Now that it's built, how well will it fly? Flight Testing Homebuilt Aircraft tells how to test such aircraft systematically and safely, with professional results. It defines flight testing as a four-phase step-by-step process of learning the limitations of an aircraft; defining and eliminating aircraft problems; and determining aircraft capability and optimum flying techniques - all with minimum risk to pilot and machine. With straightforward description and more than 80 illustrations, the book teaches builders to use this process to design thorough, safe flight tests customized to specific aircraft in specific testing environments.

This official aviation publication presents suggestions and safety-related recommendations to assist amateur and ultralight builders in developing individualized aircraft flight test plans.

*Covers lightplane performance flight testing methods, measures, and computer applications *Includes CD-ROM with sample spreadsheets containing equations to help readers perform their own flight tests *Describes GPS (Global Positioning System) test method for airspeed calibration and rapid-wind camera method for takeoff performance

Annotation The measurement of performance during an airplane's flight, testing is one of the more important tasks to be accomplished during its development as it impacts on both the airplane's safety and its marketability. This book discusses performance for both propeller-driven and jet aircraft.