Only have one data point to support the advice given by SAS and SND: In 1970 took a CH-54 to the NJ docks to retrieve a F4U-4 Corsair for installation at Bridgeport Airport (whence the Corsair began its storied history).
A military airplane designed for carrier use, it had hardpoints for lifting and we rigged it to provide a slight nose down in flight attitude, Used wood for spoilers and a drag chute. Gear was down and we did not touch the flaps (wanting less lift). Aircraft was intact with engine and prop, so weighed approx. 9500 lbs as I recall.
In spite of all that preparation, the Corsair wanted to weave in a sort of Dutch roll at speeds above 50KIAS*, so it was a slow trip home, along the south coast of Long Island till west of the Hamptons etc. Good thing we had filled all the fuel tanks in the Crane.
* started out very slow, then incrementally increased speed, 10 kts at a time, to see how the plane would behave. Word of caution here: high volume/low density or aerodynamic shaped loads can sometimes exhibit satisfactory stability (relative term) a bit beyond where you can fly them comfortably and safely.
Note: “ Whistling Death “ is a great read by the Corsair project test pilot, Boone T. Guyton. The story of the development and testing of the Corsair, and supporting the USMC/USN units personally during the war. The Corsair equivalent of the excellent Spitfire book by Jeffrey Quill.
Last edited by JohnDixson; 6th Jul 2018 at 15:32.
Reason: typo: nose, not node