RV-7A flutter test - factory documentation

[witek]

Hi Steve,

I'm fully with you BUT unfortunately typical approach of CAA in Europe (including Poland) is as follows. CAA recognizes each plane as another new prototype because each can be build differently (small changes and differences). The product is not certified and it means for them the aircraft was built without adequate supervision and there are many areas which were not verified in a proper way ? diffretly like in case of certified aircraft.
I bought RV7A kit but I can name it "WITEK" if I want because CAA doesn?t recognize it as a RV product but only as a new Experimental aircraft.

All the best,
Witek

Originally Posted by WAM120RV

Mirek

Poland is in the EU, RV's are accepted in virtually every country in the EU some on the basis of proven satisfactory service as in the UK, or where they have been stress loaded (Germany).

There are 343 flying in the UK, over 9000 worldwide.

I would be my bottom dollar that these aircraft are accepted into Poland when flying from abroad.

I am making this point because you may not get the information you are asking for so may have to take a different approach with your CAA.

You can add to this the fact that a number of Rockets and some RV4s exceed VNE set by vans regularly with no flutter problems.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by witek

Hi Steve,

I'm fully with you BUT unfortunately typical approach of CAA in Europe (including Poland) is as follows. CAA recognizes each plane as another new prototype because each can be build differently (small changes and differences). The product is not certified and it means for them the aircraft was built without adequate supervision and there are many areas which were not verified in a proper way ? diffretly like in case of certified aircraft.

It seems like a flutter test report from the factory would also be of no value then, because there is nothing (in the CAA eyes) to assure that you RV-7 would be representative of the one originally tested......

[JanRV6UK]

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002

It seems like a flutter test report from the factory would also be of no value then, because there is nothing (in the CAA eyes) to assure that you RV-7 would be representative of the one originally tested......

Logic does not always work here

Each CAA body in Europe have there own ?particularities? ....

If the Polish CAA have asked if a ?flutter test have been done? ... no question that a statement from VAN stating that flutter testing has been done on the RV7 prototype ... along with all the normal disclaimers etc.. etc... This would be ?helpful? for our Polish friend .....

Would keep the European bureaucrats happy !

[penguin]

Witek,

A flutter test is not as demanding or dangerous as it might first seem and may be your best option. A typical test point is a control rapp at (or very close to) Vne. There is no history of flutter problems in RV-7s, so this would be a low risk test - and one that should be carried out on all new build aircraft. The technique is well known - basically ensure the aeroplane is pointing up hill so it will slow down if anything untoward happens. Get an experienced test pilot to fly the test for you if you have no experience (there are several around who would enjoy the chance to fly an RV-7). Ask your CAA what test evidence you would have to collect to satisfy their needs - or you could propose a test schedule and see what they say.

Pete