EAA Is Working To Allow An Additional Crew Member During Phase 1 Flight Testing Of A New Homebuilt Aircraft

For those of you that are not familiar with the test flight requirements of a newly certified homebuilt aircraft, here’s a brief review. Every new homebuilt airplane must go through what is called "phase 1 flight testing." The amount of test flying time is specified in the operating limitations. As it stands now, only the test pilot may be onboard during this testing. However, EAA is working to allow a 2nd pilot to be onboard under certain conditions.

The FAA is inviting public comments on a new EAA-supported program designed to give homebuilders better access to safety and flexibility during Phase 1 flight testing. The Additional Pilot Program will be an option available to builders of kit planes that meet certain basic criteria that allows them to carry an additional pilot during Phase 1 flight testing.

Under the program, an experienced pilot who meets certain qualifications may be added during the first eight hours of Phase 1 testing, and before the aircraft and builder complete a series of flight-test objectives to establish the fundamental airworthiness of the aircraft and the familiarity of the builder to the aircraft. Thereafter, the Additional Pilot standards relax to allow most current pilots to fly with the builder as an observer, provided there is a stated purpose for the observer’s role in the flight.

“By adding an appropriately qualified additional pilot during Phase 1 flight testing – particularly early in the process, we will mitigate the possibility of a loss of control, which is the dominant factor in fatal accidents during that time,” said Sean Elliott, EAA vice president of advocacy and safety. “This optional program allows a homebuilt aircraft builder or owner to remain involved in the flight-test program with an additional layer of safety.”

Any aircraft built from a kit listed on the FAA’s Revised Listing of Amateur-Built Aircraft Kits with fully functioning dual controls and a powerplant “recommended, supported, or provided by the kit manufacturer” is eligible. The aircraft must also complete basic pre-first-flight tests, most notably fuel flow testing.

A builder or owner of an aircraft meeting the above criteria may request an operating limitation enabling the use of the Additional Pilot Program. The program itself is described in a draft FAA advisory circular, numbered AC 90-APP. The program may be used on any flight during Phase 1 flight testing, at the builder/owner’s option.

The draft of AC 90-APP is currently available for review. The public comment period is open through July 29, 2014. EAA will also be providing additional information on this program in a July 17 webinar and at an EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 forum presentation scheduled for Monday, July 28, at 11:30 a.m. in Forum Building 10.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.eaa.org