4 - CAP 222 Flight Tests The CAP 222 manufacturer's flight tests were completed at the end of 2000 by spin tests. Because of pour weather conditions in eastern France we moved our test team to Cordoba in southern Spain. It was an opportunity to test the incredible range of the CAP 222 and to carry out a first with a competition aircraft: the direct flight from Darois to Cordoba took 5h20' at an average speed of 160knots. In someways it is easier to conduct spin tests on a competition stunt flying aircraft than on a conventional private plane. In fact, because of the absence of flaps or retractable gear, there are fewer test configurations. On the other hand, having to test six spin turns, positive and negative, coupled with different flight command positions or engine parameters, ended up creating a rather interesting matrix of spins. Before analyzing the aircraft during numerous spins, we used a miniature digital camera which filmed towards the nose of the aircraft. The recorded images make it possible to see the exterior, of course, but also the instruments showing flight control, joystick and rudder bar positions. You can download a video by clicking on this link.

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