ARROW Completed. FAA Inspection Done.
It?s been seven years. March of 2006 I got the crazy idea that maybe I could build an airplane in my garage. Last Friday, the FAA said job well done, go fly. My airworthiness inspection was completed and I now have all the proper paper work that enables me to legally go out and fly. ARROW is completed and in the plane.....
A - Airworthiness Certification. FAA inspector handed that over at the completion of the inspection.
R - Registration. The first step in the process. I sent off three forms and the FAA sent back the registration doc that registers my plane as N35PM, Model: RV-9A, Manufacturer: MCCOY PETER J, Serial Num: 91335. This is important as all subsequent paper work must match this exactly.
R - Radio Certification. n/a. This is an old one from the days where you needed an FCC radio operator permit. I have one from back in the 70?s, buy it is no longer required.
O - Operating limitation. FAA document that describes what my flight profile will be in phase one flight testing as well as phase two flying. I get to fly 40 hours in a highlighted orange box over the desert North of Apple Vally, CA.
W - Weight and Balance. I weighed the plane and set the max gross weight. This paperwork outlines the center of gravity (C.G.) and the weight profile of various combination of passenger, baggage and fuel loading.
So now the big question. When will I fly the first flight. The answer is when I am ready, the engine is running smooth and sound, the weather is clear with calm winds, the airport is quiet, there isn?t a crowd of people standing around.... The first flight will be done soon, but not before all the conditions are just right. After seven years, I am not in a rush. When everything falls into the proper configuration, I will fly the first flight. Might be next weekend, might be the weekend after that. In any case, I am no longer waiting on anyone but me to decide when it?s time to go fly!