RE: [FlyRotary] Re: turbo performance?
This is interesting. In the USA we are not allowed to carry passengers until the 40 hour test period is flown off.
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Perry Mick
<http://www.ductedfan.com>
Not passenger, Perry - Essential crewmember/data recorder. You may carry essential crewmembers during the first 40 hours - however, the FAA just may not look kindly on someone justifying a crewmember simply as a data recorder {:>)
I preferred to call myself a "flight engineer":-). As my test pilot is a 3000 hour bush pilot with previous experience in test flying, but was unfamiliar with the rotary engine, while I'm supposed to be familiar with it, but lack flight experience, the inspector agreed that our plan to have both on board was a wise one.
I should point out that this test pilot isn't somebody that I'm not familiar with. He has been a friend since childhood and more importantly has been my climbing partner for many years on many extreme climbs in both rock and mountaineering. Due to this we've developed a trust and complete understanding of each others abilities and actions. In other words we work well together as a team. I wouldn't have flown this test flight with anybody else.
If anybody thinks that I was simply along for the ride, I must point out that I was actually far busier than I had expected. It was surprising how much attention was devoted to my duties. I only had a moment or two to actually look outside and say "holy ****". Even at this I still didn't get all of the data properly recorded. While I was busy assessing engine performance I had my head in the cockpit confident in the knowledge that at all times my pilot had us positioned to glide to a runway if necessary, while he was confident that I built the engine to the best of my abilities and would keep the fan turning and understood everything that was happening. (hah... I fooled him again :-)
S. Todd Bartrim
Turbo 13B
RX-9endurance
C-FSTB
http://www3.telus.net/haywire/RV-9/C-FSTB.htm
"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
-Albert Einstein
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