09/01/2013
RANS S-20 RAVEN
TEXT MANUAL
00-32
OPERATING LIMITATIONS
MANDATORY TEST FLIGHT PROVING PHASE
All amateur-built sport aircraft as well as standard aircraft have federally
imposed operating limitations.
Upon satisfactory completion of the necessary final FAA Inspection of the
aircraft and whatever ground tests may be required, the FAA inspector will
issue your amateur-built “Experimental” Airworthiness Certificate.
He will also issue a form letter establishing the operating limitations applicable
to your aircraft during its mandatory flight proving period. These Special
Airworthiness Experimental Operating Limitations must be displayed in the
aircraft at all times.
The operating limitations imposed on the aircraft during its flight proving period
will be more stringent than those issued later after mandatory flight testing
phase has been completed.
This phase may begin with the issuance of the aircraft’s initial airworthiness
certificate and the original operating limitations. At this time the FAA
inspector will acquaint you with the requirements for a mandatory flight test
and proving period. This flying will be confined to an assigned flight area
approved by the FAA Inspector.
The presence of the FAA Inspector is not required, by regulation, at the initial
flight of the experimental amateur-built aircraft. If time permits, however, it is
not unusual for him to attend.
If he deems necessary, the inspector could issue a permit for a single flight
within the boundaries of the airport and, upon witnessing the safe completion of
the test, issue a further permit for more extended flights within the permissible
area.
A tremendous responsibility for the safe operation of the experimental aircraft
rests on the FAA Inspector. If the plane has any new and unusual features, he
will naturally tend to treat its first flights with care. Also, pilot qualification and
skill is a consideration.
PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT TEST PERIOD
A flight test period is necessary to show to the FAA that the aircraft is
controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all the
maneuvers to be executed. It will also serve to prove that the aircraft has no
hazardous operating characteristics or design features.
