It has also been done with ill effects. I've seen some real bad videos of it. You might be able to find some on YouTube.
I plan on doing this just to check all the fuel and ign systems, maybe drive it down the street to freak out the older couple who is afraid I am going to take OFF on our street when it is done :-o
Cant find the whole video, here it is just after jumping the chock-----you can see the chock fly out from the left wheel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHt6nYTdmRQ
IIRC, the LancAir's gear started to retract, which is why the failure you see on YouTube.
I'm yet to see a video of an issue with an RV doing and engine run without the wings installed; however, that DOES NOT mean it hasn't happened.
When it came time to run my engine(s) for the first time, I wanted the plane fully assembled and the flight controls on and functional, just incase...
If you are ready to run the engine but not fully assemble the airplane, then you are a long way away from flying. So, my question is this, do you want your engine sitting idle, rusting, for six months, 12 months, 18 months, whatever, until you are ready to fly?
IIRC, the LancAir's gear started to retract, which is why the failure you see on YouTube.
It's been nearly ten years, but when building my -8A I recall something from Vans recommending it NOT be done.
I did not have a hanger and therefore needed to complete as much as possible in the home garage. I had rebuilt my own engine and wanted a basic "shake out" run while still at home. If I encountered any problems and had to pull the engine, it would have been a real hassle on the ramp.
I tied a 5 gal gas can to the top of the plane and used gravity feed. I only made two 3-5 minute runs and kept RPM's under 1500. I had no problems from this exercise.
I suppose I could have put wings on for this test, but that is a good bit of work on a 6A and would have forced me out onto the driveway and more "neighbor issues." I already had been visited by the police twice thanks to an unpleasant neighbor.
Larry
Tail secured to large tree. Wheels chocked. Temporary fuel line taped in place. Gas can secured. Eye protection. Fingers in ears. Socks worn inside sandals for extra protection.
It didn't tip over, collapse the gear, shed the canopy (been there, done that), pull the tree out of the ground, or jump the chocks. We also didn't go crazy with the throttle. Your results may vary.
The real reason I asked this question is the IA who built my engine with me would like to run the motor before he sign's off the overhaul in my engine logs.
I'm years from doing an overhaul (I say that with fingers crossed), but...this is Experimental aviation. Is the IA's signature needed? Granted this is outside my domain of expertise, but since *anybody* can work on an experimental plane, can't you sign it off yourself if you participated in the overhaul? Is an entry in the log even required? (Not saying you shouldn't do it, but does the A&P/IA *have* to sign it?).
....The real reason I asked this question is the IA who built my engine with me would like to run the motor before he sign's off the overhaul in my engine logs. I do not wish to make him wait for up to a year before I might have my wings on at the airport to run the engine to get my logs....