Question for DARs regarding flight test area

[harrisonaero]

I'm a DAR with the Seattle MIDO and a 50 nm radius for 40 hours (25 with certified engine/prop combo) is the standard operating limitation with them.

I think the FAA use to be a little more lenient with adjusting the distance for fast planes but lately it seems they're trying to be more consistent between groups.

Joa

[apkp777]

My FSDO inspector had me draw up a map that was a 40nm radius, with a 75nmX10nm corridor for going "fast". Excluding any Class C and B.

He attached the picture to my OPSLIMS.

[N8RV]

Not a DAR, but my experience in defining my Phase I test area was initially a 25-mile radius, which my DAR said was "standard".

I told him that the RV goes fast enough, tooling around at high speed breaking in the engine, that I'd get pretty bored in such a confined space. He came back with permission from his bosses for a 25- x 100-mile corridor, which I placed on a sectional that kept me out of congested airspace and gave me the greatest number of small airports underneath for safety and peace of mind.

It worked great. After working out the initial test parameters, I was ready for longer treks to break in the engine and tweak the Dynon limit settings.

I'd take off, fly to the other end, turn around, fly back. Get out, pee. Hop back in, take off, fly to the other end, come back and pee. Worked for me.