2-25 Note: This field check is not an accuracy check. Additionally, you should check the manufacturer’s manuals for the installed pitot-static instruments to ensure that this test method will not damage any associated electronics.
2.12.1 Airspeed Check. S lip a long rubber hose over the pitot mast (the FAA recommends surgical tubing). As one person reads the airspeed, the other should very slowly roll up the other end of the tubing. This will apply pressure to the instrument. When the airspeed indicator needle reaches the aircraft’s approximate recommended cruise speed, pinch the hose shut, and hold that reading. The airspeed needle should remain steady for a minute if the system is sound. A fast drop off will indicate a leak in the instrument, fittings, lines, or the test hose attachment. Never force air into the pitot tube or orally apply suction on a static vent—this action will damage the instruments.
2.12.2 Altimeter/Vertical Speed Check.
2.12.2.1 To check the static side, apply low suction at the end of the static vent port.
The easiest way to gain access to the static system is to remove the static line at the static port. If there are two static ports, tape the unused port closed.
Next, get 2 feet of surgical tubing, seal one end, and tightly roll it up. Attach the open end to the static line and slowly unroll the tubing. This will apply a suction, or low pressure, to the static system.
2.12.2.2 The altimeter should start to show an increase in altitude. The vertical speed indicator also should indicate a rate of climb. The airspeed may show a small positive indication. When the altimeter reads about 2,000 feet, stop and pinch off the tube. There will be some initial decrease in altitude and the vertical speed will read zero. The altimeter should then hold the indicated altitude for at least a minute. If altitude is lost, check for leaks.
Note: The above airspeed and altimeter field checks are a check of the system for possible leaks, and are not the same as airspeed or static system accuracy tests done by a certificated repair station. The checks do not include the pitot tube and static ports located on the airframe.
The FAA recommends the builder not deviate from the designer’s original plans when installing the pitot and static system.
2.12.3 Fuel System. According to NTSB Safety Study SS-12-01, The Safety of Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft, the 2001–2010 accident cases included examples involving loss of engine power during the first few hours of operation of a newly built aircraft. Some of the fuel system design and installation problems found in these cases include incorrectly installed fuel lines, crimped vent lines, system leaks, and a fuel system that did not provide adequate fuel pressure to maintain engine power. The NTSB concluded that a functional test of the aircraft fuel system could identify design deficiencies, leaks, and malfunctions prior to flight that would prevent fuel system- and powerplant-related accidents early in the operational life of an aircraft.
2-26
2.12.3.1 Before filling the aircraft’s fuel tanks, the amateur builder should vacuum any manufacturing debris from each tank and wipe them down with a “tack” cloth (available from a paint supply store). Next, the builder should flush the system with aviation grade gasoline several times in order to remove any small or hard to reach debris from the tanks and lines. The builder should also clean the fuel filter/gascolator screen/carburetor finger screen. The amount of time spent “sanitizing” the fuel system will provide big safety benefits for the life of the aircraft.
2.12.3.2 When filling the tanks, place the aircraft in the straight and level cruise position. Add fuel in measured amounts to calibrate the fuel tank indicators.
While allowing the aircraft to sit for a short time to observe for possible leaks, inspect the fuel tank vents to see if they are open and clear. Check that the fuel tank caps seal properly. If there are no leaks and the fuel system has an electric boost pump, pressurize the system and again check for leaks. The fuel selector, vents, and fuel drains should be properly marked and tested for proper operation.
Note: Many amateur-built aircraft take 5 to 8 years to build. During that time, many rubber-based oil and fuel lines and cork gaskets installed early in the building process may have age hardened, cracked, and/or turned brittle. The builder should carefully inspect these components and replace as necessary to prevent a premature engine failure.
2.12.4 R etractable Landing Gear System . If equipped with a retractable landing gear system, whether hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical, the system should function dependably and positively in accordance with the designer’s intent. The builder/pilot should rigorously cycle the retractable landing gear in the appropriate ground setup, using both the normal and emergency landing gear extension system. There should be no hang-ups or binding.
If equipped, a function check of the weight on wheel switch and onboard landing gear indicators should also be performed.
2.12.5 Safety Belt and Shoulder Harness. You should check these items for condition and proper installation. A review of amateur-built aircraft accidents has disclosed a significant number of accidents in which the seatbelt mounting hard points failed. You should check each seatbelt and shoulder harness mounting hard point to the designer’s specifications so it will hold the harness and pilot in the aircraft at the ultimate design “G” load specification, both positive and negative, for the aircraft.
2.12.6 Avionics and Electrical Checks. Test the avionics systems. Perform an operational check to ensure the radio(s) transmit and receive on all frequencies. Inspect circuit breakers/fuses, microphones, and antennas for security and operation. Test the emergency locator transmitter for proper operation and battery life. Check electrical systems for operation of lights, instruments, and basic navigation/communication performance. You can check other electrical systems, such as generator/alternator output, during engine run-ins, taxi, and flight tests. Check the battery and the battery compartment for security
2-27 and if applicable, proper venting to the outside of the aircraft. Check the condition of the engine-to-airframe bonding (grounding) wire. Ensure that all electrical instruments operate properly.
2.12.7 C owling and Panel Checks . Ensure that all inspection panels are in place, the cowling is secured, and cowl flap operation is satisfactory. Inspect the propeller spinner and its backing plate for cracks.
2.12.8 Canopy/Door Locks Checks. Ensure the canopy or doors on the aircraft work as intended.
Double check the canopy or door lock(s) so the canopy and doors will not open in flight and disturb the airflow over the wings and stall the aircraft. If a canopy jettison system is installed, check for proper operation when the aircraft on the ground and when it is on jacks. (Jacks will simulate flight loads on the aircraft.)
SECTION 8. WEIGHT AND BALANCE
2.13 Objective. Discuss the importance of developing accurate W&B calculations for both test and recreational flights. You can find additional information on W&B in FAA-H-8083-1, Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook.
2.13.1 Accuracy. A good W&B calculation is the keystone of flight testing. Accurately determining the aircraft’s takeoff weight and ensuring that the CG is within the aircraft’s design for each flight is critical to conducting a safe flight test.
2.13.2 Method. An aircraft should be in a le vel flight position, spanwise and fore and aft, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, when weighed. The FAA highly recommends you weigh the aircraft in an enclosed area, using three calibrated scales. The
2-28 FAA does not recommend bathroom scales because they are not always accurate. Ensure all fuel tanks are empty.
2.13.3 A Word about Lateral Balance. Aircraft lateral balance (side to side) is often overlooked, because in most situations loading an aircraft is a matter of loading ballast in the form of cargo or people inside the aircraft very close to its centerline. The effects on lateral unbalance from a difference in ballast weight inside the aircraft are usually minimal.
2.13.3.1 Aircraft that have fuel in the wings usually have one or more fuel tanks located symmetrically from one wing to the other so lateral balance is not affected. The lateral CG may become important if the fuel load is mismanaged by supplying the engine(s) unevenly from tanks on one side of the aircraft.
Care should be taken when fueling the aircraft evenly so lateral balance is not affected on takeoff unexpectedly. Mismanagement of fuel or uneven fuel loading on aircraft with tip tanks or modified (enlarged or repositioned) fuel tanks can affect aircraft controllability in all phases of flight.
2.13.3.2 An airplane is designed so that the primary flight controls (rudder, aileron, and elevator) are streamlined with the non-movable airplane surfaces when the airplane is in a cruising straight-and-level at normal weight and loading configuration. If the airplane is flying out of that basic balanced condition, one or more of the control surfaces is going to have to be held out of its streamlined position by continuous control input. An improperly balanced airplane requires constant control pressures, produces pilot tension and fatigue, distracts the pilot from scanning, and contributes to abrupt and erratic airplane attitude control. The use of inflight adjustable trim tabs and/or autopilot systems can relieve pilot fatigue but can also mask a potential catastrophic controllability problem until it is too late to take corrective action.
2.13.3.3 Caution should be exercised before undertaking any modification to the aircraft fuel system. Along with fuel flow testing and determining proper fuel line routing, changes in performance in flight maneuvers from changes in the aircraft lateral balance need to be addressed. Phase I flight testing needs to be conducted for any modification that can change the lateral balance of the aircraft.
2-29 Figure 2-5. Empty Weight CG
ITEMS WEIGHT (LBS)
ARM (INCHES) MOMENT (IN-LBS) Left Wheel 101 60 6060 Right Wheel 99 60 5940 Nose/Tailwheel 42 180 7560 TOTALS 242 80.8 19560 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑊𝑊𝑀𝑀𝑊𝑊 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐸𝐸𝑇𝑇𝐸𝐸 𝑊𝑊𝑀𝑀𝑊𝑊 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇 𝐶𝐶𝑊𝑊 OR 19560 242 = 80.83
2.14 Determining Empty Weight CG.
2.14.1 S ample Aircraft. The sample airplane for determining empty weight is a single seat aircraft, with a design empty weight of 242 pounds and a gross weight limit of 500 pounds. The datum line is located at the nose of the aircraft and the CG range is between 69 to 74 inches from the datum.
2.14.2 To Work a CG Problem. Figure the empty weight CG first. On a piece of paper, draw four blocks. Title each block from left to right as shown in Figure 2-5.
2.14.2.1 U nder the block titled “Items,” vertically list “left wheel,” “right wheel,” “nose/tailwheel,” and “TOTALS.”
2.14.2.2 Place a calibrated scale under each wheel and record the weight on each gear, in pounds, in the weight block beside the appropriate wheel.
2.14.2.3 Measure the distance in inches from the datum line, or imaginary point identified by the manufacturer (e.g., nose of the aircraft), to the centerline (C/L) of the three wheels. Record the distance of each wheel and place it in the “arm” block beside the appropriate wheel. See Figure 2-5.
2.14.2.4 Multiply the inches (arm) by the weight on each wheel to get the moment (inch-pounds) for each wheel. Add the weight on the three gears and the three moments in inch-pounds and divide the total weight into the total moment.
The sum is the “empty weight center of gravity” in inches. In the sample case, the empty weight CG is 80.83.
Note: All calculations should be carried out to two decimal places.
2-30 Figure 2-6. Takeoff CG
ITEMS WEIGHT (LBS) ARM (INCHES) MOMENT (IN-LBS) A/C 242 80.8 19554 Pilot 170 65 11050 Fuel 30 67 2010 TOTALS 442 73.8 32614 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑊𝑊 𝑀𝑀 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇 = 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝐶𝐶 𝑊𝑊 OR 32614 442 = 73.8
2.15 Determining Takeoff Weight CG.
1. Since the aircraft’s empty weight and empty weight CG are fixed numbers, the only way an aircraft’s CG can be changed is by adding weight in other locations.
2. For example, in Figure 2-6, the aircraft’s empty weight has been written in the appropriate blocks. The pilot weighs 170 pounds and fuel—5 gallons—weighs 30 pounds.
3. Again, all measurements are made from the datum to the centerline of the object that has been added. Weight multiplied by inches from the datum equals moment. Add the weights and moments to find the takeoff CG for that particular flight.
4. Loaded in this configuration, the aircraft has an aft CG, but is still within the CG flight envelope and is safe to fly. The pilot must consider the effect an aft CG will have on the flight characteristics of the aircraft.
2-31 Figure 2-7. Additional Equipment Added
ITEMS WEIGHT (LBS) ARM (INCHES) MOMENT (IN-LBS) A/C 242 80.8 19554 Pilot 170 65 11050 Fuel 30 67 2010 S/B 15 75 1125 Strobe 1.5 179 268.5 Fuel 1.5 55 82.5 TOTALS 460 74.1 34090 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑊𝑊 𝑀𝑀 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇 = 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑇𝑇 𝐴𝐴 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴 𝑇𝑇 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇 𝐴𝐴 𝑊𝑊ℎ 𝐴𝐴 𝐶𝐶 𝑊𝑊 OR 34090 460 = 74.1
2.16 Additional Equipment Testing.
2.16.1 During flight testing, a strobe battery and handheld radio are added. The battery/battery box weight is 15 pounds and the location is 75 inches aft of the datum. The strobe assembly weight is 1.5 pounds and is located 179 inches aft of the datum. The radio’s weight is 1.5 pounds and is located 55 inches aft of the datum. See Figure 2-7.
2.16.2 In the sample problem, the previous figures for takeoff weight and moment are still accurate, hence those numbers have been listed in the appropriate blocks.
2.16.3 Add the battery, strobe, and radio data in the appropriate locations and calculate the totals. At 465 pounds, the aircraft is still 35 pounds under its design gross weight limit of 500 pounds but is out of balance because the CG has moved 0.3 inches further aft
(74.1 inches) and exceeds the allowable rear CG limit of 74 inches.
2.16.4 Since the aircraft is out of balance with an aft CG, it is no longer stable in pitch and would be dangerous to fly. In most cases, it is not the amount of weight added to the aircraft that can cause a major safety problem but its location.
2.16.5 To bring this aircraft back into the safe CG range, the battery would have to be moved 4 inches forward or 71 inches from the datum line. Another alternative is to install 8 pounds of ballast in the nose, 20 inches from the datum.
2.16.6 If the sample aircraft exceeded the designer’s gross weight limit, such as with a 300-pound pilot instead of the CG limit, its climb, stall, and performance capability would be poor and the possibility for in-flight structural failure would be high.
2-32 Note: In the sample W&B, positive numbers were chosen by placing the datum line on the nose of the aircraft. Some manufacturers prefer to use a datum located somewhere between the aircraft’s nose and the leading edge of the wing.
2.16.7 This kind of datum will set up a system of positive arms, or items located aft of the datum, and negative arms—items located forward of the datum.
2.16.8 When working a W&B problem with negative and positive moments, subtract the sum of all negative moments from the sum of all positive moments to reach a “total moment” for the aircraft.
SECTION 9. PAPERWORK
2.17 Objective. Have the proper documentation and paperwork to conduct the flight test.
2.17.1 W eight and Balance (W&B) . The W&B for the aircraft should be carefully done. The gross weight and CG range should be determined prior to every flight. An equipment list should be developed and maintained to identify the appliances and articles installed in the aircraft at the time of weighing for certification. It should also be kept current as installed equipment changes from additions or removals.
2.17.2 Airworthiness/Registration/Operating Limitations/Placards/W&B. The aircraft is not considered to be in a condition for safe operation if these documents are not on board.
2-33
2.17.3 C hecklists . In addition to the assembly/airworthiness inspection previously discussed in Chapter 2, Section 7, the builder should prepare the following checklists:
1. Preflight;
2. Before starting;
3. Starting the engine;
4. Before takeoff;
5. Takeoff/cruise;
6. Descent/before landing;
7. After landing;
8. Securing the aircraft; and
9. Emergency procedures.
Note 1: A checklist to cover the above procedures may seem a tedious task, but it may only be the size of a 5x8 card similar to a checklist for a Cessna 150 or a Piper Cherokee.
Note 2: The amateur builder should anticipate several revisions to the checklist.
2.17.4 F light Manual . It is imperative that a flight manual describing the anticipated performance of the aircraft be written by the aircraft builder/kit manufacturer. The manual will be revised several times during the flight test phase until it accurately reports the aircraft’s performance, as well as limitations, normal and emergency procedures, and descriptions of those systems installed. Amateur builders should follow community and/or kit manufacturer recommendations for flight manual formatting and content.
2.17.5 Maintenance Records (Logbooks). Operators of amateur-built aircraft are required to maintain a record of the annual condition inspection in accordance with their operating limitations. The FAA recommends that owners record all maintenance (to include inspections) performed in the aircraft’s logbooks. This will create a history of the aircraft’s maintenance and will be invaluable in spotting trends.
2-34 SECTION 10. POWERPLANT TESTS
2.18 Objective. Ensure that the engine has been properly run-in and is safe to operate in all rpm ranges.
2.18.1 T esting . You can conduct an engine pre-oil and cold compression test as follows:
1. Remove the rocker-box covers and one spark plug from each cylinder.
2. Using an external oil pump, or by rotating the propeller in the direction of rotation, pump a substantial supply of oil up from the sump into the rocker arms.
3. When the engine is pre-oiled, run a cold compression test of each cylinder.
4. The results will serve only as an initial benchmark for comparing other compression tests taken after the engine has been run-up to operating temperature.
2.18.2 Ne w/Newly Overhauled Engine Run-In Procedures.
2.18.2.1 Most amateur builders start with a new or newly overhauled engine and proceed to “run it in” on the airframe. This practice is followed because builders usually don’t have either a test cell or a special “club” propeller that is specifically designed to aid in engine cooling during run-in. There are pros and cons to using an airframe to run in an engine, but the best advice has always been to follow the engine manufacturer’s instructions, found either in the manufacturer’s overhaul manuals, service bulletins, or service letters.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions is especially important if the engine has chrome cylinders which require special run-in procedures.
2-35
2.18.2.2 Also, before running-up the engine, be certain that it has the proper grade oil in the sump. Some new and newly overhauled engines are shipped with a special preservative oil to prevent corrosion. Drain this out and service the engine with the correct oil before starting.
2.18.3 U sed Engine Run-In Procedures. Some amateur buil ders install a used engine from a flyable aircraft. The same checks and adjustments as are performed on a new or newly overhauled engine should be conducted on a used engine.
Note: B oth new and used engines require special attention to engine cylinder baffling to ensure cylinder cooling is within the engine manufacturer’s Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) specifications.
2.18.4 Pr e -Run-In Checks.
2.18.4.1 Before beginning the powerplant tests, inspect the engine and propeller carefully. All fuel and oil line connections should be tight. Check the torque on the engine mount attaching bolts. Be certain that there are no tools, hardware, or rags lying between the cylinders or under the magnetos.
2.18.4.2 Check for the proper amount of oil in the engine and that the dipstick gives an accurate reading of the oil quantity. Be advised that some engines are mounted on an angle in TC’d aircraft. These engines have a special oil dipstick, which corrects for the different angle of oil in the crankcase. The same engine, mounted level in an amateur-built aircraft with the original dipstick, will not show the correct oil quantity.
2.18.5 T est and Support Equipment.
2.18.5.1 A CHT gauge is needed to ensure that all cylinders are receiving the proper flow of cooling air.
2.18.5.2 On the newer aircraft engines, the cylinders are drilled and tapped to accept a bayonet-type CHT thermocouple probes. For older engines, the thermocouple is designed like a spark plug washer and fits under a spark plug. It can be installed in any cylinder, under either the top or bottom spark plug.
2.18.5.3 CHT monitors can have multiple thermocouples which may be connected to a selector switch in the cockpit, which the pilot uses to select a cylinder to monitor. This also is an excellent troubleshooting tool for identifying fouled plugs and bad ignition leads.
2.18.5.4 If there is only one CHT thermocouple, attach it to the rearmost cylinder on the right side of the engine, as viewed from the cockpit, and run up the engine.
Run the same test on the opposite rearmost cylinder to be certain the hottest running cylinder is monitored. You also need calibrated oil pressure and oil temperature gauges to test the accuracy of the engine instruments installed in the aircraft.
2-36
2.18.5.5 Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) thermocouple probes, commonly known as EGTs, are becoming popular in amateur-built experimental aircraft. EGTs help monitor the engine and can be an excellent way of determining which spark plug/plug wire requires attention during a magneto check and provides information on the health of the valves and cylinders. Just like CHTs, there can be one for the entire engine or one for each cylinder exhaust pipe. EGT manufacturer installation instructions and cautions should be closely followed.
Accurate readings for EGTs are greatly affected by placement on the exhaust and the relation to airflow around the engine.
2.18.5.6 The following support equipment is recommended to be carried on board the aircraft (not all-inclusive):
• Fifty feet or more of tiedown rope,
• Tiedown stakes,
• Two chocks for each wheel,
• Fire extinguisher,
• Assorted hand tools,
• Safety-wire,
• Cotter-pins,
• Ear and eye protection,
• Grease pencils,
• Logbooks,
• Clip board,
• Pen and paper,
• A watch to time the tests,
• Rags, and
• Manufacturer’s instructions.
2.18.6 Safety Precautions. Before the first engine run, ensure the aircraft is tied down, brakes on, and the wheels are chocked. The builder and flight test team should wear ear and eye protection. All flight test participants should be checked out on fire extinguisher use and operation. During engine runs, do not allow anyone to stand beside the engine, or inline or close to the propeller. Making minor adjustments to a running engine, such as idle and mixture settings, is a very dangerous procedure and should be done with great care by experienced individuals.