I don't know anything about your total flight experience, but, you if you have had transition training in the RV10, you are probably more qualified than 99.9% of the pilots out there.
For what it's worth, some recommendations:
- "Real" test pilots don't just jump into the plane and "aviate all over the place". Flight Testing should be organized and methodical.
Before you fly the first flight, you should put together a flight test plan. Make a list of everything you need to do in the plane and every performance parameter you need to prove out. (THINGS YOU DO: raise/lower flaps, increase/decrease Prop RPM, switch fuel tanks, etc...PARAMETERS: V speeds, engine cooling, cruise speed fuel flows, etc etc)
This plan should list each Ground Test Event and Flight Test Event and the tests (from your list above) that will be done on that event. Prior to each ground test or flight test event a "test card" should be put together for the "test pilot". This is a list of what he/she should test for during that given event. The Test Pilot flies the test card and the results are recorded.
When your testing is complete, everything on your list should be checked off..
- Have you considered moving the plane to Pontiac during your first 10-20 hours? If you have an engine failure right after takeoff there aren't very many good options at 1D2...At Pontiac, if you use Rnwy 27 you depart over white lake and heading west are soon away from the urban sprawl..