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Once again we have a case of where the vernacular definition is different
than the legal definition of a word or phrase. In this case "Flight Training"
is the culprit.
Here is how I did it 8 years ago with the full consent, knowledge and blessings
of the local FSDO. A few weeks before first flight I attended a lancair approved
flight training course and received 5.4 hours of dual in N409L.
At that time I was a VFR pilot with 150 hours in my log book, ~50 in high
performance. For the first flight I hired an expert (a very good idea), Mike
DeHate, to test fly N170BR. After about 20 minutes he landed and reported
there were no squawks that required immediate attention so, after lunch,
I took the left seat and Mike accompanied me to verify that I could operate
this particular aircraft safely in various configurations and during all
phases of flight. This comprehensive Check Ride took about
3 hours and Mike's presence in the aircraft was Required for
him to verify, to his satisfaction, that I possessed the required skills
to Safely operate the aircraft throughout its envelope.
Check Rides are NOT Flight Training. Just because the guy in
the right seat is a CFI doesn't mean that your are receiving training towards
a rating.
After the test flight period I did receive additional training in N170BR
which included a High Altitude Endorsement and flight training towards my
IFR rating. My IFR check ride was NOT flight instruction either.
Do go to your FSDO and explain what your are planning and why it is Required
for the Safest operation and how safety is your primary concern
and how not allowing you to do this will require that you send them a letter
asking why they are not interested in safety and then they will have
to respond in writing so you can send their letter to the AOPA lawyers.........you
get the picture. Safety trumps just about everything.
There are lots of places in the FARs that strictly prohibit something.....unless
it is allowed. Night and IFR operations are prohibited in experimental
aircraft... unless they are allowed. Go figure.
Regards
Brent Regan
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