January 5, 2023

The Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) that I selected was Brad Roon from Loveland, CO.  I had a lot of questions about the FAA airworthiness inspection process which Brad was very patient in answering over the previous two to three months prior. A review of all the required documentation, followed by a physical inspection of the aircraft along with a zoom meeting with his FAA representative, resulted in an issuance of the Airworthiness Cert for N675RM on Jan 5. of 2023

January 12, 2023

I performed the first flight of the aircraft a week later, after finish installation of all inspection plates, covers and the cowl.  The single runway at Durango—LaPlata County airport (elevation 6689 ft) is 9,200 feet long, allowing for a considerable takeoff margin for this first series of flights starting with a couple high-speed taxi runs then a first liftoff and circuit around the pattern. No major issues were noted with great handling on this first flight and all engine instruments in the green.

February 19, 2023

Phase 1 flight testing was complete at the last flight ending with 40.1 hours marking the end of nearly 3 years of effort and 2450 hours of construction. Some trim issues were identified and corrected during this phase and now the project has moved into Phase 2, with the ability to move beyond the flight area and into flight operations.

THE END!