Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/90184
aircraft movement is the freedom to design, create, or modify aircraft to produce a unique machine. Nowhere is this as evident as in this family of airplanes with its very special one- of-a-kind designs and/or highly modified exis- ting designs. b. While the creation of leading-edge products is probably the most exciting form of homebuild- ing, it is also the highest risk category because of the very high degree of undetected hazards and flaws! (To quote Donald Rumsfeld, a previous secretary of defense, "There are things we don't know we don't know." Those are the things that can get you into a lot of trouble with this family of airplanes.) c. Becoming highly familiar with every aspect of your airplane, prior to its first flight, is very critical for pilots who are interested in pursuing an airplane model from this category. Because these airplanes are, by their very nature, unique, there is no "beaten path" to follow and you are assuming all risks, both the known and the unknown! i. It is highly recommended that an analysis of likely performance and handling characteristics be obtained from the aviation department of a uni- versity or college using aircraft design software or from another experienced source of aeronauti- cal design analysis. ii. This category is not for the weak of heart or financially challenged individuals. It is a high-end, high-risk endeavor and requires the ability and resources to obtain the services of organizations and/or personnel who possess the required exper- tise in the fields of aircraft design and structures, fabrication and construction processes, and initial flight test procedures. iii. Not taking advantage of every opportunity to understand your unique aircraft prior to attempting a first flight can result in a catastroph- ic outcome! 4. Recommended ground and flight training for this family of airplanes requires the development of a specific, customized training plan for your specific airplane. This plan must encompass all the specific parameters that make your specialty airplane unlike most other airplanes. a. Seek specialty training from an instructor who has experience in your type airplane or an airplane type that is very similar to your airplane. b. Do not think that you can just "feel" your way through an initial flight test program in this fam- ily of airplanes. Their special characteristics require dedicated training to master! c. When using turbine, turboprop, or other specialty en- gines, use the training resources of companies which have established training courses for that specific engine. Transition Training Guidance Transition training guidance can also be found in the following publications: • AC 61-107, Operations of Aircraft at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet MSL and/or Mach Numbers (Mmo) Greater Than .75 • AC 6-67, Stall and Spin Awareness Training • FAA-H-8083-3, Airplane Flying Handbook • FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge • Turbine Pilot's Flight Manual by Gregory N. Brown and published by ASA • The Advanced Pilot's Flight Manual by William K. Kershner and published by Blackwell Publishing Additional Information can be found at the follow- ing sources: • EAA, www.EAA.org • AOPA, www.AOPA.org • GAMA, www.GAMA.aero • FAA Safety Team, www.FAAsafety.gov That wraps up our series on transitioning to experimental or unfamiliar aircraft. Every time we fly we all influence the safety record of the experimental amateur-built movement. Fly safely and enjoy every opportunity to fly. Hobart C. "Hobie" Tomlinson is the Director of Safety for Heritage Aviation, Inc., in South Burlington, Vermont. He is also a Flight Advisor for EAA Chapter 613. He received the 2012 Spirit of Flight award from the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.. He was also named the 2012 National CFI of the year by FAA. EAA EXPERIMENTER 41