Quote:
Originally Posted by speede5
I am making assumptions, but normally lift increases with speed, and this would be one way to keep the nose down.
Another thing pilots like to do is fly with nose down trim to put some weight on the stick making it easier to control, positive trim takes all the minor jitters out of the controls and makes the plane more stable. Aerobatic pilots in particular do this, not so sure about air races but it would have it's place. Most of the Snowbirds fly the show with a considerable amount of nose down trim for this reason, the Blue angels actually wrap bungee cords around the stick pulling it forward to give them a positive feel, since the computer compensates when they trim it nose heavy.
It could have been a balance tab, but that wouldn't have caused the elevator to move, it would have made the pilot work harder, thats about it.
|
I currently fly aerobatics in a Super Decathlon and am transitioning to a Pitts S-1S. I always have medial forward trim on the aircraft when doing acro for the reasons you specify, more control feel, particularly when pulling. In straight and level, non aerobatic flight you want to be trimmed for straight and level flight which reduces fatigue. I always have a little forward trim when landing in any aircraft as the slight resistance provides more feel and control during the flare.
When the NTSB finishes their investigation report I can assure you the departure of the elevator trim tab will be primary cause of the accident. It was the catalyst for the events that followed. Trim tab failure at 500 MPH - instantaneous 10+G pull (rumored to be 12) - pilot incapacitated - high speed stall at low altitude with no aircraft control. The aircraft nearly did a reverse half cuban 8 before impact.
The Blue's actually have a forward force of 40 pounds on their sticks which they must overcome just for straight and level flight, they don't wear G suits nor use oxygen for their performances. They rock !!