Test Flight Time 25 vs 40 Hour

[N941WR]

Is the IO-390 used on any certified aircraft?

If so, then is it used with the exact same prop as you have in your RV?

If you can answer "Yes" to both of those questions, then you have a chance your inspector will assign you a 25 hour test period.

Van's, all of them, are experimental (with the exception of the factory built RV-12's) and having "the IO-390 and Hartzell prop. normal,normal" doesn't cut it because your "normal" is still experimental.

The idea is if you took an engine and prop from a certified aircraft, say you had built an RV-7 and used an engine and prop from a Mooney, then you would probably get the 25 hour test period. However, since there is not an aircraft certified in a non-Experimental category with your engine and prop combination, you are unlikely to get 25 hours.

Besides, 40 hours gives you a lot of time to complete your required tests and get used to the aircraft prior carrying passengers (other than required for a test flight).

[rongawer]

Originally Posted by N941WR

Besides, 40 hours gives you a lot of time to complete your required tests and get used to the aircraft prior carrying passengers (other than required for a test flight).

I agree, the extra 15 hours passes pretty quick and I simply use the time to work out bugs and fine tune the performance of the airplane. Oh, and enjoy flying...

[ty1295]

Having just finished my 40 hours and also a child who is now almost 20 years old, living away from home and in college. They are very similar. During the time you are raising them it seems to take forever, once the time passes you wonder how it happened so fast.

[RV7A Flyer]

Originally Posted by Mel

Your Operating Limitations were issued improperly. The YIO-360-M1B is an "Experimental" engine.

Well, you and my DAR can hash that out...since it was 7 years ago, not sure it matters anymore.

[9GT]

Maybe it was just me but I used up a good majority of my 40 hour Phase 1 doing my flight testing and running out the check lists for flight testing. IIRC I was right around 37 hours when everything was complete.

[gmcjetpilot]

Frankly regardless of engine and prop combo..... electronic ignition, aftermarket fuel injection, high flow headers, ram air box... nothing is "certified" around it. What is 15 hours more of flight test before you take passenger and fly around the country. It takes almost 40 hours to do a proper Phase I and document performance and flight envelope.