New edition of EAA’s Flight Test Manual offers even more resources for amateur-built aircraft community

The EAA Flight Test Manual, which since 2018 has assisted thousands of pilots in safely and effectively test their amateur-built aircraft or transition to a subsequent-owner aircraft, has been newly released in an updated edition with even more resources available for aviators.

“The experiences of the aviation community who have successfully used the EAA Flight Test Manual in their own aircraft flight tests have helped tremendously in the development of this second edition,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “It builds upon the foundation of the original edition and the knowledge of EAA’s Homebuilt Aircraft Council. The goal is to continue to enhance safety by giving pilots the tools and resources they need to ensure that both the aircraft and the pilot meet the standards required for many hours of safe flight.”

Among the additions to the new edition of the EAA Flight Test Manual are:

- New test cards and revised procedures to reflect modern cockpit technology

- Updates to test cards for clarity and usability

- Additions for use the FAA Task-Based Phase I program

- Information when using the EAA Flight Test Manual to evaluate an already-flying aircraft

The EAA Flight Test Manual provides the guidance and data collection process to bring simplicity to a flight test program. It allows pilots to have a full understanding of an aircraft’s performance, characteristics, and limitations. It is also designed to be a handy reference that accompanies the aircraft for future flights. The manual is one segment of EAA’s work with the FAA on Phase I flight testing program using a requirements-based foundation.

“We have seen accident rates for amateur-built aircraft decline to historic lows, but we continue to be relentless in developing resources for aviators to continue that improvement,” Elliott said. “This has been a hallmark within EAA’s mission for more than 70 years and the new edition of the Flight Test Manual is available to everyone as we further build that safety culture.”

The manual is available online for $22.50 for EAA members and $25 for nonmembers.