Dealing with the anxiety of the flight test phase? - Page 2

jpowell13 · #11 10-20-2016, 02:57 PM

I've read Lord Nelson had real problems with sea sickness. He was still the greatest admiral ever. I don't know you but I'm pretty sure you will prevail if you're getting that kind of help. John

Neal Trombley · #12 10-20-2016, 03:01 PM

I look at my First SOLO and that feeling of the old 70s something 172 rattling down the runway at Page in ft myers and saying WTH am I doing... then my training and skills took over and all went well, I am sure Gary the same will be with you, you just accomplished one **** of a project and you have every right to feel the way you do...

Trust the training..

Mike BTW great write up... I am so looking forward to the day..
I think!!

scard · #13 10-20-2016, 03:03 PM

Keep you head fully in the game at every moment and there is little left over for anxiety. It just gets converted into execution of the mission. Know thyself and keep executing.

We've been flying our project for almost 10yrs now. I still don't "trust" it. Tanya would tell you that my pucker factor remained for about the first 350hrs. You'll build some sort of relationship with the machine and learn to listen carefully to it.

Bevan · #14 10-20-2016, 03:05 PM

Based on what I have seen in other so-called "airworthy" airplanes, I have come to realize that poor condition does not necessarily mean the airplane will fall out of the sky on the very next flight.

If that's of any help.

Bevan

krw5927 · #15 10-20-2016, 03:22 PM

Mostly, just keep flying. It sounds like you're doing it right and have a healthy respect for the fact that you're now (and in a sense always will be) a test pilot. It's completely normal.

You may experience many of these same feelings and thoughts the first time you "really" leave the home airport, the first time you carry a passenger, the first time you go on a real cross-country flight in your RV....

A friend, who had built an RV7A years before I finished my 9A, once mentioned that he didn't start to truly feel at one with his plane until about the 200 hour mark. It seemed that way for me as well. The good news is, 200 hours goes by FAST!

Fly safe, Gary, and congratulations!!!

edit: If you find yourself truly distracted by the "what-if's" to the point you're honestly uncomfortable or feel unsafe, there is no shame in finding/hiring a professional test pilot to fly off some of those hours.

brad walton · #16 10-20-2016, 03:29 PM

Your anxiety is at least some part vigilance. Just don't fly too close to the Sun.
I've got 350 hours on mine and I still occasionally look down and think "I could fall from here." But my RV and I have developed some trust in each other. Especially when I recall all the ratty old Cessnas etc. I used to fly without thinking about it. So yes I think you will gain more confidence in what you built as time goes by.

RKellogg · #17 10-20-2016, 03:40 PM

Gary,

I remember being at that stage of phase one and thinking, "am I ever going to trust this plane/pilot combination enough to dare carrying a passenger?". Continue being thorough, deliberate, alert, and responsible, eventually the plane will demonstrate it's trustworthiness!

Auburntsts · #18 10-20-2016, 06:08 PM

Have you thought about taking advantage of the additional pilot program? Having an experienced pilot right there with you for a few hours may help you overcome your anxiety and help you get through some of the more labor intensive testing where a second set of eyes and hands are almost priceless.

Dbro172 · #19 10-20-2016, 06:24 PM

I had those same feelings every flight through phase 1. 10 hours out of phase one I moved, and had to fly my RV half way across the country. It wasn't until after that flight that I felt comfortable in the plane and taking passengers. Maybe you should plan a long cross country to help settle in.

Same thing after I got my private, literally had to force myself to go out and fly without an instructor.

bruceh · #20 10-20-2016, 06:32 PM

Been there! I think it was my third flight where I had a fouled plug before takeoff. Had to go pull the cowl off and clean the plug. Ended up parking it for the day. Too stressed. I had all sorts of electrical issues that got sorted eventually (bad radio, bad VP-X) by the manufacturers. It made me really question whether or not I did something weird with the build. It seemed like I would never really get a trustworthy airplane that I could just fly without worry. After a 5 month Phase 1, I started getting more comfortable with just the stick and rudder work. I spent a lot of time learning all of the capabilities of the Skyview system, and I'm still not 100% with everything it can do. I still learn something new just about every flight. A trip to Casa Grande, AZ for Copperstate was my first really long cross country. It took me quite a while to figure out how to get my AP flight plan turned around to get me home!

Now I'm approaching 350 hours and feeling much more trust with the aircraft. Multiple oil changes give you some analysis on the health of the engine. The avionics all seem to be working great now. Every now and then something pops up which gets your attention - flat tire, brakes had a tiny leak on one of the pedals, boost pump switch went intermittent, oil temps too cool in winter, oil pressure needed some tweaking, strobes failed, steps cracked, canopy needed some sanding down to open when it is really hot out, alternate air sliding door mounting cracked, chips in the prop, etc., etc...
My point is that every flight has its risks and challenges. That won't change. The anxiety will taper off, but not completely.
My most recent BFR (thanks, Pete!) got me "uncomfortable", and really helped provide me with some experience with unusual attitudes that I wouldn't normally get near that edge of the envelope. This plane is way more capable that I am!