What is the normal time you get for testing

[Mel]

The rule was written with a type certificated engine/prop combination in mind. I really don't think that rule will change. To be honest, it takes about 40 hours to do a full test program anyway.

[kevinh]

The inspectors the FAA sent out to check over my plane gave me 25 hr, even though I had one electronic ignition on an Aerosport engine. I think I was just lucky.

Also they were very easy to work with on the test area - I drew a line around a good chunk of northern California (less the populated areas) and they said fine.

[mark manda]

Lycon new experimental engine, WhirlWind prop.-- 25hrs. 60nm. radius. rv7a

Lycon reblt experimental engine, reblt Hartzel prop.-- 20hr. 60nm. radius. Harmon Rocket. (112hrs. still flt testing stuff)

FAA Inspectors NOT DAR. like kevin had.
Inspector made a statement that they think so highly of Lycon's work... and they have been there and have seen so many...

Not easy to get the FAA out anymore.

[plehrke]

Originally Posted by kevinh

The inspectors the FAA sent out to check over my plane gave me 25 hr, even though I had one electronic ignition on an Aerosport engine. I think I was just lucky.

I think a lot also has to do with what prop. I had a Sensenich FP which is non-certified. That in combination with a Aerosport IO-360-B2B (O-360-A1A with Bendix fuel injection) I got the 40 hours.

I do think my DAR (from the EAA experimental program) would not make any exceptions to the rule. The FAA has probably more latitude to make rule exceptions.

[N131RV]

When I got my plane inspected, the DAR was going to give me the 40 hour period because my engine was imported from England and had an extra data plate attached to the top of the crankcase.

Upon further inspection, we found the original Lycoming data plate in the normal place. Two minutes with a wrench and my engine was "certified" again (always was).

I negotiated my flight radius with the DAR _before_ he arrived at my location.

Good man, thorough. I enjoyed the experience (nerve wracking as it was).

Hours are almost always either 25 or 40. Radius is entirely up to the DAR. I have heard stories of having to fly your entire test period in a steep turn.

The other end of the spectrum is what I received. It was _very_ nice to be able to fly most of my phase 1 hours off on cross-country trips.

Another fellow builder got 150 NM radius as well, from an FAA inspector.

YMMV,

[kevinh]

Originally Posted by mark manda

Not easy to get the FAA out anymore.

This probably is different FSDO by FSDO.

The Oakland FSDO guys said as long as the builder is organized and knows the rules, they love inspecting homebuilts.

My local EAA chapter had an inspector from the San Jose FSDO give a presentation and they said they also like doing inspections.

[AllanC]

Don't know if this is the right thread for this response, but...I think it is also wise to spend about 5 - 10 hours in the vicinity of your home airport before going off on cross-countries for your Phase 1 time. If anything doesn't seem right, then you know you can get back to your hangar and not have any issues of repairs/adjustments miles away from your base.

Allan