N833DF is coming back on Wednesday. I verified with Matt that the airplane will be ready, so I’m leaving for Georgetown around 6 or 7am so I can get there early.  I’m still working on travel arrangements and logistics, but I’m definitely going and will leave my car there if need be.

The test plan is shown below as it exists in my head. I’m sitting in Vermont this morning, on Beverly’s birthday, waiting for my flight home. I will share this plan with Matt and keep thinking about it as I fly home. During the flight I’ll be reading the normal checklist and Comanche Association Manual on the PA30 to refresh my memory. I have an abbreviated checklist I’ll use in the airplane.

Please leave a comment if you have an idea that would improve my safety during this test, as defined below.

N833DF Flight Test – November 28, 2018

This will be the first flight for this airplane in 26 months, so the process will be slow. The goal is to put an initial minimum 30 minute flight on the engines, ensure that the controls are true, and ensure that there are no leaks nor unexplained vibrations.

Upon landing back at Georgetown, remove the engine cowls and inspect exhaust, fuel, and oil lines. Declare the airplane fit, or repair and repeat.

1. Extensive pre-flight inspection according to the PA30 Manual
a. Ensure controls are FREE and CORRECT
2. Verify Fuel Load and caps secure
3. Drain fuel from all tanks. Ensure plumbing is true and correct, No residual water or debris.
4. Test cowl flap operation and alternate air doors: cables and tightness
5. Power On –
a. Check battery voltage
b. Check all lights
6. Normal Run-up and warm up both engines
7. Parking brake check
8. Ground Radio check #1 and #2
9. Taxi test at low / reasonable speed
10. Brake check
11. Normal Takeoff and Normal Gear Retraction
12. Pitch trim test
13. Rudder trim test
14. Climb to 3000’ and fly just to the east and in the vicinity of KGED
15. Contact Dover for flight following and radio checks.
a. #1 Radio
b. #2 Radio
c. Transponder
16. Straight and level test – no autopilot
17. 30 deg banking turn left and right
18. Steep turns – 45 deg; 60 deg
19. Low speed handling
a. Slow Flight
b. Full Flaps / Gear down
c. Mild turns left and right
20. Clean the wing and Accelerate – Cruise speed check
21. Autopilot test: only to be performed if there are no other issues. Autopilot issues will not be addressed until the airplane is deemed reliable
22. Visual Conditions Only – Practice Instrument approach back into KGED
23. Land
24. Remove engine cowls and inspect for exhaust, oil, fuel leaks. General Condition
25. If all checks are good – fly visually to KILG and put the airplane in the hangar

Return home and do the happy dance…….

Fly Safe!!

By fdorrin

Fully retired now, unless something interesting comes along. I’ve enjoyed a lucrative career as an Electrical Engineer, Certified Software Solutions Developer, and Project Manager. An excellent and fun career that I’m very proud of. I began flying commercially in Dash-8 aircraft for Piedmont Airlines, and moved on to instruct in the Gulfstream 280; WestWind; and Astra jet aircraft. I’ve also been blessed with a type rating in the B-25 bomber in a fortunate turn of events. My wife, Beverly, and I currently own and operate a beautifully restored PA30 Twin Comanche, which we use to explore the CONUS.