prkaye said:
Yikes, so the first test flight in the aircraft is really a seat-of-your-pants operation! What are the stats on test-flight crashes in RVs?
Sounds like I should try to get some time in a variety of different aircraft in the next few years, so I'll be more prepared to handle the unknown.
The first few flights in an RV do have more risk than later flights, for a number of reasons, but many of the risks can be mitigated.
The biggest risk is power loss, either due to engine or fuel system failure. Fuel system problems are very common in amateur-built aircraft. This risk can be mitigated by choosing an airport with acceptable landing spots to cover power loss right after take-off, and then keeping within gliding distance of the airfield for the first several flights. Forced landing practice in a similar aircraft prior to first flight is also wise.
Airspeed error is a risk, but it can be mitigated by ground testing with a water manometer to check ASI instrument error, and leak checks of the pitot and static systems. The static source position error is not known at first flight, but you should do an approach to the stall, note the lowest IAS seen, add a suitable increment, and do a simulated approach and flare at altitude to confirm acceptable aircraft handling at the chosen approach speed.
RV first flights have a fairly good record, but there have been a few that have gone bad, usually due to poorly handled engine failures. There was a fatal first flight accident in Ontario a few years ago - I recall it as a failed attempt to turn around and come back to the runway following an engine failure on take-off, but my memory could be a bit wrong here.
It is useful to have experience in many types of aircraft, but it is more important to have recent experience in an RV prior to your first flight.
