Max gross weight testing

[Scott Hersha]

I used a heavy friend in the right seat of my RV6, and in the back seat of my RV8 - strapped in with a seat belt. Also needed a little baggage in both cases. This is allowed, in fact recommended, by our local FSDO in Cincinnati. It's also allowed to include a safety crew member during flight test for recording important flight test data while the test pilot is busy conducting the flight test and unable to record data. Too many cases of ballast shifting and causing possibly dangerous conditions, or test pilot being unable to notice or write down critical flight test information because of his/her focus on precise flight path control.

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by Scott Hersha

I used a heavy friend in the right seat of my RV6, and in the back seat of my RV8 - strapped in with a seat belt. Also needed a little baggage in both cases. This is allowed, in fact recommended, by our local FSDO in Cincinnati. .

A "friend"? Did they understand this was during phase 1 operations?
I guess some FSDO's just make up the rules as they go along....If your operating limits say something else, I wouldn't count on the FSDO coming to your rescue, should you get "caught".

[Scott Hersha]

Of course my friend was fully aware of what we were doing and that we were flight testing. In fact he did the same thing when he did his flight testing. It's clearly understood that this is not a joy ride. No worries about getting 'caught', since it was what is recommended by our FAA inspector. He has seen too many cases where ballast has shifted and caused bad things to happen. This type of testing is accomplished later in phase I, after engine and airframe reliability has been proven, and after controllability/stability testing is complete. It isn't something that our Cincinnati FSDO just 'made up'. It is well established, and approved.

[rocketman1988]

Yes, you can follow the Additional Pilot Program for Phase I:

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/.../AC_90-116.pdf

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by rocketman1988

Yes, you can follow the Additional Pilot Program for Phase I:

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/.../AC_90-116.pdf

True, but it can't just be any schmuck pilot off the street until the Initial Test Package (ITP) is completed by the builder pilot. Until that's done then the addional Pilot has to meet "Qualified" Pilot criteria (a min score of 60 on the Recency-of-Experience matrix and a min score of 90 on the Experience Qualification matrix).

I would also make sure your OPLIMS support it. The current wording out of 8130.2J is "191(g) & (i) AFS-800: Unless operating per FAA AC 90-116, Additional Pilot Program for Phase I Flight Test, only the minimum crew necessary to fly the aircraft during normal operations may be on board."

[rocketman1988]

Yes, as I stated, "you can follow" the APP program.

Personally, I think it is a great program. With two qualified people on board, one can concentrate ONLY on flying, the other on systems. That is how we do it professionally and it should be a good thing experimentally, too. Assuming, as you say, it is not just "some schmuck" looking for a ride...

[cwilkins]

I can add an additional 280lbs, but you'll have to swing by Jacksonville Florida and pick me up. Thinking of building a -10, and would love to fly in one first...