Flight inverted
Hallo Widgeon.... did you really fly one of those ??
As for inverted 'autorotation' and gaining height. The answer is a definite YES.
After one particular practice, I recall only too well, my old boss, Roy Spooner, (spoonair and all that) expressing concern at how I would cope if the engine let go when I was inverted. With a half tongue in cheek, I replied, "Not a lot extra to do Roy, as often I've split the needles anyway." I don't think he passed out.
But seriously, if a tad too much aft cyclic is used at the top, and with the lever down, the needles will certainly split in an Enstrom or the Schweizer. And when I've had a moment to check the VSI, one IS gaining height, though I've never confirmed this with a positive increase on the altimeter.
Thank you Nick and others for your welcome to pprune. Yes, now I've slowed down and am planning to write in my retirement, I'd love to join you chaps with a contribution or two.
And Mr kissmysquirrel, I AM looking to locate suitable interested younger pilots with a view to producing a 'duo' display, but it will have to be sponsored, or my plan can't go anywhere.
This winter, I plan to attack likely firms. If/when I get a positive response, I'll be looking more actively for three pilots with a view to forming a display team duo for 2007. I have one good guy now and we would want two more, and perhaps a year to get things in order.
The team would be 100% professional, ie full time pilots, dedicated aircraft in house colours, engineer, and ops. Preferred pilots would need a fair level of fixed wing aerobatic experience and perhaps 1000 hours or so on rotary, but nothing needs to be set in rock. But tons of the right mental approach is necessary.
'Twill all be in pprune if/when it can happen.
Dennis Kenyon