FWIW the FAA inspector (who shall remain nameless) that gave me my airworthiness inspection for my Legacy suggested to me that when I was ready to do the flight tests at gross weight that it made much more sense to have someone in the plane than it did to try and tie down a bunch of sandbags, etc.

His suggestion, when you are ready to do the tests, give your wife a ride.

 

B2

 

 

I am looking for a IVP pilot with >100 hours PIC time make/model to fly with me as copilot in SW Washington State.  Needs to be familiar with LOP operations, preferably having attended the program in ADA OK on this.

 

I need another 12 hours to complete phase I and am flying as PIC.  Currently the airplane is in Kelso and the geographic limits for the phase I range to Bremerton airport to the NW, and maybe some of the strips south of SeaTac would be available as well.  My limits for landing right now require a 4,000 foot runway (call me cautious). 

 

This request is generated by an email from Bob Pastusek informing me that LOBO has negotiated a “pilot” program – pun intended - to allow second pilot in IVP’s during Phase I in order to improve safety of these flights and safety for the make/model in general.  No training is allowed so CFI status for second pilot is not needed.  Can be either flying as copilot or PIC. 

 

What’s in it for me?  I would like more exposure to LOP operations – would like to test my aircraft/engine more now that it is breaking and at different power levels to get better and more complete data than I have now on LOP ops.  Trying to do this while flying the plane is a bit hectic.  Someone with more knowledge and experience with this could be very helpful in gathering, sorting verifying and applying data.  Observations and input on all aircraft systems and performance would be a huge bonus.

 

What’s in it for you?  Good question.  One interesting thing would be exposure to the VP system in a IVP.  Mine is not working perfectly, but it’s very interesting to see what activities the system performs automatically.  Maybe the satisfaction of helping out another newbie? 

 

My timeline is short.  Not sure how long it will take LOBO to get the arrangement approved.  I plan to put more hours on the airplane this next Monday and Tuesday weather permitting.  I’m only flying it in hard VFR conditions right now.  I hope to be finished with phase I within another two weeks – again weather permitting.

 

Regards,

 

John Barrett, CEO

Leading Edge Composites

PO Box 428

Port Hadlock, WA 98339

 

www.carbinge.com