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Pre-test flight procedures

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pequeajim

Joined: 03 Sep 2006
Posts: 708
Location: New Holland, PA

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:36 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Does anyone have an established set of procedures that apply to the Lightning (before) you fly the aircraft?  

Jim!     [quote][b]

N1BZRich(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

In a message dated 2/27/2008 7:38:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  pequeajim(at)gmail.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		     

Does anyone have an established    set of procedures that apply    to the Lightning (before) you fly the  aircraft? 	


 

 Hi 



Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

  [quote][b]

N1BZRich(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

In a message dated 2/27/2008 7:38:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  pequeajim(at)gmail.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		     

Does anyone have an established    set of procedures that apply    to the Lightning (before) you fly the  aircraft? 	


 

 Hi Jim,

     I would make a couple of recommendations to answer  your question and add some suggestions for when you start phase 1 test  flying.  First, take a look at the following FAA publications:  FAR  21, FAR 91, and especially FAA Advisory Circular 90-89A.  Second, get in  touch with an EAA Flight Advisor and have him work with you (might even get you  an insurance discount).  He will have a flight advisor handbook that will  spell out things to look at before the first flight and for the first  flight (to include specific check lists).  If you can't find one near you,  I can work with you via e-mails and phone calls.  I have done that with  quite a few folks for their first flights.  Will you be making the initial  fight yourself?

     One other thing, at the Lightning open house  last September I presented a program (power point) on test flying your  homebuilt aircraft.  I left a file of that with the guys at SYI, plus they  have the specific test program I used for 31BZ that breaks down the 40  hours into five different phases with step by step objectives for the entire 40  hours.  I can send both if you are interested.  Heck, I might  even publish the test program I developed for 31BZ in a future issue of the  Lightning newsletter. 

 Blue Skies,

 Buz



Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

  [quote][b]

dashvii(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:41 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

There's a good book for developing a flight test plan that is a cheap buy.  It's called "Flight testing Homebuilt Aircraft" or something similar, by Von Askue.  There's also one with a similar name by Hubert "Skip" Smith, a professor at Penn State.  It will show you how to fairly accurately get all your performance numbers.  It is made for the non-engineer type and is easy to understand.  Skip was also worried about keeping a medical and was interested in purchasing a LS compliant Lightning last time that I talked to him!  You should be able to pick up both of those books for about $25 total.  There's also one by Ralph Kimberlin, a professor at the University of TN Space Institute (located near SYI!) that I'd recommend if you are an engineer and if you want to get the most accurate results possible.  It was written by and for professional test pilots.  This book goes a lot into the theory, into data reduction methods, possible methods, etc.  It is a college book though and it will set you back accordingly.  

  

 Buz has already posted all the additional info.  I made my flight test plan, in part, based on Buz's plan.  His came from referencing his previously cited sources.  It is what the FAA recommends and it has worked for a lot of people over the years.  Brian W.



  	  Quote: 	
		    From: N1BZRich(at)aol.com

Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:00:52 -0500

Subject: Re: Pre-test flight procedures

To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com



   In a message dated 2/27/2008 7:38:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, pequeajim(at)gmail.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		   

Does anyone have an established set of procedures that apply to the Lightning (before) you fly the aircraft? 	


 

 Hi Jim,

     I would make a couple of recommendations to answer your question and add some suggestions for when you start phase 1 test flying.  First, take a look at the following FAA publications:  FAR 21, FAR 91, and especially FAA Advisory Circular 90-89A.  Second, get in touch with an EAA Flight Advisor and have him work with you (might even get you an insurance discount).  He will have a flight advisor handbook that will spell out things to look at before the first flight and for the first flight (to include specific check lists).  If you can't find one near you, I can work with you via e-mails and phone calls.  I have done that with quite a few folks for their first flights.  Will you be making the initial fight yourself?

     One other thing, at the Lightning open house last September I presented a program (power point) on test flying your homebuilt aircraft.  I left a file of that with the guys at SYI, plus they have the specific test program I used for 31BZ that breaks down the 40 hours into five different phases with step by step objectives for the entire 40 hours.  I can send both if you are interested.  Heck, I might even publish the test program I developed for 31BZ in a future issue of the Lightning newsletter. 

 Blue Skies,

 Buz



   Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

 	  Quote: 	
		  



" target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List

p://forums.matronics.com

blank>http://www.matronics.com/contribution



	
	
Need to know the score, the latest news, or you need your Hotmail®-get your "fix". Check it out.  [quote][b]

pequeajim

Joined: 03 Sep 2006
Posts: 708
Location: New Holland, PA

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Thanks Brian, and Buz…  

From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Brian Whittingham

 Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 11:39 PM

 To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RE: Pre-test flight procedures  

 There's a good book for developing a flight test plan that is a cheap buy.  It's called "Flight testing Homebuilt Aircraft" or something similar, by Von Askue.  There's also one with a similar name by Hubert "Skip" Smith, a professor at Penn State.  It will show you how to fairly accurately get all your performance numbers.  It is made for the non-engineer type and is easy to understand.  Skip was also worried about keeping a medical and was interested in purchasing a LS compliant Lightning last time that I talked to him!  You should be able to pick up both of those books for about $25 total.  There's also one by Ralph Kimberlin, a professor at the University of TN Space Institute (located near SYI!) that I'd recommend if you are an engineer and if you want to get the most accurate results possible.  It was written by and for professional test pilots.  This book goes a lot into the theory, into data reduction methods, possible methods, etc.  It is a college book though and it will set you back accordingly.  

 Buz has already posted all the additional info.  I made my flight test plan, in part, based on Buz's plan.  His came from referencing his previously cited sources.  It is what the FAA recommends and it has worked for a lot of people over the years.  Brian W.      

From: N1BZRich(at)aol.com

 Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:00:52 -0500

 Subject: Re: Pre-test flight procedures

 To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com

In a message dated 2/27/2008 7:38:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, pequeajim(at)gmail.com writes:  

   	  Quote: 	

Does anyone have an established set of procedures that apply to the Lightning (before) you fly the aircraft?  	

Hi Jim,  

    I would make a couple of recommendations to answer your question and add some suggestions for when you start phase 1 test flying.  First, take a look at the following FAA publications:  FAR 21, FAR 91, and especially FAA Advisory Circular 90-89A.  Second, get in touch with an EAA Flight Advisor and have him work with you (might even get you an insurance discount).  He will have a flight advisor handbook that will spell out things to look at before the first flight and for the first flight (to include specific check lists).  If you can't find one near you, I can work with you via e-mails and phone calls.  I have done that with quite a few folks for their first flights.  Will you be making the initial fight yourself?  

    One other thing, at the Lightning open house last September I presented a program (power point) on test flying your homebuilt aircraft.  I left a file of that with the guys at SYI, plus they have the specific test program I used for 31BZ that breaks down the 40 hours into five different phases with step by step objectives for the entire 40 hours.  I can send both if you are interested.  Heck, I might even publish the test program I developed for 31BZ in a future issue of the Lightning newsletter.   

Blue Skies,  

Buz  

Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.  

   	  Quote: 	
		    " target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-Listp://forums.matronics.comblank>http://www.matronics.com/contribution 	

Need to know the score, the latest news, or you need your Hotmail®-get your "fix". Check it out.    	  Quote: 	

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		  " target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List 	
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       [quote][b]

vanheeswyk(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:16 am Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Buzz, I am just a couple of hours into phase 1  flight testing, so would really like to see a reprint of your test procedures.  

  

 You seem to have considerable experience with  the Jabiru 3300, and rumor has it, had an experience similar to mine. I noticed  on the first extended flight of N62JV (kit #7) that my oil pressure was low  during cruise (40-45psi), and my EGTs were all in the 1400s. I have some work to  do the better isolate the EGT issues - plot all 6 cylinders at various RPMs,  pull carb heat to see if the richer mixture lowers the temps, etc. Any thoughts  on what I might do, other than rejet the carb?

  

 I am not sure if the oil pressure is anything  to worry about, but have been told you placed washers behind the oil pressure  relief spring to increase your pressure. Any truth to this?

  

 BTW, I have been so busy working and building  I did not have a chance to complement you on the newsletter. Great  job!

  

 Regards,

 Jerry



 [quote]   ---

info(at)flylightning.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:47 am Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Jerry,  

   

Egts might be 50 high but not bad and the oil pressure is perfect……So how does she fly?  

   

Nick  

         

  

From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jerry Van Heeswyk

 Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 7:09 AM

 To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Pre-test flight procedures  

  

       

Buzz, I am just a couple of hours into phase 1 flight testing, so would really like to see a reprint of your test procedures.   

    

   

    

You seem to have considerable experience with the Jabiru 3300, and rumor has it, had an experience similar to mine. I noticed on the first extended flight of N62JV (kit #7) that my oil pressure was low during cruise (40-45psi), and my EGTs were all in the 1400s. I have some work to do the better isolate the EGT issues - plot all 6 cylinders at various RPMs, pull carb heat to see if the richer mixture lowers the temps, etc. Any thoughts on what I might do, other than rejet the carb?  

    

   

    

I am not sure if the oil pressure is anything to worry about, but have been told you placed washers behind the oil pressure relief spring to increase your pressure. Any truth to this?  

    

   

    

BTW, I have been so busy working and building I did not have a chance to complement you on the newsletter. Great job!  

    

   

    

Regards,  

    

Jerry  

  

  [quote]    

---

N1BZRich(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:57 am Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Hi Jerry,

     Congratulations on your first flight.  I know  you will enjoy the overall test flying experience even though some of the  repetitive test runs for the performance numbers can get boring at times.   I will attach the file that shows the 40 hour test program I came up with for  31BZ.  Actually I divided the FAA's 40 hour Phase 1 flight test requirement  into 5 individual phases that each have specific objectives.  You are  welcome to modify and use it in any way you want.

     As to your oil pressure at 40 to 45 at cruise, I  wouldn't worry too much about it.  Those numbers are within the engine  manual specifics.  However, you can add washers (up to a total of  3) to the oil pressure relief valve to raise the oil pressure.  Take a  look at the engine manual to see how this works and how the parts go  together.  The extra washers (standard for an AN-4 bolt) go in first (there  should be one in there already) and then the pressure relief assembly goes in to  be held in place by a "C" clip.  Be sure the 

"special concave modified"  washer goes on the assembly just under the "C" clip with the concave part toward  the engine to fit over the assembly.  The pressure  relief valve is found under the adapter for the oil cooler.  It  is all spelled out in your engine manual.  

     By the way, I have also noticed that to some degree  both oil pressure and oil temp can change slightly based on how full you keep  the oil sump.  If you keep it filled to near the top of the mark on the dip  stick, the oil pressure seems to be slightly less and temp slightly more.   If you keep the oil level near the middle of the dip stick range, the  pressure is slightly higher and the temp slightly lower.  The 3300 has a  relatively small total oil quantity so I am assuming that this is why I see the  above on my set up.  Your mileage may vary, but that is what I see, so I  generally keep the oil quantity adjusted to mid level on the dip stick.   

     As to EGTs, what you are seeing may be OK as well,  because a lot of the number you see will depend on exactly how far away from the  engine you placed the sensors.  My exhaust system is a one of a kind, uses  no muffler, and I had to place them closer than called for due to the set up, so  my numbers are higher than most people see.  One important thing to look  for is that you see them decrease as you go to full throttle.  Another  thing to remember is that the Jabiru 3300 comes set up (jetted) for a much  higher drag airframe and as a result you will probably have to change jets based  on the much faster Lightning - also, any drag reduction efforts on your specific  airplane and the prop you run may also require jetting changes.  It is  trail and error, but the guys at SYI or their dealers can point you in the right  direction as to which jets to change and the size to use.  

 Blue Skies,

 Buz



Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

vanheeswyk(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Buzz, thanks very much for the quick replay,  and the reassurances that I have probably not harmed my engine. Nick replied,  too, and he thinks the oil pressure is fine. I will probably leave it alone  until the first oil change, and add a washer at that time. My EGTs do drop about  75 degrees at full throttle. I was just concerned it was not going over-lean.  Sounds like I am OK, so will continue my flight testing. Thanks, also,  for  resending your testing procedures. I will put them to good  use.

  

 I have been inspired by your frequent and  positive contributions. Thanks for all of the efforts.

  

 Jerry

 [quote]   ---

vanheeswyk(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:28 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Nick, my EGTs were not too alarming, I just wanted to get the  opinions of Jabiru pilots with more hours than I. With a Lyc, I just would have  richened the mixture a little, so, I am getting used to flying without a  mixture control. I think the Lightning flies great, but your note on the new  trim system was timely. My airplane is a little more sensitive in pitch than I  prefer, but I'm sure I can get used to it. I need to fine tune the bungees,  anyway. I can not currently get enough up trim to fully offset the down pitch  moment with the flaps down 40 degrees.

  

 I really appreciate the time you spent looking N62JV over, and  logging the initial flight. It sure helped me sleep better the night before my  first flight. It is over at Ryan Field, now, and I am having a ball flying it,  tweaking those myriad little things that all need to be adjusted, and showing it  off to all of my flying buddies. The most frequent comment is "This can't be  light sport - It looks to sleek." 

  

 Thanks for the great design, and the help getting her  airborne. See you in Oshkosh!

  

 Jerry

 [quote]   ---

pequeajim

Joined: 03 Sep 2006
Posts: 708
Location: New Holland, PA

Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:11 pm Post subject: Pre-test flight procedures

Nicely said Jerry…  

   

I think we all feel this way about Buz, let’s not tell him too much tho, you know those ex. Jet jocks get all mushy when you say nice things about them…  

   

(grin)  

       

From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jerry Van Heeswyk

 Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 5:50 PM

 To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Pre-test flight procedures  

  

  

     

Buzz, thanks very much for the quick replay, and the reassurances that I have probably not harmed my engine. Nick replied, too, and he thinks the oil pressure is fine. I will probably leave it alone until the first oil change, and add a washer at that time. My EGTs do drop about 75 degrees at full throttle. I was just concerned it was not going over-lean. Sounds like I am OK, so will continue my flight testing. Thanks, also,  for resending your testing procedures. I will put them to good use.  

    

   

    

I have been inspired by your frequent and positive contributions. Thanks for all of the efforts.  

    

   

    

Jerry  

  [quote]    

---

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