F
LIGHT
T
EST
R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
:
19
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
8-6.2 E
NVELOPE
E
XPANSION
WARNING
You are flight testing a brand new airplane and you should treat
it as a one-of-a-kind first prototype. Do not assume that your
airplane will have exactly the same characteristics as any of our
prototypes or someone else’s airplane. Minor builder
modifications or slight variations could cause large differences
in flight performance, handling, CG range, etc.
Approach this phase of flight testing very carefully and cautiously. The
following conditions should be met before expanding the flight
envelope of your airplane:
1. All control surfaces properly balanced to ensure against flutter.
2. Optional rudder and aileron trim tabs adjusted properly.
3. Pitot tube calibrated, if necessary.
Once the above conditions are met, the airplane’s airspeed can be
gradually increased. We recommend increasing the airspeed in 10
knot increments on each succeeding flight or until you feel absolutely
comfortable with the trim and handling of your Sportsman. Do not
push red-line on your first flight.
As mentioned earlier, your initial flight testing should be done with
about 15 to 20 gallons of fuel on board. Once you feel confident with
your ability to handle the airplane, increase the amount of fuel carried
until you are flying with full fuel. Also, ballast the airplane to shift the
location of the CG fore and aft to gradually explore the handling of the