Original Posted By: Mike Cunningham
Just a few misc. thoughts....The 40 hours the FAA gives us to fly solo in our Piets once they havebeen signed off in the 'test area' is an excellent thing. I dreadedthetime I'd have to wait to take my first passenger- but lots learnedduringthat time. Lots of things you get used to, adjust, fix, etc. Youfindout how it can be loaded lightly but a tailwind cuts your climb in halfjust because you forgot to check the wind which shifted during the pastfew hours.... In my case after 4.5 years all building and little flying, I was very rusty. About 5 hours of J-3 time helped get me ready.But even last week I forgot to 'clear a turn' and found a banner towingairplane nearby. Very nearby. When you get your test time flown off and you start taking passengersyou look at your CG chart and mentally note the configuration that willput you in trouble. The FAA told me to intentionally fly the plane atbothCG extremes and do stalls there to fully become familiar with the planeshandling qualities. Not to exceed those numbers,but to fly it within thelimits. You can use sand bags, people, small people first, biggerlater, etc. Also how hot is it ? Is the ground hard or soft ?? Is therunway sloped uphill or down ? Do I need to burn more fuel beforetaking the parents for rides ?? How far down the runway can I touchand still do a touch and go if I need to ? Even since the 40 hours havebeen flown off I'm still learning. Learning that you can become tooyoua long time ago come back during the test time. You are not onlytestinga new machine, but your skills and common sense. The 40 hours really help youdefine how your plane will do at your field elevation with you at thecontrols. (besides, it sure is fun) Mike C. ________________________________________________________________________________