Here in Australia we have a provision for Phase 1 testing that if an aircraft is complex enough in terms of its systems and such, the "Authorized Person" (a CASA delegate) who issues the initial C of A can also authorize limited flights with a qualified co pilot to manage and monitor the systems while the pilot puts the plane through its paces. (Not sure, but the practice may have originated for restored complex warbirds, transports, etc.)
This is how I flew mine, with a skilled professional pilot with lots of Lancair experience in the right seat. Good thing, too since the engine monitor and Chelton put out lots of alarms initially and he could watch and assure me that everything was OK, merely a case of setting some limits too low and learning to ignore terrain warnings at our small local airport (not in the data base). It is the smart way to go, if you can. He could also provide lots of verbal assurances and guidance as I muddled around for the first few hours. Extremely valuable.
Fred Moreno
-------Original Message-------
Date: 9/06/2012 11:03:31 PM
Subject: [LML] Re: Copilot in IVP for last hours Phase I
Bill,
This arrangement for the FAA to "allow" a second qualified pilot in the cockpit during Phase I testing of Experimental-Amateur Built (E-AB) aircraft is not yet a done deal. The FAA leadership has offered to allow it on an "exceptional" basis for Lancair aircraft and we're working hard to take them up on this. EAA is strongly supporting this and would like to take advantage of it for all E-AB aircraft. We agree with this but must take sure and careful initial steps. IF we mess this up, the idea will be set back many years...
We'll take a bow if and when it's actually accomplished.
Bob Pastusek
For LOBO
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2012 9:07 AM
Subject: [LML] Re: Copilot in IVP for last hours Phase I
John: Thats a damn good idea. I'd be happy to fly right seat with you if you ever get down to the bay area. Dont really care for your
weather way up north there.. Good Luck. Bill H.
P.S. to Bob Pastusek. WOW, thats the best idea thats come out of LOBO so far. Someone should get a pat on the back for that one. : - )
> 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
>
>
>
>
>
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