The task-based Phase I flight testing program is an alternative to the standard 25 or 40-hour flight testing requirement for amateur-built aircraft, replacing the hours-based test period with a list of tasks to complete, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Experimental Aircraft
FAA rescinds controversial flight training policy
The FAA has published a Notice of Policy in the Federal Register confirming that letters of deviation authority (LODAs) are no longer required for most flight training in experimental aircraft where the use of the aircraft is not being compensated.
The Cheshire Cat takes flight
Mike Daniel’s new airplane is called the Cheshire Cat, with the idea that the Carbon Cub FX-3 is his guiding force to take him through the wonderland of backcountry flying.
Picture of the Day: Hencho 01 ready for takeoff
German Torres submitted this photo and note: “My airplane is ready to make its first flight. Similar to a Coyote 6, it is named Hencho 01. It was built by Hector Evans. We are in San Antonio de Areco, near Buenos Aires, Argentina.”
First flight: Electric Sky Jeep
A firm based at Old Buckenham Airfield in Norfolk, England, has been working on the electric Sky Jeep, which is based on a Zenith CH-750, for the past three years.
Number of fatal accidents in homebuilts ticks up
For the federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022, the FAA reported there were 56 fatal accidents in experimental category aircraft over the preceding 12 months, including 39 in amateur-built aircraft. That compares to 42 total accidents — 33 in amateur-built aircraft — during the 12-month period between October 2020 and September 2021.
First flight for first kit-built Bearhawk Model 5
Besides the successful first flight of the Bearhawk’s newest model, the company reports that a pilot flying a Bearhawk Patrol took first place in the 2022 Northeast STOL series.
Honey, I shrunk the Mustang
The P-51 Mustang has long been at the top of most pilot’s list of planes they’d like to own, but with an average price of well over $2 million, only a few can afford to live that dream. Enter the new ScaleWings SW-51 from Germany, a 70% Mustang replica that debuted in the U. S. in 2022.
CubCrafters goes public
For the first time in its 40-year history, CubCrafters is allowing the public to invest in the company. The grassroots initiative allows investors to invest starting at $400.