Newbie Question, really: That first flight

A question I've always wanted to ask homebuilders is based on how I can see
one could go through the process of building through lots of hard work and
dedication - but how do you get yourself to do that first flight? I would
think a thousand questions would fill one's mind (ex: did I tighten or
overtighten that blank, are the rivets going to hold,,,, etc.).

How does one safely test an 'unknown'..... just curious.....

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Good Flights!

Cecil
PP-ASEL-IA
Student - CP-ASEL


A wise builder will have check, re-checked, and checked it all again but will
then hire a professional test pilot for the first flight. The logical reasons
for doing this are many. The professional test pilot is going to be very
logical and methodical in the flight test program. They will be less excited,
more tuned into how the aircraft flies, more qualified to handle the
unexpected, and last but not least they will be less likely to sacrifice their
life trying to save the plane.

After that first flight, you have a plan that allows you, the pilot, to become
accustomed to the aircraft as you methodically expand the flight envelope and
test the aircraft. The flight test plan should be written and plan each flight
and what the flight should test and what results should be expected. Those
first 25-40 hours are not pleasure flights, they are work and should be planned
as such. Enjoy the flight but understand their purpose.


Bob Reed
www.kisbuild.r-a-reed-assoc.com (KIS Builders Site)
KIS Cruiser in progress...Slow but steady progress....

"Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice,
pull down your pants and Slide on the Ice!"
(M.A.S.H. Sidney Freedman)

RobertR237 wrote:
A question I've always wanted to ask homebuilders is based on how I can see
one could go through the process of building through lots of hard work and
dedication - but how do you get yourself to do that first flight? I would
think a thousand questions would fill one's mind (ex: did I tighten or
overtighten that blank, are the rivets going to hold,,,, etc.).

How does one safely test an 'unknown'..... just curious.....

--
--
=-----
Good Flights!

Cecil
PP-ASEL-IA
Student - CP-ASEL



A wise builder will have check, re-checked, and checked it all again but will
then hire a professional test pilot for the first flight. The logical reasons
for doing this are many. The professional test pilot is going to be very
logical and methodical in the flight test program. They will be less excited,
more tuned into how the aircraft flies, more qualified to handle the
unexpected, and last but not least they will be less likely to sacrifice their
life trying to save the plane.

Bob Reed

I think that if a person absolutely feels "un qualified" to fly the first flight
then they should do as you say. On the other hand if a person is a competent
pilot and gets some training in a similar type aircraft then if is perfectly
fine to do your own first flight. I have talked to many builders that regret
not making the first flight. Making that first flight in your own aircraft that
you created is a feeling that you will never forget as long as you live. I have
made four first flights and each one is as exciting as the first one was.
I feel sorry for anyone that builds their own aircraft and doesn't not get to
make the first flight. If it is a untested design that adds another element that
has to be taken into consideration but most "kit planes" being built today
already have a proven flight record so flight characteristics can be anticipated.

Jerry

"Cecil Chapman" wrote in message
. com...
A question I've always wanted to ask homebuilders is based on how I can see
one could go through the process of building through lots of hard work and
dedication - but how do you get yourself to do that first flight? I would
think a thousand questions would fill one's mind (ex: did I tighten or
overtighten that blank, are the rivets going to hold,,,, etc.).

How does one safely test an 'unknown'..... just curious.....

--

The first flight of any airplane is a sobering experience (been there, done
that), and shouldn't be attempted until the builder, pilot, and everyone
else in the loop is convinced that the aircraft is properly assembled,
rigged, and tested to the limit of ground tests. If the CG is correct, the
wings stay attached, the engine and prop work properly, and the primary
controls function, there is every reason to expect a safe first flight.

Still, there is always the "X" factor, and the pilot should have an
appropriate ground crew on hand with rescue equipment. Before the flight,
the pilot needs to establish go/no go conditions, and then stick with them.
Also, the pilot needs to make sure s/he is properly prepared to fly the
aircraft and has thought through likely situations.

My big question was "Is the engine going to run long enough to haul this
thing to pattern altitude or higher?" I assumed I could more or less handle
anything beyond that point.

KB

Cecil Chapman wrote...

...but how do you get yourself to do that first flight?

In my case it was a matter of whether or not I felt I
was qualified and safe to do it. I got as much time as
I could scrounge in similar airplanes, I sought out airplanes
with worse handling qualities than mine and practiced emergency
procedures, and plannedplannedplanned for every contingency
I could think of, and racticed those that I could. I wouldn't
consider myself the BEST qualified pilot to make the first
flight of my airplane (an RV-4), but I felt I was qualified,
and I trusted myself as much or more than anyone else I
could think of. I've certainly seen surrogates who took it
_less_ seriously than I did. After all that, the first flight
(video buried somewhere on John Ousterhout's website) was a non-event.
Other flights since have certainly been more, uh, 'worrisome'.

I would think a thousand questions would fill one's
mind...

Self doubt is probably a normal reaction (I certainly
suffered from it), but if my workmanship were to cause a
problem that resulted in an injury I'd rather it be to
me than someone else. If you doubt your ability to
handle an emergency, by all means have someone better
qualified fly it, but if you're qualified, are you going
to feel better if someone else gets hurt while you watch?

How does one safely test an 'unknown'...

In small steps with time to review results in between
flights.

Dave 'endpoint' Hyde

RV-4 down for engine work at 27 hours
EAA tech counselor