What can the negatives be ?

[5dracing]

I found a new never flown Sonerai LT. It was a long build and was completed a few years ago. The plane has maybe 1 hour of flight time and less than 80 hours on the engine. The engine came from a donor quickie II. The airframe appears to have been constructed very well, no sloppy welds, nice paint and craftsmanship. The builder is about two hours away. Sooo, this is when I get nervous, the 40 hours need to be flown off. Therefore I was thinking....and I have not read anything about what is required for the initial flights or the 40 hours.

What happens if during the initial flights that something needs to be changed. Does the original builder have to be the person to make the changes?

If I am not the builder can I perform maintenance on the airframe and engine?

That's what I can think of for now.

[racegunz]

My first plane was a crashed rans that only had 9 hours, once you get the operating limitations ammended so that the restricted area is where you will be testing, then it's all you if you need to change anything you do so and log it. I am learning though that if you don't know an A/P REALLY well think twice about buying someone elses experimental. A/P's don't have to give you the leeway that you're supposed to have in an experimental most that i know hold them to the same standards as certified, I got into an argument yesterday about struts forks Piper has an AD on older 7/16 strut forks so apparently the new ones from Aircraft Spruce will have to be magnafluxed every year if he's to sign off on the conditional ect. ect. Sorry about the rant but you get the idea. You legally can do all the work, doesn't mean anyone will sign off on your work next conditional. Good Luck!

[schrome]

FAA advisory circular 90-89A gives suggestions for a flight test program, but I doubt whether many people follow it. You can pretty much do what you want for 40 hours, within the phase 1 operating limitations.

Racegunz makes a good point: you can modify the airplane but once a year an A&P will have to inspect it, so it's best to consult with him before you do anything major. You can also get the original builder to perform the inspections, assuming he has the repairman's certificate.

Good luck,
Ed

[racegunz]

Actually I did use the FAA A/C to test mine although rather loosely, the stability checks and how they are accomplished were great info for a new pilot. Good advice to download a copy and read up.
Call the original inspector/DAR that issued the A/W cert. see if he will ammend your test area bypass the FSDO if at all possible FAA truly stands for "Forever Against Aviation". Advice from someone who recently learned about exactly what you are considering. I bet some of the more experienced ones on here will chime in with good advice as well. :-)

[5dracing]

Thanks guys, I found the FAA info online and downloaded it. We have an AP here that really helps those that have Experimentals. My main concern was that I would need to have the builder make the changes and we will be over 2 hours away from each other.

Schrome I believe I met you about 2 tears ago at your hanger in a driving rain to see if I fit in a Sonerai. Still trying to make this reality.

[schrome]

Glad to hear you're making progress. You'll be happy when you fly one.

Ed

[bil438]

You don't mention what type of engine the Quickie had. If it had a Jabiru 2200, may I suggest you contact me off line. My SII LS has that engine. It's been quite an adventure. Two local Quickies have the Jab 2200 engine.

[5dracing]

The engine is a VW 1835. I may now have another option for a different plane. Decisions, decisions !!!

[bill]

i have just completed my sonerai ll mid wing tail drager, im waiting to have a dar inspect such, this plane is registered as plans built, but i used a airframe and wings that were bought as parts, the airframe is built to plans except for a mooney type rudder, and the wings are composition, flared at the root, and look like they came off a P 51, this plane was lic. and flying in the mid 80"s {approx. 300 hrs } am i looking for trouble if i try to fly this thing