Van's Aircraft RV 12iS, Production Acceptance Procedures

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Revision: 2.3 Date: 10/30/20
F0-1
Section F0 – Flight Test Procedure - Overview
The flight test procedure has been developed to verify that:
•
The aircraft is fully functional.
•
The aircraft is in proper trim.
•
Calibrations and adjustments, if required, have been made.
•
The flight performance matches that given in the POH.
•
The small variables inherent between individual aircraft do not adversely affect handling
qualities.
Flight Test Pilot Requirements:
Test flying a new aircraft is a stressful and strenuous role. At a minimum, an RV-12iS test pilot
must be current, proficient in a similar LSA with a Rotax 912 engine, and familiar with all aircraft
systems and procedures as well as the airport and surrounding area in which the flight testing will
be conducted.
FAA Advisory Circular AC 90-89B, Section 4 has good guidelines for test pilot requirements and
recommendations for conducting early test flights. Read and understand this information prior to
conducting your flight testing.
Conforming versus Non-conforming Aircraft:
Aircraft of proven design (such as the RV-12iS) which have been built in conformity with the
design standard usually pose few challenges to their test pilots even in the early hours of flight.
However, this ideal must not be assumed therefore the “test” pilot must be prepared for any
irregularity which may occur.
Seemingly small or insignificant "modifications" to the proven and tested design standard should
not be taken lightly as they often have far reaching implications to flying qualities, structural
strength, and/or performance. Thus an RV-12iS with a configuration not conforming to the design
standard must be tested as if it were a completely new design. The procedure given in this
document does not even begin to address what is required in that situation.
Flight Test Weather Conditions:
The test flying of your RV-12iS should be attempted only under the best possible conditions. The
best time to fly is typically early morning or late afternoon. The wind should be calm or light and
directly down the runway.
Performance data recordings and handling qualities tests flown in windy or turbulent weather are
often so inaccurate as to be useless. Be patient and pick your weather carefully.
Ballast:
The recommended takeoff weight for solo flight testing is 1050lb [476.27kg]. Depending upon the
empty weight of the aircraft and the weight of the test pilot, it may be necessary to carry some
sort of ballast to get the total weight up to 1050 lb [476.27kg]. Ballast must be properly restrained
so as to stay in place during the entire flight. Unrestrained ballast is extremely dangerous
because it can foul the controls and will, in the event of a sudden deceleration, become a
projectile.
If ballast is needed, a gasoline container with molded-in handles filled with water (and so labeled)
may be secured in the passenger seat using the lap, crotch, and shoulder belts. Fresh water
weighs 8.34lbs/gallon [1 kg/L]. Except for the case of a very light aircraft and pilot weighing less
than 150 lb [68kg] a single 5 gallon (or 20 liter) container of water will be sufficient to bring the
total weight of aircraft, fuel, pilot, and ballast to 1050 lb [476.27kg].