Do you explore the flight envelope of your new RV?

[ChiefPilot]

So the thread about a landing incident at Oshkosh is super interesting from several aspects. One in particular is the discussion around how our stubby-winged aircraft handle differently at higher AoA and weights.

During phase one testing, that portion of the flight envelope should be explored in some detail. Indeed, I had a couple of cards devoted to it. However, phase one typically applies only to the original builder. Does transition training touch on it?

The transition training I received didn't explore this area of the envelope, but it did equip me for doing so. I'm wondering how many purchasers (vs. builders) have explored their RV's envelope?

[Mel]

A perfect opportunity to take advantage of the grossly underused EAA Flight Advisor Program.

[ChiefPilot]

Originally Posted by Mel

A perfect opportunity to take advantage of the grossly underused EAA Flight Advisor Program.

YES! I found it amazingly helpful; many thanks to Mike Hilger who acted as both my tech counselor and flight advisor!

[Saville]

I haven't but then I just bought my RV-8. However I do have the book:


Flight Testing Homebuilt Aircraft

by Askue, Vaughan

I'm studying the book and starting to plan a flight test program. Not because the plane is in any Phase like Phase 1 but because I want to thoroughly understand my airplane.

[DGlaeser]

I've given some transition training in my RV, and concentrate on slow flight, steep turns, stalls, and power off landings. Most homebuilts, like RVs, have 'simple' wings (no washout, no taper, no airfoil changes) which have 'sharper' stall characteristics than most certified planes. Crossed control stalls are often rather eye opening
Flying at various CG positions depends on the plane. Some, like mine (side by side) are difficult to load to the CG limits (without exceeding a weight limitation). Getting to gross weight is easy, so that is definitely done.

[Walt]

Even though I have 1500+ hrs in my RV, every year before Osh I go up with the airplane "loaded to the gills" but without the wife. I do an hour or two of flying around at 70-80 knots following some local railroad tracks at 1K AGL, I also throw in some stalls for good measure. I do this just to brush up on my own slow flying skills as they do tend to get rusty. I encourage the folks that go in our group do the same prior to the trip.

[DanH]

...and tight right-hand patterns!

[BillL]

I will, it is on my test cards, but until first flight, i like bacon.

[mosquito]

Should option three read "I purchased my RV, and I explored aft CG/weight combinations during phase TWO" rather than phase one?

If so, that's me. I didn't put the plane back into phase one.

[ChiefPilot]

Originally Posted by mosquito

Should option three read "I purchased my RV, and I explored aft CG/weight combinations during phase TWO" rather than phase one?

If so, that's me. I didn't put the plane back into phase one.

Good catch - yes, it should.