Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #48807
From: J H Webb <airmale4@yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Lancair Accidents
Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:35:02 -0400
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
John,

 

    Having done many thousands of stalls power on and off in a great number of experimental aircraft, I have noticed one very important item. That is as you approach the initial stall, first determine how much down elevator response is available.  If the rate of angle of attack reduction decreases significantly as you approach the stall you have a problem that you shouldn't explore further. Further be especially careful with an aft CG location as stall behavior tends to get much worse as the CG is moved aft as do general handling qualities.

    If your airplane maintains a good angle of attack reduction up to the stall (as you get within 5 knots of the stall you must be especially alert), then this being determined, no matter how nasty the stall a quick reduction of angle of attack will allow very quick recovery from roll off and spin tendencies. If you are prompt even in a bad airplane the roll will not exceed 45 degrees. There is one additional thing that requires special attention and that is rudder application to produce good coordination. You must keep the ball within 1/2 ball diameter in most high performance aircraft to maintain benign or reduce the abrupt tendency to roll off to a spin.

    In my previous life, Aerodynamics would take wind tunnel information to determine the best location for flow strip positioning, then from there it was 'cut and try' so I got lots and lots of stall practice. The object was to determine the best location from several stand points. Some of the considerations were improvement in handling, least sensitive location for positioning errors, minimum impact on stall speed, length of flow strip, and size of strip.

    I have spent a lot of time and stalls (no wind tunnel information) determining location, size and length to achieve good handling qualities. With good coordination and proper flow strips the Lancair can have very comfortable stalls.

    Sorry to get so carried away but with a good basic design, stall handling problems can be relatively easily and inexpensively improved. The Lancair is a very good basic design.

 
Jack Webb
L360, LIV
Former Chief Engineering Test Pilot
BSAE

----- Original Message ----
From: John Hafen <j.hafen@comcast.net>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Monday, September 8, 2008 3:31:12 PM
Subject: [LML] Re: Lancair Accidents

Why would you want to practice stalling a plane such as a IVP or IVPT that is quick to enter a spin and may or may not be recoverable?


On 9/7/08 3:08 PM, "Taylor, David" <dtaylor@crescentpark.com> wrote:

Jeff,
 
We agree about 80%,  but I think you’re missing my point about pilot behavior and training and mindset.  (I also need to be more careful about providing you with easy plays on “dead serious” words.)  Lancair pilots need more training – that’s my point too!!!!  But I am saying that we need some concrete recommendations for making this happen.  We disagree about how to get the attention of the Lancair population out there.  I contend that treating them like 8 year olds  is counter-productive.  (they will tune you out.)
 

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