F
LIGHT
T
EST
R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
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3
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
8-1 INTRODUCTION
Flight testing should be approached in a frame of mind of absolute
seriousness, yet also in a relaxed, non-rushed way. If there is any
advice we could give an anxious and excited builder, soon to become a
Sportsman pilot, it is this:
DO NOT BE IN A HURRY!
The first flight
should be flown in an atmosphere of calm, not haste. You have too
much time, money and life invested in this project to make a mistake at
this point, so slow down and make each step a sure and calculated one.
It cannot be stressed enough at this time that the pilot be thoroughly
familiar with all aspects of the Sportsman: the airframe, weight and
balance, control systems, engine, electrical system, fuel system, normal
operating procedures, emergency procedures and operating limitations.
The pilot should have read and understood this entire
Owner’s Manual
.
Aircraft homebuilders often concentrate all their time and effort on the
completion of their project and let their flying skills get rusty.
Obviously, this is not a good situation for someone about to test fly a
new airplane. The Sportsman test pilot should have enough recent
time in a comparable airplane to feel comfortable. Any nervousness or
tension interferes with a pilot’s ability to safely control the airplane
under normal circumstances and inhibits appropriate reactions in an
emergency.
Over half of all homebuilt accidents occur within the first 40 hours
of operation
. To help reduce the accident rate during the flight test
period, Glasair Aviation is proud to have participated in the
development of FAA Advisory Circular 90-89,
Amateur Built Aircraft
Flight Testing Handbook
. We strongly recommend procuring and