Phase 1 Complete!

“Phase 1” is the testing phase.  For a certain number of hours (40 in our case) after certification, the airplane is restricted: can go only 50 nm from the home airport, no passengers, daytime only, VFR only, and no flying over congested areas.  You also have to test the airplane to ensure it has no dangerous handling characteristics (at different weights and center of gravity positions) and to also figure out how it performs (e.g. best climb  and descent speeds).  Well, I’m done with that now.  No more flying sand bags.  Time for Kelly to get a ride.