On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 20:56:53 -0600, "Louis L. Perley III"
wrote:

Should I keep it close to home for the first bit and then do some
longer cross countries to give it a proper shakeout?

I'm kind of conservative. What I'd say is to fly it around the local
area for about 45 minutes at a low cruise power setting, always having
somewhere to land just to be extra safe. The next flight I'd shoot a
few (4 or 5) landings. Then for a couple hours go airport hoping.
After that a cross country or two would be in order that are around 2
hours each. This should get you used to the plane, and shake out any
issues that may not have been found. Of course, I'd do all of this to
the East. After you put around 10 hours on it, fly it as if it
never sat.

While I've given absolutes in flight time they aren't meant to be
strict guidelines, just an outline for the progression I'd use. There
are mechanics in the forum who may have other ideas too.

Hope you enjoy your bird.
z