Where were they going?

[Lawyerboy]

Yesterday on my way back from a rather hot and bothered flying lesson in Hertforshire I was parked in the car park of the Feathers Inn in Wadesmill (just south of High Cross on the A10) at about 2:30pm when 6 Yaks (or at least they looked like Yaks) passed overhead east to west in formation at about 1500 feet. One by one they rolled inverted and then snapped back the right way around again. Distinctly impressive, but where were they headed, anyone know? My guess is they were out of North Weald, perhaps?

Which brings me to another question - would it be possible to roll my PA38 inverted (note I ask whether it would be possible, not whether it would be advisable)?

[Tinstaafl]

Yes, it's possible. No, it is not advisable.

Any a/c that has roll authority can roll inverted.

The a/c isn't certified for aerobatics - in part, defined as rolls beyond 60 deg AoB.

It hasn't an inverted fuel system so once you achieved -ve 'g' the engine would stop.

NB: I'm referring to a roll around the a/c axis, not a barrel roll. In which case the engine won't stop but you still will have exceeded the a/c's certification.

Also the non-aerobatic seat belt may not be adequate to keep you in the seat. Rather awkward to retain control when you're squashed upside down against the canopy. Especially if those brilliant PA38 door latches should fail to stay... er .... latched.


[This message has been edited by Tinstaafl (edited 25 June 2001).]

[Al Titude]

The Yaks might have been the infamous display team the 'Aerostars' aka the Pornstars, not least because most of the operators have dodgy moustaches!