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Post by Bruce on Dec 13, 2010 16:59:32 GMT 12
I have had some bad news today that my intended test pilot for ZK-CKE has had to decline as his airline rosters had changed and he is no longer available. I am therefore now without a test pilot and CKE isn't going anywhere.  I have run out of ideas who to ask. CAA rules require someone with at least a PPL, who is experienced and Current in a similar aircraft (Cub, Citabria, C180 etc) and who is familiar with the requirements of test flying (Although not necessarily with previous experience). From my point of view, I need someone in the Waikato region, who has a bit of time available over summer. A B Cat flight instructor would be preferred as it would allow me to do my BFR in the aeroplane when it comes due next. It must be stressed that the previous pilot did not withdraw due to any concerns about the aircraft - it has a C of A and the engineers are happy with it. High Speed taxi runs do not show any problems. I would really appreciate any leads as to suitable people as I'm really at the end of the line myself..... send a PM if you have any ideas (Or wish to volunteer!) |
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Post by DragonflyDH90 on Dec 13, 2010 18:49:21 GMT 12
I would be happy to do it for you Bruce but its a little too far for me.
I have a couple of machines to do over the next couple of months and another in the mix wouldnt be a problem. Have you tried Richard Hood, how about Dave Phillips, Phil Hooker, what about Andrew Hope. Most of these guys are pretty busy but you may be lucky.
How about Noel Kruse??
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Post by sqwark2k on Dec 15, 2010 20:16:37 GMT 12
Is this the 40hr "test" requirement??
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Post by Bruce on Dec 15, 2010 20:50:51 GMT 12
Yes, the test flying period is 40hrs, but i am working with CAA to determine if I can do the "reliability" and data logging phase myself. The key thing is the initial limitations testing (approx 10 hrs)
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Post by Bruce on Dec 15, 2010 20:54:50 GMT 12
Oh, and thanks for the suggestions guys, I will consider some, however having a test pilot from Auckland or Tauranga really isn't going to work considering the number of hours required. Waiting several weeks between flights would put the completion of test flying somewhere in 2014!
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Post by sqwark2k on Dec 16, 2010 15:58:46 GMT 12
There'll be plenty of experienced pilots at the Walsh Camp (Matamata) in jan that could knock off a few hours here & there. A couple of guys sharing the job in their spare time could do most if not all in the 14 days they're there.
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Post by rbwannabe on Dec 19, 2010 15:06:37 GMT 12
The person doing this job has to have specific CAA approval to do the test flying on "that" aircraft. It is not normal to have more than one or two approved persons.
Whilst I am sure that there will be many experienced Pilots at Walsh, and most of them would be more than capable of doing the test flying, it is not quite as easy as rocking up and saying "here go fly my plane and see what you think".
Added to that is the fact that Bruce's aircraft is a "one off", meaning it has to be tested from scratch with no data from other Aircraft of the same type, and you have to treat it as though anything and everything can go wrong at any-time.
Off course I'm sure (and having seen the Aircraft) that all will be fine on the day.
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Post by Bruce on Dec 19, 2010 16:19:58 GMT 12
Cheers Richard, the test pilot business definitely isn't straight forward! I had a good chat with the CAA guys last week - they are actually really helpful when it comes to plotting a path through the somewhat twisted and confusing rules. I have had a top rate and very experienced pilot offer his services, but before I accept his offer (subject to CAA being OK with him) I have to get clarification about the issue of a type rating on completion of test flying. This chap knows his stuff, but he isn't an instructor so he cant issue ratings. CAA have said I can do the second half of test flying, but cant say whether that will entitle me to a type rating in the same way the person doing the first bit is. The rule isnt too clear - I interpret it as saying yes, but CAa arent too sure! I should find out their official interpretation on Monday... And I would still have to go through the fiasco of getting a B Cat instructor rated in the future so I can do my BFR in the aircraft. In reality our type rating system is very frustrating when it comes to homebuilts, I'd like to see the US system where aircraft under a certain weight don't require the PIC to have a type rating. In the meantime, here is a video of a walkaround and engine run - just to get prospective pilots interested!  www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1630135445220&comments |
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Post by Bruce on Dec 21, 2010 15:04:50 GMT 12
The chap I had lined up to do the test flying has had to pull out due to "domestic pressure" so I am back to square one. I Still require a suitable pilot from Hamilton or surrounds with a bit of time available. Either that, or does anyone want to buy a unflown one-off homebuilt? I need to fly it in the next week or so, as I am paying to hold my space in a hangar at Te Kowhai.
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pestar
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by pestar on Dec 24, 2010 18:59:13 GMT 12
Regarding test flying your new machine. If you have a PPL during its test phase your are permitted to self rate yourself. After talking to Rex Kenny CAA this is my understanding. Reason for my clarification is that my DynAero MCR-4S hopefully will be flying February and as I am not rated in NZ find myself in this predicament. I asked Rex how does one get around this and he gave me this advice. In the fly-off phase the plane is classed as experimental and you fly it as a nominated test pilot. 5 hours is considered sufficient for your self rating.
Trust this help.
Cheers Peter
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Post by Bruce on Dec 24, 2010 20:56:05 GMT 12
The rating issue was resolved with CAA to my satisfaction, however I do not meet the CAA requirements to carry out the initial test flying, especially as it is first of type. The bad news is that as of this afternoon when CAA closed for the Christmas break, I havent been able to sort the pilot for the initial phase. Even if I sorted one tomorrow, I have missed the window as I cant sort the test pilot approval until CAA get back on Jan 10th, and by then I'm back at work so restricted to weekends. Nothing is going to happen now until mid - late January at the earliest. Pretty gutted by the whole thing really, spoiled my Christmas |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 24, 2010 21:06:54 GMT 12
Damn, that's such a shame Bruce. You've had a real run of bad luck with delays on this aircraft that are all pretty much out of your hands. Sorry to hear it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2010 9:39:34 GMT 12
I'm very sorry to hear that Bruce, it was a real thrill seeing the Avian taxi about under her own power at the gathering in January. But as they say, accentuate the positive (I don't know anyone else who has designed and built their own aircraft!) and eliminate the negative, well done and keep an eye on things to happen in 2011 :-) My warmest wishes to you.
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