The EAA Flight Test Manual (Version 2) offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to testing your homebuilt aircraft. This manual is designed to ensure that your aircraft is thoroughly tested and understood by guiding you through each phase of the flight testing process.
What sets this program apart is the use of test cards, which break down each flight into manageable, point-by-point tasks, simplifying data collection and ensuring thorough coverage. Builders using this manual will gain a complete understanding of their aircraft's performance, handling characteristics, and limitations, as well as the data needed to create a detailed operating handbook. For new or significantly altered designs, the manual will help you create a tailored flight-test plan. We also recommend consulting with an experienced test pilot when needed. Thanks to EAA’s advocacy on behalf of the homebuilt aircraft community, the program outlined in this manual now satisfies the FAA’s Task-Based Phase I policy, as detailed in FAA Advisory Circular 90-89C. Instead of completing a traditional 25- or 40-hour flight-test period for experimental aircraft, you can follow this task-based program, and once the outlined tasks are complete, flight testing is finished. |
Please note, Aircraft Spruce Australia's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce Australia assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.