Getting closer every week; time to think about ...

[mhorowit]

Has anyone come upon a check list of things to test and try prior to flying an a/c which has been taken apart and the engine overhauled? Just looking ahead, doing a little dreaming. Some stuff is obvious, but for example, how long would you run the engine before attempting a TO? How long would you stay in the pattern, getting comfortable that the engine was reliable? - Mike

[jgerard]

Re: Getting closer every week; time to think about ...

Some where I have a copy of the FAA flight test Adisory Circular. It should be available on line from their website. It contains some good info about flight testing aircraft.

I would think Forrest should know a thing or two about test flying new airplanes!!

Jason
N43643

[alwaysoar]

Re: Getting closer every week; time to think about ...

Mike, The Cont overhaul manual says, "When new pistons or bearings are installed, at least 70 minutes of run-in time should be put on the engine. New rings may be broken in for flight in possibly 3 to 4 hours." There's more about oil, varying engine RPM, that's too much. I'd get an overhaul manual.

Ed @BTV VT
TF 527

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Getting closer every week; time to think about ...

GET me there & I will test her for food and lodging.... I do have a flight test procedure that we used at the factory. I need the modify that into plain language and post and I might just dig it out and send to good old Mike....

[mhorowit]

Re: Getting closer every week; time to think about ...

Thank you Forrest - my A&P (John) is much less conservative than I am. He says do some taxiing to make sure the brakes and tailwheel work. Static run-up to make sure we develop appropriate power, taxi some more, do some TO/Landings and stay near the airport for an hour. - Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: Getting closer every week; time to think about ...

Here's a follow-up: AC 90-89A looks good, though it seems like overkill - Mike

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Getting closer every week; time to think about ...

Mike sounds like you have the right idea. Take pictures and post them.