Rocketsurgeon

I recently started flying an Epic LT. Great aircraft, however this is my first time flying an experimental aircraft. I just got through training with an old factory rep however there was very little info on the systems and "recommended" airspeeds and what not. Does anyone know anything about where to get some of this info? I would like to make some sort of POH for the aircraft.

r0cknry

You went through training with a factory rep and didn't think to ask him? What exactly did your training consist of then? That's a pretty capable aircraft, if you don't know basics like airspeeds then you probably shouldn't be flying it yet!

JohnBurke

In experimental aircraft, the specific airspeeds are often particular to the aircraft, rather than the type of aircraft. That data is supplied by the aircraft manufacturer, and the manufacturer is the builder.

Depending on the construction, the particular airplane you're flying may have unique habits, procedures, or limitations.

John Denver didn't need a generic AFM for the Long EZ, but he did need specific knowledge of the specific aircraft he purchased, and it's unique fuel system characteristics.

Your best information comes from the manufacturer, which isn't the kit supplier, but the builder. That said, if you have a kit supplier demonstration pilot who has experience with the model of aircraft (being in mind that each individually built experimental aircraft should be considered a unique model), that person may be a great source for general info on your product.

Be careful when developing a handbook for an experimental aircraft, as you buy into a duty and "liability" associated with everything that it contains, and the consequences thereof.

Rocketsurgeon

r0cknry, thanks for your response. We went through a lot of systems as you would when learning a new aircraft. However there are very few descriptions on paper as you would see in a typical certified aircraft. Most of the systems knowledge is from taking the cowl off and looking at every line, switch and panel that you have access to as well as a discussion of how they work. This is great to do but 6 months from now I'm not going to remember all of the details. We also went through procedures ad nauseam, again there is very little written down so it's mostly all memory. As far as the airspeeds go I have not seen any documentation at all. The only help here is the airspeed bugs and arcs built into the avionics by the chief pilot as well as being told what the design gear and flap speeds are as well as best glide, Vy, Vx etc.

What I'm looking for is some kind of documentation.

Rocketsurgeon

Thanks John. I appreciate your incite.