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/96284
F li g h t Te s t in g Te c hn i q u e s around room, you should be able to accomplish the turn and setup without changing power or trim if you fly smoothly. Repeat the process on the reciprocal heading. When you are satisfied with the quality of two reciprocal runs, set up for the next test airspeed and repeat the test run pairs until you've mapped the airspeed range. By the Numbers 1. Stabilize the airplane in level flight at the test airspeed in the test configuration in level flight at the test altitude on the correct heading with the power set. 2. Set your altimeter to 29.92. 3. Record your configuration, pressure altitude, observed airspeed, and OAT. Note your power setting to help you quickly re-establish your airspeed for the reciprocal heading run in case you have to make a power adjustment during the turnaround. 4. Begin timing as you pass the start checkpoint. 5. Fly a constant heading, constant airspeed, and con- 44 NO. 4/ DECEMBE R 2012 stant altitude test run. Note any non-steady parameters, including OAT and engine power settings. 6. Stop timing as you pass the end checkpoint. 7. Decide whether the quality of your run is satisfactory. If not, repeat the run. If it is satisfactory, turn around and perform Steps 1 (Step 2 is already done) through 6 flying the reciprocal heading. 8. Repeat Steps 1 through 7 for every test airspeed. 9. Reset your altimeter to the local setting before returning for landing. 10. Repeat the entire process for every configuration of interest. 11. Repeat the process at a different weight, spot-checking a few airspeeds for postflight comparison. Low, but Not Low Risk Yes, I've harped on the risky nature of this test, and here's more. The airplane is perfectly capable of flying these test profiles. It doesn't care whether it's two wingspans above the ground or a few thousand feet. The risk is situational. Even a slight distraction can Photography by Jim Koepnick