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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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The discussion regarding training during the initial
flight test phase seems to have come full circle.
Because this affects what I do, I'll add my two cents
worth.
Everything that has been said, is basically true,
however the emphasis and stress on the FAA issues
involved are exaggerated in my opinion.
Brent Regan I believe holds the clearest voice in this
issue.
It is NOT illegal. The pilot establishes who
is "essential for the purpose of the flight". I have
asked for, and received, an interpretation from my FSDO,
and and they say essentially that while not illegal, it
is not recommended. (Ask your local FSDO (In writing)
and then report your answers to this List)
The same position is held by the EAA. Likewise the
insurance companies. They're not insuring the first
10hrs (100hrs V-8) anyway.
I do not believe there would ever be an enforcement
action begun, unless there was a violation of the
careless and reckless operation FAR and they were
looking to pile on charges.
Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty.
If you go to Redmond and train in a company plane, many
factors come into play. The airplanes have to be in
commission, available, weather has to cooperate, you
have to find a good instructor. Do you want a CFI?
Let's suppose everything went well and at the end of
three days you have ten hours in a company airplane that
is, at best, similar to your airplane. Now you're going
to go home, to get in your airplane for the initial
testing. I can guarantee you, this will not be the same
airplane you trained in.
This month's issue of Flying Magazine contains an
article written by Lane Wallace, and it is an interview
of John King (King Schools). In the article he
pointedly makes the remark that General Aviation flying
IS NOT safe. That definition would be- to be free of
risk. There are risks - and they need to be managed.
He defines four areas in which pilots need to be risk
managers. The pilot, the aircraft, the environment, and
external pressures.
The Pilot - (in command) trained and experienced in THIS
model Lancair? Engine operation knowledge? Do you know
all the "What If's?? Can you find the "Hi Boost" with
your eyes closed?
The Aircraft- inspected by an expert and found
airworthy?
The Environment-- sufficient length runway, low traffic,
emergency landing sites etc. etc.
External Pressures-- will you value the airplane over
your skin in an emergency?
Test flying a home built airplane IS risky. I believe
that the best course of action to minimumize risk and to
protect an investment of 1/4 to 1/2 million dollars,
several years of your life, and your skin, is to train
in your OWN airplane when it is determined by the test
pilot to be airworthy. If the airplane is built
according to the manual, and workmanship up to
standards, this airworthiness test period will not be a
full 25-40 hours.
Of course there will be squawks, but not locked flight
controls, engine stoppages etc. etc.
Then-- Let The Training Begin!
Charlie Kohler
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