Customer Reviews

Flight Testing Homebuilt Aircraft

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I found this book an excellent introduction into flight testing a homebuilt aircraft. Not only does it go into the "how" of flight testing but "why". It is aimed at the homebuilder who wants to test his/her own aircraft and it is a good guide on how to prepare a proper test program. I thought it was worth the money.

Several of us on KRNET who are building KR-2 aircraft refer to this book as a guide during the design and building phases of construction. I consider it a excellent treatment of the topic, and it is a valuable reference. I plan to use it during the flight testing phases of my project.

I've really enjoyed this book. It lays out a method for developing a flight testing program for an experimental airplane. It seems that so many people just fly off the required 40 hours and don't really prove or evaluate the airplanes performance envelope. As the author points out, the flight testing phase is a great opportunity to have fun and really learn the boundries of the airplane's performance, while also proving what you may think you already know. The testing program ideas in the book start even before the first taxi, which is a great approach. The testing involves a step-by-step approach to expanding the loading envelope and inspecting the airplane, and several other tests to help make sure that there aren't any problems with controlling the airplane. The book would be great to use for developing a flight test for proven designs as well as for new designs (though not enough information to create a new design of course). I would suggest that you read the book fairly early in your project, certainly before you have finished building. There are some great tips about how to set up the cockpit to create a safer and more comfortable space. Perhaps the only thing negative that I would say is that the book seems a bit dated, sort of like the Bingelis books. I wouldn't say that the content is out of date, but it could probably be due for a revision since the demographics of the homebuilt fleet have changed some since the last one.

After years of construction I ami soon going to be ready to fly my RV8. Though I have over 13,000 hours, I have zero time in this airplane. The book gratly increased my confidence.

The book changed my attitude on fly-off from "something you gotta due" to something I want to do. The author presents a very structured approach. He believes you must start with detailed inspection, slow taxi, faster taxi working off to lift off and then touch down. He Talks about doing the "scary stuff" like Vne and flutter testing in a way that makes sense.

He also convinced me to invest in a parachute for the venture. That's OK as I want to do midl aerobatics eventually.