Printer-friendly version of this topic Bookmark this topic (Registered users only)	Previous Topic | Next Topic
VPC Forums Aerobatics and Air Shows

Current Message

aboyd Certificates/Ratings/Crew Stations: 1. "RE: Flaps...." 06-06-02, 17:16z  I think you can come closer to answering your question if you back up a moment, and consider what flaps do. This is somewhat complex, as flaps come in many variations: split, slotted, fowler, etc. Keeping the above in mind, as a very rough rule of thumb, up to 15 degrees, flaps increase lift (reduce stall speed) at the cost of increased drag. Beyond 15 degrees, you get very little increase in lift, but an increase in drag. If you have the power (eg C182) to overcome the drag, you can use some flaps on takeoff to improve your angle of climb. Also keeping in mind that a number of people die every year on the infamous base-to-final turn, I might recommend a "normal" pattern procedure of 1500 rpm on downwind, flaps 15, then turn base. Too low, increase power. Too high, reduce power, sideslip. Why not more flap when too high? Well, the problem is that if you apply 40 degrees of flap too early, and start to sink, you will end up having to drag it in with substantial power, as no one likes to raise flaps on final. I know that sideslips are unfashionable these days, but the wonderful thing about a sideslip is that you can get rid of the drag - unlike dropping flaps. Also unfashionably, I do not like being out of gliding distance of the runway, when I am at low altitude and my choices are limited. Flaps of 15 to 40 degrees increase drag, and allow you to approach steeply over obstacles without airspeed increasing. Most of us don't normally approach steeply over obstacles. Another advantage of flaps 15 is that you can overshoot much more safely, and are more controllable in a crosswind. Given the plethora of aircraft types and the wide variety of conditions under which they operate (eg very cold temps) it's hard to come up with a one-side-fits-all answer. Do what works for you in your aircraft at your airport Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Table of Contents

Subject      Author      Message Date     ID      Flaps....    DHamblin       06-06-02              RE: Flaps....    aboyd       06-06-02       1            RE: Flaps....    DHamblin       06-06-02       2         RE: Flaps....    avbug       06-07-02       3            RE: Flaps....    DHamblin       06-07-02       4                 RE: Flaps....    CRodin       06-07-02       8         RE: Flaps....    jerryrosie       06-07-02       5            RE: Flaps....    Ben_Chiu       06-07-02       7                 RE: Flaps....    DHamblin       06-08-02       10         RE: Flaps....    Ben_Chiu       06-07-02       6            RE: Flaps....    DHamblin       06-08-02       9                 RE: Flaps....    avbug       06-08-02       11                      RE: Flaps....    DHamblin       06-08-02       12         RE: Flaps....    Patty_Wagstaff       06-12-02       13            RE: Flaps....    DHamblin       06-12-02       14

Forums | Topics | Previous Topic | Next Topic