Running engine without wings on?

[RBD]

Tail secured to large tree. Wheels chocked. Temporary fuel line taped in place. Gas can secured. Eye protection. Fingers in ears. Socks worn inside sandals for extra protection.


It didn't tip over, collapse the gear, shed the canopy (been there, done that), pull the tree out of the ground, or jump the chocks. We also didn't go crazy with the throttle. Your results may vary.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by RBD

Tail secured to large tree. Wheels chocked. Temporary fuel line taped in place. Gas can secured. Eye protection. Fingers in ears. Socks worn inside sandals for extra protection.


It didn't tip over, collapse the gear, shed the canopy (been there, done that), pull the tree out of the ground, or jump the chocks. We also didn't go crazy with the throttle. Your results may vary.

That is exactly what I am talking about.....
None of the things you say didn't happen, are any of the reasons I suggest not doing it.....

[RV7A Flyer]

A couple of thoughts...

First, what compelling reason exists for doing this? I haven't heard or read any that sound good, and most seem to be just rationalizations for "I want to".

Second, this is a classic risk management exercise. What is the likelihood of something going wrong? Well, it's not zero, and based on what we've read/seen, it seems to be more than negligible. Somewhat likely? Perhaps.

The second half of risk management is the consequence should the risk actualize. In this case, the consequences can be fairly severe, including serious damage to engine and/or airframe.

At the office, we'd classify this as a 5x1 or perhaps even 5x2 (CxL) risk, which is RED and unacceptable.

So I submit there should be a really, really, really good reason for accepting this risk. Something more than "I bought this engine and I want to see it run!".

[DaAV8R]

After watching the video the only advice I have is..........video tape it and be sure and put on your seatbelt

[nippaero]

RBD^^ That is exactly what I envisioned to do.

The real reason I asked this question is the IA who built my engine with me would like to run the motor before he sign's off the overhaul in my engine logs. I do not wish to make him wait for up to a year before I might have my wings on at the airport to run the engine to get my logs. I have the plane at home in my workshop and do not have room to leave the wings attached so they sit in the cradle. This would be a brief engine run at low RPM just to verify everything is "ok". Plane is an RV-6 with a 150hp O320.

[RV7A Flyer]

Originally Posted by nippaero

The real reason I asked this question is the IA who built my engine with me would like to run the motor before he sign's off the overhaul in my engine logs.

I'm years from doing an overhaul (I say that with fingers crossed), but...this is Experimental aviation. Is the IA's signature needed? Granted this is outside my domain of expertise, but since *anybody* can work on an experimental plane, can't you sign it off yourself if you participated in the overhaul? Is an entry in the log even required? (Not saying you shouldn't do it, but does the A&P/IA *have* to sign it?).

[pierre smith]

Scott, how much tension can the tail spring and attaching bolts take in pounds?

Best,

[nippaero]

Originally Posted by RV7A Flyer

I'm years from doing an overhaul (I say that with fingers crossed), but...this is Experimental aviation. Is the IA's signature needed? Granted this is outside my domain of expertise, but since *anybody* can work on an experimental plane, can't you sign it off yourself if you participated in the overhaul? Is an entry in the log even required? (Not saying you shouldn't do it, but does the A&P/IA *have* to sign it?).

You are absolutely correct. It's not required but it makes a difference down the road when you go to sell the airplane and maybe the next guy will appreciate the log entries. I like to keep the logs as clean as possible.

[sblack]

Why can't he wait a year?

[Cyclone]

I would define risk as Probability times Consequences. Extremely low probability times unacceptable consequences produces high risk! 😱