Flight test area

[tomwebster]

Dana,
I was given a 50nm radius from any airport within
50 nm from my home base (DLZ). I offset to the
north,(MNN) to stay away from the congested area
around Columbus, OH. This worked out fine for me.

When do we get some pictures of your RV-7?
Tom Webster

[RV6_flyer]

See FAA Order 8130.2F. (Change 3 is current as of this writing.)

Paragraph 135 (starts on page 132) and Paragraph 152 (starts on page 160).

"152. FLIGHT TEST AREAS.
a. General. Section 91.319(b) requires that an unproven aircraft be assigned to a flight test area. The assigned test area is prescribed in accordance with ? 91.305. The FAA, when requested, should assist applicants in selecting areas that comply with ? 91.305. The FAA is required to evaluate each application to determine that the flight test area does not exceed that which is reasonably required to accomplish the program. Actions pertaining to flight test areas must be coordinated with the nearest office of the Air Traffic Service."

The bold highlight is mine.

Most FSDOs have approved areas. IF you can justify a larger area that is NOT over populated areas you MAY get it.

[mannanj]

Dana:

I requested and got a 100nm radius from my airport. One thing to use in trying to justify a larger area, is to get a to-from route to a known aerobatic box so as to be legal when you do your acro testing.

Ask around. Some guys will work with you if they realize how small a 25nm area really is at 170-180 mph.

[Mel]

The test area is generally left up to the DAR as long as it is reasonable. For aircraft in the RV speed range I typically give a radius of 75 nautical miles plus a corridor to 2 airports outside this area. If the applicant has a particular request, I can usually work it out, again, as long as it is reasonable.

[billnaz]

My dar designated a test area bounded by a series of airports encompassing central arizona. He did this after consulting with me for my input. You are paying for his services, and it's not unreasonable to expect a say in this important matter. Toward the end of my 40 hrs I was glad to have some territory to roam. Also, plan your budget! 40 hrs at mostly full rich X $4.20ish/gallon!!yikes!

Good Luck

[dan]

Go bigger and you'll be a longer leg from home when stuff doesn't smell right. Big flight test areas are overrated imho. Stay close to good landing areas and stay focussed on the TASK at hand. It's not a joyride.

[BlackRV7]

While I realize the flight test regimen is not just play time, I would like the ability to visit other airports. This could be incorporated in landing at 4-5 other airports in the same morning thereby learning the different crosswind characteristics, visual cues and just general different characteristics of other airports. There's a big difference for me with 25nm (one airport) and 50 nm (13 airports). Plus heck, I'd just like to see something different. I'm going to try and get 50 and a corridor out somewhere after say 25 hours would be sweet.

[pierre smith]

Originally Posted by dan

Go bigger and you'll be a longer leg from home when stuff doesn't smell right. Big flight test areas are overrated imho. Stay close to good landing areas and stay focussed on the TASK at hand. It's not a joyride.

I agree with Dan in this respect for the first five to ten hours anyway. Remind your DAR that you're going three miles a minute and 25 miles is covered in 8 minutes or less. If you draw a reasonable 40 to 50 mile pattern away from big controlled areas, mostly over open or sparsely populated areas with available airports, a reasonable DAR should well consider it.

Since you're going to be alone on these flights, be sure and tell a friend exactly where you're going and when to expect you back. Y' never know.

Regards,
Pierre

[dan]

Originally Posted by BlackRV7

While I realize the flight test regimen is not just play time, I would like the ability to visit other airports. This could be incorporated in landing at 4-5 other airports in the same morning thereby learning the different crosswind characteristics, visual cues and just general different characteristics of other airports. There's a big difference for me with 25nm (one airport) and 50 nm (13 airports). Plus heck, I'd just like to see something different. I'm going to try and get 50 and a corridor out somewhere after say 25 hours would be sweet.

See, this is a common misconception in my opinion. Dana, I totally agree with you about wanting to gain those experiences in your airplane. But let's be honest, what you're talking about is stuff FOR THE PILOT, not for the aircraft.

Phase One is FOR THE AIRCRAFT. The task is to shake out all the squawks, to expand the various envelopes in a controlled manner, and to ensure that the AIRCRAFT is safe to operate in a less restricted way -- with passengers and in not-so-uncongested areas.

I hear about pilots clicking on the autopilot and reading a book (or manual) during Phase One. I don't get it! You have so much WORK to do during Phase One, I just can't see anybody getting it done completely in 25 hours, or sometimes in 40 hours, unless you really work at it. There is a LOT to be done, and I recommend taking it seriously...treating it like a MISSION, not a joyride.

Yes, some of it is for the pilot to familiarize himself with the airplane...for sure! But in a way, the pilot should already be extremely familiar with the airplane's traits before he ever leaves the ground with it. Transition training, a lot of mental prep -- IN the cockpit before you ever fly it -- etc., go a long way to accomplishing that goal with reduced risk. Then when you do finally fly it, you don't have to work on cockpit familiarization during critical times.

Just my 2 cents!

[Mel]

Good post, Dan. That's at least 4 cents worth.