Cozy III
Pilot’s Operating Handbook Page 55
speed, and practice controlling pitch so you can put and hold the
desired/selected pitch proficiently. Hold the forearm on the arm
rest and control pitch with the wrist only. Do not over-rotate!
The highest rotation you should see during this or a later flight is
the canard up to, but NEVER above the horizon. Better yet,
keep it always at least 2 degrees below the horizon.
NOTE
If you are accustomed to flying with the stick in your right hand
and the throttle in the left, make your first and subsequent flights
sitting on the right side. Do not transition to the left side until you
are thoroughly accustomed to the aircraft and familiar with its
flying qualities. Transitioning to the left seat is not difficult,
except you will have to concentrate on the fact that your left hand
holds the stick for the first few landings. After that, it's very
natural.
Remember, the first flight of your aircraft is just one baby step up
from the lift-off that you've just completed, and is just the bare
beginning of your flight test program. First flight should again be
made under ideal weather conditions. The weight and c.g.
position should be within the limited envelope shown above for
initial flight tests. This will require adding ballast to the nose.
First flight is not intended to demonstrate the capability of your
aircraft or of the pilot and should be flown very conservatively.
Leave the gear down and give yourself one less thing to worry
about. Limit your airspeed to a range of from 70 knots (80 mph)
to 130 knots (150 mph). Stay over the airport, and resist the
urge to buzz your observers. Buzz jobs on the first flight are
done by fools, never by professional test pilots.
During your climb out, set your pitch and roll trims to trim the
airplane for hands-off flight. This will be a handy reminder of trim
direction, if the airplane needs adjustment. You will notice a
small roll trim change when you reduce power. The airplane will
require more right trim with power off. Limit your first flight to
feeling out roll, pitch, and yaw responses and checking engine
operation, temperatures, pressures, etc. Make your approach at
75 knots (86 mph), and make a slightly fast touchdown (70
knots), leaving full stall landings for later in the test program.
After this first flight, make a thorough system check, clean and
flush the gascolator, electric fuel pump screen, and throttle body
screen. Also remove and clean out carb float bowl. Check the
float needle valve and seat for cleanliness.
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