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In a message dated 6/28/2002 4:59:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time, pdavis@bmc.com writes:
<<<...When preparing for that first flight have any of you, or do any
of you plan, to test-run the engine with the airplane inclined (say
by having the tail held down?...>>>
Paul:
Because of the high numbers of (known) accidents during initial flight testing phases, in September 1989 the FAA published an advisory circular (AC-90-89) entitled "Amateur-Built Aircraft Flight Testing Handbook". Although a bit skimpy, it provided lots of valuable information, including a page on pre-first-flight testing of fuel systems and engine operation in general (just as you have suggested).
There was an update to that AC in May of 1995. As of my 1998 list, that's the latest (AC-90-89-A), but in four years, there may have been another. Very worthwhile to have.
I am continually surprised at the number of builders who just go out and take off on their first flight, with a completely new airplane coupled with a new, untested engine installation.
As for engine testing prior to first flight, we offer a complete run-in and testing program for aircraft engines on our computerized dyno, with prop and baffling for full cooling (see example at http://www.epi-eng.com/engsys1.htm, very bottom of the page).
Contact jack@epi-eng.com off line if interested.
Jack Kane
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