5/24/95
AC 90-89A
loosing altitude so it is necessary to climb back up to 5,000 feet AGL to continue further flight testing. Do not get so involved that the overall objective of the first flight is lost -- which is getting the pilot and aircraft safely back on the ground.
which most pilots will correct by using opposite aileron. If allowed to continue, and with back pressure on the stick, this will result in a cross-control stall and a roll to a near vertical bank attitude at the beginning of a spin with no altitude left for recovery.
(10) The FLIGHT TEST PLAN for the first flight should call for a maximum of 1 hour of actual flight time. This is to reduce pilot fatigue and the possibility of an engine failure or airframe malfunction occurring due to vibration or construction errors.
(12) On final approach, the aircraft speed should be no less than 1.3 but no more than 1.4 times the recorded ‘‘first flight’’ pre-stall speed. Homebuilt biplanes (high drag) should use an approach speed of 1.5 x stall speed on landings.
NOTE: The pilot may elect to make several practice approaches to landing at altitude or low approaches to the active runway to get a solid understanding of the lower airspeeds, aircraft attitude, and overall feel of the aircraft in the landing configuration. Before each low approach at the airport, the tower/ UNICOM/chase plane should be advised of the pilot’s intentions. Avoid other traffic in the pattern, and use the landing checklist.
(13) Landings, especially the first one in an amateur-built or kit plane, are always exciting. Proceed slowly and do not over control. If the landing conditions are not ideal, be prepared to go around.
(11) When the pilot has completed all the tests called for by the FLIGHT TEST PLAN, notify the tower/UNICOM/chase plane of the intent to land. Complete the landing checklist before entering downwind. Keep all turns less than 20 degrees of bank, but do not cross-control by using the rudder to move the nose. This will increase the bank angle,
(14) The actual touchdown should take place within the first 1,000 feet with braking action being applied before the red (abort) flag marker on the runway. (15) After taxiing in, secure the aircraft, debrief the flight with members of the team, then together perform a careful post-flight inspection of the aircraft. NOTE: Remember to allow enough time to absorb what has been learned about the aircraft’s performance and the pilot’s and ground crew’s responses to it.
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