Van's Air Force Western Canada Wing

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First Flight Technique

For what it’s worth this is how I would handle the first flight.

After satisfying myself that everything with the aircraft is okay, I would get a long-time, experienced A&E to do one last inspection.  Then, I would ask myself if I am ready.  Am I taildragger qualified and current?  Have I got some recent time in an RV-4?  Am I relaxed enough to handle an emergency?  If I have satisfied these requirements, I would pick a day with good weather conditions and no wind so I could land either way on the runway in case of a problem.

With a new or overhauled engine you don’t have the opportunity to do any ground handling practice without the risk of glazing the cylinders.
I feel the greatest risk for any pilot flying a new type for the first time is the unfamiliarity coupled with some kind of emergency.  I know we all want to fly our bird for the first time.  But if we are uncomfortable there is a lot to be said for getting someone you are comfortable with who is willing and is flying the same type—in your case the RV 4—regularly, to do the first flight or so .  This way you can clear all the snags, if any, and do any adjustments necessary before you go for the first time.  This way the only thing on your mind will be flying the aircraft.
On my first flight with C-GHAY, I had to shut it down on the first take-off because I was over controlling with the rudder.  I wasn’t used to that kind of sensitivity, had the tail wheel springs too tight, and most of my recent tail wheel time was on a DC3 (three or four inches of rudder either way didn’t bother the old girl).

Please don’t think I’m telling you how to fly your aircraft.  I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.  In any case  you are ready to launch into one of the greatest experiences of your life.

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