Lesson 1/PREPARATION to fly SECTION 2/ AIRPORT SELECTION

Lesson 1/PREPARATION to fly SECTION 2/ AIRPORT SELECTION

FIGURE 1. Runway Length Chart

‘‘An airport should be chosen with the same care and consideration as getting a second doctor’s opinion.’’ Fred Wimberly, EAA Flight Test Advisor (1994)

1. OBJECTIVE. To select an airport to test fly the aircraft.

a. The airport should have one runway aligned into the prevailing wind with no obstructions on the approach or departure end. Hard surface runways should be in good repair and well maintained to avoid foreign object damage (FOD) to the propeller and landing gear. Grass fields should be level with good drainage.

Avoid airports in densely populated or developed areas and those with high rates of air traffic.

The runway should have the proper markings with a windsock or other wind direction indicator nearby.

b. To determine an appropriate runway, use the chart in figure 1 (sea-level elevation), or the following rule-of-thumb:

c. The ideal runway at sea-level elevation should be at least 4,000 feet long and 100 feet wide.

For each 1,000 feet increase in field elevation, add 500 feet to the runway length. If testing a high performance aircraft, the airport’s runway at sealevel should be more than 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide to allow a wider margin of safety.

Other considerations, such as power to weight ratio, wing design, and density altitude, also should be factored into the equation for picking the best runway for the initial flight testing.

d. Identify emergency landing fields located within gliding distance from anywhere in the airport pattern altitude. Since engine failures are second only to pilot error as the major cause of amateur-built aircraft accidents, preparations for this type of emergency should be a mandatory part of the FLIGHT TEST PLAN.

e. It is advisable to perform flight tests from an airport with an active unicom or tower, even if the aircraft does not have an electrical system or is not equipped with a radio. Even at an uncontrolled field, a communications base should be improvised.

For both situations, a hand held radio with aviation frequencies and a headset with a mike and a push to talk switch on the stick/yoke is recommended.

Good radio communications improves the overall level of safety and reduces cockpit workload.

f. The FAA recommends airport selection criteria include the availability of hangar space and ramp areas. These facilities will provide protection from inclement weather and vandalism while the aircraft is being tested, maintained, and inspected.

g. The airport should have a telephone and fire fighting equipment, the latter being in compliance with relevant municipal codes (e.g., fire codes).

h. Explain the Flight Test Program and EMERGENCY PLANS to the airport manager or owner. They may be able to assist the amateur builder in obtaining temporary hangar space, providing ground/air communications, and supplying emergency equipment for use during the flight test.