|
Matronics Email Lists Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists
|
View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
pequeajim
Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 708 Location: New Holland, PA
|
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:58 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Just a short note to let you all know that I flew my Lightning today.
Flies great!
On 8/22/08, Jim Langley <pequeajim(at)gmail.com> wrote:
Quote: | Tex:
You probably will need a shorter turnbuckle on one side, (I think it is the
right), to get things properly lines up, (pedals to rudder).
They may already shipped a long and short with your kit. If you get to the
point with your rudder cables, and your are out of alignment, then this is
what you will need to do.
From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of
Kayberg(at)aol.com
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 7:12 AM
To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: rudder cable attachments
In a message dated 8/21/2008 8:37:27 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
wb2ssj(at)frontiernet.net writes:
Has anyone tried a different means of attaching the rudder cables to the
rudder? tex
This is kind of a scary question, Tex.
I think most of us just hooked em up. Most of the fuss was in getting the
rudder on straight. The cables seemed kind of simple.
Doug
_____
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal
<http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047> here.
|
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Rick
Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Colonial Beach, Virginia
|
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Way to go Jim!
So C what do you think??
How do you like her?
Rick
N727RB
Do Not Archive
Quote: | Date: Sat C 23 Aug 2008 14:57:38 -0400
From: pequeajim(at)gmail.com
To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: I flew C I flew!!!
--> Lightning-List message posted by: "Jim Langley" <pequeajim(at)gmail.com>
Just a short note to let you all know that I flew my Lightning today.
Flies great!
On 8/22/08 C Jim Langley <pequeajim(at)gmail.com> wrote:
> Tex:
>
>
>
> You probably will need a shorter turnbuckle on one side C (I think it is the
> right) C to get things properly lines up C (pedals to rudder).
>
>
>
> They may already shipped a long and short with your kit. If you get to the
> point with your rudder cables C and your are out of alignment C then this is
> what you will need to do.
>
>
>
> From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of
> Kayberg(at)aol.com
> Sent: Friday C August 22 C 2008 7:12 AM
> To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com
> Subject: Re: rudder cable attachments
>
>
>
> In a message dated 8/21/2008 8:37:27 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time C
> wb2ssj(at)frontiernet.net writes:
>
> Has anyone tried a different means of attaching the rudder cables to the
> rudder? tex
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> This is kind of a scary question C Tex.
>
>
>
> I think most of us just hooked em up. Most of the fuss was in getting the
> rudder on straight. The cables seemed kind of simple.
>
>
>
> Doug
>
>
>
>
>
> _____
>
> It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal
> <http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047> here.
>
>
>
>
>
>================
|
Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn 08588797/direct/01/' target='_new'>Make your smash hit [quote][b]
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
pequeajim
Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 708 Location: New Holland, PA
|
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:57 pm Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Boy, she flies like a little fighter, on rails! Funny, when flying
the Shelbyville demo a few weeks ago, it took me a little while to get
used to the sensivity. I guess I was prepared for that with mine, and
I really didn't think about it.
That's a good plug for low time pilots taking transition training.
Worth the time doing it!
On 8/23/08, Rick Bowen <rollnloop(at)hotmail.com> wrote:
Quote: |
Way to go Jim!
So, what do you think??
How do you like her?
Rick
N727RB
Do Not Archive> Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:57:38 -0400> From:
pequeajim(at)gmail.com> To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com> Subject: Re:
I flew, I flew!!!> >
"Jim Langley" <pequeajim(at)gmail.com>> > Just a short note to let you all know
that I flew my Lightning today.> > Flies great!> > On 8/22/08, Jim Langley
<pequeajim(at)gmail.com> wrote:> > Tex:> >> >> >> > You probably will need a
shorter turnbuckle on one side, (I think it is the> > right), to get things
properly lines up, (pedals to rudder).> >> >> >> > They may already shipped
a long and short with your kit. If you get to the> > point with your rudder
cables, and your are out of alignment, then this is> > what you will need to
do.> >> >> >> > From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com> >
[mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of> >
Kayberg(at)aol.com> > Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 7:12 AM> > To:
lightning-list(at)matronics.com> > Subject: Re: rudder cable
attachments> >> >> >> > In a message dated 8/21/2008 8:37:27 P.M. Eastern
Daylight Time,> > wb2ssj(at)frontiernet.net writes:> >> > Has anyone tried a
different means of attaching the rudder cables to the> > rudder? tex> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> > This is kind of a scary question, Tex.> >> >> >> > I
think most of us just hooked em up. Most of the fuss was in getting the> >
rudder on straight. The cables seemed kind of simple.> >> >> >> > Doug> >>
>> >> >> >> > _____> >> > It's only a deal if it's where you want to go.
Find your travel deal> >
<http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047>
h================> > >
_________________________________________________________________
Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD with
Windows(R).
|
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
lbmathias(at)verizon.net Guest
|
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:28 pm Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Jim,
Congratulations! What a thrill!
Linda
---
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
IFLYSMODEL(at)AOL.COM Guest
|
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:41 pm Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Congrats, Jim: Nick says he has flown N13LN about 2 hours. I wish I could do it, but I just can not find the time to get back up to Shelbyville.
Lynn
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
[quote][b]
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
pequeajim
Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 708 Location: New Holland, PA
|
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 4:25 pm Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Thanks Linda:
I always appreciate your encouragement...
On 8/23/08, IFLYSMODEL(at)aol.com (IFLYSMODEL(at)aol.com) <IFLYSMODEL(at)aol.com (IFLYSMODEL(at)aol.com)> wrote: [quote] Congrats, Jim: Nick says he has flown N13LN about 2 hours. I wish I could do it, but I just can not find the time to get back up to Shelbyville.
Lynn
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
[b]
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
N1BZRich(at)AOL.COM Guest
|
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:15 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Congratulations, Jim, I know it was a long time coming for you, but the rewards are tremendous. Enjoy the experience, take good notes for your test data, and keep up your good work of "sharing" with other Lightning enthusiast. See you and your "jet" in Tennessee on 27 September.
Blue Skies,
Buz
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
[quote][b]
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
n5pb(at)aol.com Guest
|
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:54 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Congratulations Jim. I can well imagine your excitement....Mine is only a few months away!!!
"Bear"
--
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
pequeajim
Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 708 Location: New Holland, PA
|
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 6:32 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Thanks fellows... I am hoping that I can get the hours flown off by the time of the fly-in. I will be maintaining a specific page on my web site documenting my flight testing.
Jim!
N730AL
www.jimslightning.com
On 8/24/08, n5pb(at)aol.com (n5pb(at)aol.com) <n5pb(at)aol.com (n5pb(at)aol.com)> wrote: [quote]Congratulations Jim. I can well imagine your excitement....Mine is only a few months away!!!
"Bear"
--
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Clive J
Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Posts: 340 Location: UK
|
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:52 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
40 hours must be a real pain, I remember when I flew my Ultralight and
40 hours was a good year!
Has the EAA never tried to get it reduced? In the UK it's 15 landings
and take offs, at least 5 hours total with one flight of a least 2 hours
(or a flight of max duration with a reserve if it's less). 40 hours is a
lot of flying just for the sake of it. Even if you do some creative
accounting......
--
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
N1BZRich(at)AOL.COM Guest
|
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:49 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
In a message dated 8/24/2008 12:52:40 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, clive.james(at)uk.bp.com writes:
Quote: | 40 hours must be a real pain,
Has the EAA never tried to get it reduced? 40 hours is a
lot of flying just for the sake of it. Even if you do some creative
accounting......
|
Two points:
First, if you are using a certified prop and a certified engine it is just 25 hours. The current 40 hours (or 25) is down from the original 50 hours. Can't remember when that changed, but that is what I had to fly off on my homebuilt Pitts even with a certified prop and engine back in 1977 - yes, I am an old fart.
Second, if you actually fly all the test profiles that should be flown to determine all needed data points for your airplane, it will take quite a few flights and hours to complete the testing. It took me close to 30 hours of actual test flying time on the Esqual to complete everything that should be done. The other 10 hours (to get to 40 total) were well spent learning all the neat things that my Grand Rapids EFIS was capable of doing - such as highway in the sky steering to a simulated instrument approach to any runway that is in the GPS data. Really neat.
Too many builders just fly off the 40 hours and never really know their specific airplanes. They can get away with this because most have built airplanes that have been around for a long time and they just use the data that others have come up with, but they really don't know the actual data points for their airplanes. What is the real Vx, Vy, best glide (flaps and no flaps) for your airplane. What is your best fuel burn at different altitudes for different airspeeds or rpm?. What EGTs should you be seeing at various power settings? What is the best prop for your airplane? I could go on and on with examples, but hope everyone gets the point. It really does take about 40 hours to complete all the needed test profiles for your airplane. Without knowing these things how do you come up with a useful aircraft flight manual (pilot's operating handbook) for your airplane - as required by regulations?
The FAA regulations on this (FAR 21 and 91) as well as FAA Advisory Circular 90-89A are pretty specific as to what you should be doing. They call the 40 hours (or 25) phase one testing. The EAA also has some good information on flight testing that is available through the EAA Flight Advisor Program. I encourage all of you to go to these sources and check with your friendly EAA flight advisor before you start your flight testing. Accidents on first flights have greatly decreased since the EAA Flight Advisor program has been in effect.
For my own use, I have divided the FAA 40 hours (phase one testing) into a 5 phase program that I have used successfully on several different aircraft. The five phases that I have broken the 40 hours down to are:
-phase 1 - Initial flight plus two others
-phase 2 - Build data on aircraft and engine performance
-phase 3 - Determine all V speeds
-phase 4 - Structural and Stability tests
-phase 5 - Max gross weight and CG test
I have specific profile objectives for each phase and specific flight profiles for the first flights and then later flight profiles are developed based on data gathered to that point.
It really does take close to 40 hours if you do all that should be done. You really need a plan for each flight in order to be efficient with the time that you have. You also need a good way to record flight data that you will use to develop such things as performance graphs. I use a digital recorder with a lapel mic that I put into one of my ear phone cups. With a voice operated intercom I just say the data that I want recorded and the mic picks up me talking and saves it for future playback on the recorder. Also, many of the new EFIS set ups have a way to record flight data for later download which is also useful.
Bottom line, have a specific plan for each flight, follow that plan, record your data after the flight, and then plan the next flight based on what you learn on the previous flight and what you need to accomplish on the next flight.
Blue Skies,
Buz
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
[quote][b]
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Clive J
Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Posts: 340 Location: UK
|
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:34 pm Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Ah, good ole Buz, straightening out the impetuous youth again...
I do see the logic put that way. I've done nearly 10 hours on my Esqual
and not got anywhere down my list of planned flights (well Buz's list
actually). A full power climb without overheating would be a good start.
When I said 'a pain' I was thinking of a sorted plane. My Jabiru was
built to the instructions apart from a few 'personal' touches (full
width panel). The test pilot flew twice for 20 mins once on his own and
then once with me to check out my landings. Then that was it. I didn't
do anything to that plane until the first oil change. It flew to the
book figures (~) and it still does a 1000 hrs later. Again though
thinking it through it's not a good comparison as the Jabiru is type
approved by the LAA and when you build it you don't change it so you
don't have anything to find out, except that it meets the book figures.
The 40 hr rule has to cover all types of experimental of course, some
unique and there must be occasions when it isn't any where near enough.
I did think a late Lightining with the same engine, cowl, ducts cooling
system etc as the latest demo model would come in the 'sorted' category
though.
I'm just reading the Starr guys book, You want to build and fly a what?,
the 25 hour thing was explained there.
Good feedback as usual mate, Regards Clive (youthful impatient 50 year
old).
--
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
info(at)flylightning.net Guest
|
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:19 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Jim,
Congrats on your solo I am glad to hear your piloting your own jet…….. Jim, and all in the group take note of the flight testing suggestions, all to often builders fly around in circles for 40 hours and don’t do much, heck I just met a gentleman this weekend that had 60 hours on a bird (not going to mention the design but it wasn’t a lightning) and he had not even stalled the aircraft, important to know don’t ya think. Any ways when you get into a Cessna or piper they have come up with all the info, but now you have. Fuel burns at different power settings, approach speeds based on your aircrafts performance in stalls and such ( remember each system is different and you’re ASI might be different than your friends). Well you get my point, but if your are doing your job as new experimental pilot you should never be bored and it should take all 40 hours to get a good feel of your Jet and what it does.
nick
From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of N1BZRich(at)aol.com
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:49 PM
To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: I flew, I flew!!!
In a message dated 8/24/2008 12:52:40 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, clive.james(at)uk.bp.com writes:
Quote: |
40 hours must be a real pain,
Has the EAA never tried to get it reduced? 40 hours is a
lot of flying just for the sake of it. Even if you do some creative
accounting...... |
Two points:
First, if you are using a certified prop and a certified engine it is just 25 hours. The current 40 hours (or 25) is down from the original 50 hours. Can't remember when that changed, but that is what I had to fly off on my homebuilt Pitts even with a certified prop and engine back in 1977 - yes, I am an old fart.
Second, if you actually fly all the test profiles that should be flown to determine all needed data points for your airplane, it will take quite a few flights and hours to complete the testing. It took me close to 30 hours of actual test flying time on the Esqual to complete everything that should be done. The other 10 hours (to get to 40 total) were well spent learning all the neat things that my Grand Rapids EFIS was capable of doing - such as highway in the sky steering to a simulated instrument approach to any runway that is in the GPS data. Really neat.
Too many builders just fly off the 40 hours and never really know their specific airplanes. They can get away with this because most have built airplanes that have been around for a long time and they just use the data that others have come up with, but they really don't know the actual data points for their airplanes. What is the real Vx, Vy, best glide (flaps and no flaps) for your airplane. What is your best fuel burn at different altitudes for different airspeeds or rpm?. What EGTs should you be seeing at various power settings? What is the best prop for your airplane? I could go on and on with examples, but hope everyone gets the point. It really does take about 40 hours to complete all the needed test profiles for your airplane. Without knowing these things how do you come up with a useful aircraft flight manual (pilot's operating handbook) for your airplane - as required by regulations?
The FAA regulations on this (FAR 21 and 91) as well as FAA Advisory Circular 90-89A are pretty specific as to what you should be doing. They call the 40 hours (or 25) phase one testing. The EAA also has some good information on flight testing that is available through the EAA Flight Advisor Program. I encourage all of you to go to these sources and check with your friendly EAA flight advisor before you start your flight testing. Accidents on first flights have greatly decreased since the EAA Flight Advisor program has been in effect.
For my own use, I have divided the FAA 40 hours (phase one testing) into a 5 phase program that I have used successfully on several different aircraft. The five phases that I have broken the 40 hours down to are:
-phase 1 - Initial flight plus two others
-phase 2 - Build data on aircraft and engine performance
-phase 3 - Determine all V speeds
-phase 4 - Structural and Stability tests
-phase 5 - Max gross weight and CG test
I have specific profile objectives for each phase and specific flight profiles for the first flights and then later flight profiles are developed based on data gathered to that point.
It really does take close to 40 hours if you do all that should be done. You really need a plan for each flight in order to be efficient with the time that you have. You also need a good way to record flight data that you will use to develop such things as performance graphs. I use a digital recorder with a lapel mic that I put into one of my ear phone cups. With a voice operated intercom I just say the data that I want recorded and the mic picks up me talking and saves it for future playback on the recorder. Also, many of the new EFIS set ups have a way to record flight data for later download which is also useful.
Bottom line, have a specific plan for each flight, follow that plan, record your data after the flight, and then plan the next flight based on what you learn on the previous flight and what you need to accomplish on the next flight.
Blue Skies,
Buz
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
Quote: | http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List | 0123456789
[quote][b]
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
pequeajim
Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 708 Location: New Holland, PA
|
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:59 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Thanks nick:
This is an exciting time for sure. I agree with both you and Buz in that there is a lot of things to do and document to make sure that the airplanes that we build are safe. I'm not sure where the percentages are with safety records, (experimental vs. GA), but if it is close or better, there is a good reason for it; and that is proper flight testing.
I just called and spoke with Dana. Is she getting a little bit of a southern accent?
(LOL)
On 8/25/08, flylightning <info(at)flylightning.net (info(at)flylightning.net)> wrote: [quote]
Jim,
Congrats on your solo I am glad to hear your piloting your own jet…….. Jim, and all in the group take note of the flight testing suggestions, all to often builders fly around in circles for 40 hours and don't do much, heck I just met a gentleman this weekend that had 60 hours on a bird (not going to mention the design but it wasn't a lightning) and he had not even stalled the aircraft, important to know don't ya think. Any ways when you get into a Cessna or piper they have come up with all the info, but now you have. Fuel burns at different power settings, approach speeds based on your aircrafts performance in stalls and such ( remember each system is different and you're ASI might be different than your friends). Well you get my point, but if your are doing your job as new experimental pilot you should never be bored and it should take all 40 hours to get a good feel of your Jet and what it does.
nick
From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com) [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of N1BZRich(at)aol.com (N1BZRich(at)aol.com)
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:49 PM
To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com (lightning-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Lightning-List: I flew, I flew!!!
In a message dated 8/24/2008 12:52:40 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, clive.james(at)uk.bp.com (clive.james(at)uk.bp.com) writes:
Quote: |
40 hours must be a real pain,
Has the EAA never tried to get it reduced? 40 hours is a
lot of flying just for the sake of it. Even if you do some creative
accounting...... |
Two points:
First, if you are using a certified prop and a certified engine it is just 25 hours. The current 40 hours (or 25) is down from the original 50 hours. Can't remember when that changed, but that is what I had to fly off on my homebuilt Pitts even with a certified prop and engine back in 1977 - yes, I am an old fart.
Second, if you actually fly all the test profiles that should be flown to determine all needed data points for your airplane, it will take quite a few flights and hours to complete the testing. It took me close to 30 hours of actual test flying time on the Esqual to complete everything that should be done. The other 10 hours (to get to 40 total) were well spent learning all the neat things that my Grand Rapids EFIS was capable of doing - such as highway in the sky steering to a simulated instrument approach to any runway that is in the GPS data. Really neat.
Too many builders just fly off the 40 hours and never really know their specific airplanes. They can get away with this because most have built airplanes that have been around for a long time and they just use the data that others have come up with, but they really don't know the actual data points for their airplanes. What is the real Vx, Vy, best glide (flaps and no flaps) for your airplane. What is your best fuel burn at different altitudes for different airspeeds or rpm?. What EGTs should you be seeing at various power settings? What is the best prop for your airplane? I could go on and on with examples, but hope everyone gets the point. It really does take about 40 hours to complete all the needed test profiles for your airplane. Without knowing these things how do you come up with a useful aircraft flight manual (pilot's operating handbook) for your airplane - as required by regulations?
The FAA regulations on this (FAR 21 and 91) as well as FAA Advisory Circular 90-89A are pretty specific as to what you should be doing. They call the 40 hours (or 25) phase one testing. The EAA also has some good information on flight testing that is available through the EAA Flight Advisor Program. I encourage all of you to go to these sources and check with your friendly EAA flight advisor before you start your flight testing. Accidents on first flights have greatly decreased since the EAA Flight Advisor program has been in effect.
For my own use, I have divided the FAA 40 hours (phase one testing) into a 5 phase program that I have used successfully on several different aircraft. The five phases that I have broken the 40 hours down to are:
-phase 1 - Initial flight plus two others
-phase 2 - Build data on aircraft and engine performance
-phase 3 - Determine all V speeds
-phase 4 - Structural and Stability tests
-phase 5 - Max gross weight and CG test
I have specific profile objectives for each phase and specific flight profiles for the first flights and then later flight profiles are developed based on data gathered to that point.
It really does take close to 40 hours if you do all that should be done. You really need a plan for each flight in order to be efficient with the time that you have. You also need a good way to record flight data that you will use to develop such things as performance graphs. I use a digital recorder with a lapel mic that I put into one of my ear phone cups. With a voice operated intercom I just say the data that I want recorded and the mic picks up me talking and saves it for future playback on the recorder. Also, many of the new EFIS set ups have a way to record flight data for later download which is also useful.
Bottom line, have a specific plan for each flight, follow that plan, record your data after the flight, and then plan the next flight based on what you learn on the previous flight and what you need to accomplish on the next flight.
Blue Skies,
Buz
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
0
1
[b]
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
pennington(at)q.com Guest
|
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:20 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> Good morning everyone!
I just read the responses from Buz and Nick concerning the first 40 hours of flight in a newly built aircraft and I believe their opinions are extremely valid. I say that because, after building two other airplanes, (not Lightnings), they required more than 50 hours of flight time to determine the "V" speeds, and more importantly, to "work the bugs out". Only then did I feel comfortable flying them on longer distances.
I sometimes find myself becoming too anxious to fly and tempted to skip the details. It is then I must remind myself that guys like Buz and Nick, and the folks at the FAA, are much more knowledgeable and skilled pilots than I will ever be and how very important it is to follow time tested rules and procedures .
Fly safe.
Gary Pennington
---
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
pequeajim
Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 708 Location: New Holland, PA
|
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:56 am Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
Good points Gary:
I find myself o take N730AL to Shelbyville for the fly-in, but am skeptical that I would be able to complete all of my flight testing in time.
Better to stay safe and hitch a ride.
Jim!
On 8/25/08, GARY PENNINGTON <pennington(at)q.com (pennington(at)q.com)> wrote: [quote] Good morning everyone!
I just read the responses from Buz and Nick concerning the first 40 hours of flight in a newly built aircraft and I believe their opinions are extremely valid. I say that because, after building two other airplanes, (not Lightnings), they required more than 50 hours of flight time to determine the "V" speeds, and more importantly, to "work the bugs out". Only then did I feel comfortable flying them on longer distances.
I sometimes find myself becoming too anxious to fly and tempted to skip the details. It is then I must remind myself that guys like Buz and Nick, and the folks at the FAA, are much more knowledgeable and skilled pilots than I will ever be and how very important it is to follow time tested rules and procedures .
Fly safe.
Gary Pennington
---
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
pennington(at)q.com Guest
|
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject: I flew, I flew!!! |
|
|
<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> Hello Jim
I envy you....flying that beautiful bird.
Gary
[quote] ---
| - The Matronics Lightning-List Email Forum - | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
|