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Old 5th Nov 2004, 13:33
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pa42
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: W'n. USA--full time RV
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the view from an alternate universe: FAA in USA

How interesting! In 50 years of flying FAA-certified aircraft using FAA-generated aeronautical theory texts, up to Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators (US Navy), I had never been exposed to thrust as an ingredient to Vx!

I believe (as a former FAA Designated Examiner) that in this corner of the globe, THRUST is not mentioned! All explanations of Vx are based on the POWER-required curve, Vx being found at the minimum-power-required (top of polar curve) speed, Vy being found at the point of tangency of a line from origin to polar curve. Similarly in Gliders (minimum sink vs best L/D).

Add this conundrum to the fact that French helicopter rotors revolve in the opposite direction to USA helicopter rotors. Vive la difference!

Dave
ATP CFI ASMELIGH
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