From: "Marvin Kaye" <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Just a couple of tiny little knots...
To: lml
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 09:43:10 -0400
Message-ID: <web-2609116@logan.com>
In-Reply-To: <005401c38753$df1a8b80$0300a8c0@erics1200mhz>
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Posted for "Eric M. Jones" <emjones@charter.net>:

Scott,

As an obviously motivated and intelligent skeptic (a VERY GOOD thing), your 
test needs to be examined carefully and probably repeated.

The following comments regard your test as run.

Data collected: I think the only data needed is how the airspeed changes as 
the weight is incrementally shifted to the rear. This should be done in ONE 
setup with all other variables constant. 
Autopilot: Someone smarter than me should comment on what effect this may 
have. What is your AP connected to anyway? It probably should be aileron and 
rudder only.
Digital level: I'll wager it was never used in this environment. Delete it.
If the airspeed indicator is digital you won't see small changes. 
AOA: Keep this for another test. Simplify.....
>>53 pounds..... transferred to the FS 84 Location
     This may have pass right through the optional weight transfer. From this 
test we can't tell. 
>>The auto pilot requests trim assist... 
     This worries me. 
>>Maybe I am fast because my engine thrust......
     Like Larry's bird with the horiz stab leading edge set too low, there are 
a variety of small differences between aircraft. It's often hard to isolate 
the truth for a specific case.

Here's my suggested test: Arrange a way to transfer in flight, by hose, 5 
gallons of water from the cockpit to the baggage compartment at 1-2 gallons 
per minute. Carefully monitor the TAS and make sure everything stays constant 
while the water is flowing. Repeat a couple of times. Record results.

This will tell you if the effect is real or not and will benchmark the issue. 
The exact numbers can be teased out from there.

Thanks,
Eric M. Jones
www.PerihelionDesign.com
113 Brentwood Drive
Southbridge MA 01550-2705
Phone (508) 764-2072
Email: emjones@charter.net