early and deal with it because that is their area of expertise. A good TP would also be able to give good info on what may cause any noticed unusual characteristics, again that is what they would have training to do - not just fly it but analyse it.
Like I said, not my aeroplane or choice to make but that is how I would see it - it is your aeroplane, you know your pilot skills and your experience and your judgement so I can only speak for me.
Ignoring all of that - wanted to say I really admire people who build their own aircraft and so dips me lid!, hope it all goes well and you get mounds of hours of ongoing satisfaction and pride from the achievement
These are an aircraft manufactured in large numbers compared to most homebuilts and have been around for a long while so you would expect some consistency.
I have also read how in testing new aircraft for spin recovery there can still be surprises for TPs who have done what appears to be the same standard actions in the same aircraft previously and found that some slight variation in W+B or entry technique or minor mod to the structure/rigging results in a noticeably different spin mode.
If the aircraft were mine (and it isn't so I am offering simply my take on it - feel free to dismiss it) I would prefer to get someone who has TP training to do the initial flights. There is a big difference between having some aero training and experience and having test pilot training and experience. I do not have the later so would find someone who did for that phase.
Look - chances are very good they will find the aircraft behaves just as you expect (fantastic!) - however - if you assume that must be the case, why would it need test flying at all? Why not just strap the plane on and off you go? I mean you have carefully built it and it is a design that has many examples flying just fine - what could possibly go wrong?
Just in case it has some odd rigging problem, some slight difference from other examples of the aircraft and this difference impacts how it behaves in a nasty way, I would prefer someone holding the stick who knew how to pick that early and deal with it because that is their area of expertise. A good TP would also be able to give good info on what may cause any noticed unusual characteristics, again that is what they would have training to do - not just fly it but analyse it.
Like I said, not my aeroplane or choice to make but that is how I would see it - it is your aeroplane, you know your pilot skills and your experience and your judgement so I can only speak for me.
Ignoring all of that - wanted to say I really admire people who build their own aircraft and so dips me lid!, hope it all goes well and you get mounds of hours of ongoing satisfaction and pride from the achievement
Jonk, I will try to find a TP. The first flight carries perhaps too much emotion for the builder, but we will see..... That is why I need to consult.
One thing for sure is that as much as possible of the electronic gear will be turned off and the AP servo power CB chicken ringed.
One thing for sure is that as much as possible of the electronic gear will be turned off and the AP servo power CB chicken ringed.
Sometimes it might be better to do it for yourself...
http://www.pprune.org/pacific-genera...v12-crash.html
http://www.pprune.org/pacific-genera...v12-crash.html
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I reckon those of us that that have followed Sunfish's aircraft construction adventure, over the years, should attend the test flight.
Imagine the wealth of GA knowledge that he'd have on hand, that day?
Naturally, I'd expect free coffees for all before the flight. And perhaps something a tad stronger afterwards..
Imagine the wealth of GA knowledge that he'd have on hand, that day?
Naturally, I'd expect free coffees for all before the flight. And perhaps something a tad stronger afterwards..
Gday Sunny,
In my experience, unless you, the owner/builder, are really experienced and current on the same type of aircraft - Don't test fly it
If you look up EAA/FAA accident records, you'll find a disproportionate number of incidents/accidents directly involving the low time/low experience owner/builder. The higher the performance of the aircraft = the greater the need for the TP to be truly competent.
I've seen a builder nearly cook the aircraft on its' very 1st engine start because he had no idea on handling FI/EI fitted Lycomings. Another started up and only then found the brakes had not been checked = damaged aircraft. And there are many more.
Read up on 1st flights and Phase 1 flight testing and do your part by ensuring the arrangements are all in place for your 1st flight. eg, weather is calm, traffic is light, airport management knows what's about to happen,paperwork complete,and so on according to the AP approved plans.
A TP with type experience has a fair grasp of how the engine and airframe will feel or indicate - so don't be surprised if the flight lasts 10 mins and he's back with a comment that something doesn't appear safe. You might have several short flights to get adjustments made to controls to airframe or engine - but that's why you have a TP.
Enjoy it and good luck. p
In my experience, unless you, the owner/builder, are really experienced and current on the same type of aircraft - Don't test fly it
If you look up EAA/FAA accident records, you'll find a disproportionate number of incidents/accidents directly involving the low time/low experience owner/builder. The higher the performance of the aircraft = the greater the need for the TP to be truly competent.
I've seen a builder nearly cook the aircraft on its' very 1st engine start because he had no idea on handling FI/EI fitted Lycomings. Another started up and only then found the brakes had not been checked = damaged aircraft. And there are many more.
Read up on 1st flights and Phase 1 flight testing and do your part by ensuring the arrangements are all in place for your 1st flight. eg, weather is calm, traffic is light, airport management knows what's about to happen,paperwork complete,and so on according to the AP approved plans.
A TP with type experience has a fair grasp of how the engine and airframe will feel or indicate - so don't be surprised if the flight lasts 10 mins and he's back with a comment that something doesn't appear safe. You might have several short flights to get adjustments made to controls to airframe or engine - but that's why you have a TP.
Enjoy it and good luck. p
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Wouldn't expect that any first flight would last for 10 mins and probably less.
Take off , a couple of handling turns, check how the rigging makes the plane fly hands off , quick check of instruments and engine parameters on downwind, followed by a wide turn on to final to a landing. On a retractable, you wouldn't even cycle the gear.
The real work then starts to check if anything has come loose or needs adjusting/refitting / replacing.
Take off , a couple of handling turns, check how the rigging makes the plane fly hands off , quick check of instruments and engine parameters on downwind, followed by a wide turn on to final to a landing. On a retractable, you wouldn't even cycle the gear.
The real work then starts to check if anything has come loose or needs adjusting/refitting / replacing.
Thread Starter
Hmmm, I have the answer to my original question, thanks, just a few comments if I may, I never intended to test fly my aircraft, I had spent many years building it and considered myself to be not current enough to do a test flight. The aircraft, by the way was an RV7, this aircraft has now flown 5 days after I had to sell it. I think that most homebuilts are going to perform in a similar manner and if you were current and had done a reasonable amount of flying while building I would see no great drama. The length of the first flight in my opinion is waaaay to short at 10 minutes unless something unexpected shows up, which of course it shouldn't, after all it has just had its first annual. My aircraft flew for just over half an hour and a power off and power on stall was accomplished. I would have thought this was a minimum after all you would really like to have that information when coming in to land.
Get a grip you guys - if this 10 minutes first flight came from Poteroo's post then you should all re-read what he said. That is don't be surprised if it is only 10 minutes because often things aren't quite right (and picked up by an experienced TP) and then corrected before the programme of test flying proceeds.
10 minutes first flight
