Who is qualified?
 

Hey everyone, I was wondering who is qualified to fly the phase 1 flight testing? I am new to this, but I have found some references to the FAR/AIM and here is what it said. I'm paraphrasing by the way.

"will be flown by a qualified pilot"

My question is...What qualifications does someone need to be a qualified? Is it PPL, Instrument, and CFI or is it more? Is it less?

Thanks,
Milt

It isn't a piece of paper, other than to have a private pilot's license or above. It is subjective. It is someone you think is capable!

If you hold a PPL and can fly the plane you are "qualified".

Qualified for LSA flight testing?
 

What about in the case of an ELSA?

For an ELSA a sport pilot certificate will work.

Call you Insurance agent
 

Check with your insurance company. I have found that the insurance companies regulate who can fly your plane more then the FAA. Of coarse they can not stop you from having any FAA qualified person fly your plan but they can deny coverage if something goes wrong.

Also, depends on some common sense. Since I had no RV experience, I got a local RV pilot (Brad Ransom) to do my first flights. He also did the stability tests and, when we got that far, the G testing and aerobatics. I was Ok to do the fuel burn, W&B profiling, and rate of climb testing. So, not necessarily a single test pilot. Best man for the job...

Only PPL required.
"Can Fly the plane" is not known and is absolutely not required.

I asked Kahuna to do my first flight. Glad I did too. He undoubtedly saved my engine when he shut it down on a high downwind and dead sticked the airplane. Search on the forums here and you'll find the write-up of my first flight.

Was I qualified to fly the airplane? Certainly.
Was he MORE qualified to fly the airplane? No doubt about it.
Was MY first flight in my airplane any less exciting? I don't think so.

So if you can't fly the plane, have never flown an RV, you should be the first to fly it? I don't think that is a very good idea, but whatever you say you are the big Kahuna. :rolleyes:

The original question was.............

I stand by my answer. If you have a PPL and can fly the plane you are qulaified.