Originally Posted by Dan Winterland
For the brakes it was 'As Required'. This was to allow some differential braking control on the ground in gusty conditions. But in over a thousand hours in the Chippy, I don't think I used them once. We didn't as a rule - it just increased the risk of losing directional control by over enthusiastic use of the rudder.
So the downwnid checks were always: Brakes.....Off
Oh yes, very definitely "off". If the brake cylinders are brought up for rudder bar operation, the rudder movement is limited accordingly - dangerous. Additionally, this is an absolute essential of the "HASEL" checks.
I have many hours on the DHC1 and onced owned the starboard side of one - needed to sell the other side to pay for the inner wing bay mod. I should have kept t'other side as I was forever bashing the impulse mag (starboard side) with a length of timber to free the sticky mechanism for winter starts.
All de Havilland aircraft had pleasant contol characteristics but the Chipmunk has the best harmonised controls of any aircraft I have ever flown. It is an absolute delight and thirty years after parting with my own aircraft, I still miss it terribly.
Spins are great fun and the aircraft performs these well (with/without spin strakes) but as has been mentioned above, the number of turns should be limited. I never did more than four. After that the attitude flattens (upright and inverted) and when the Chippie goes flat, it stays that way. No recovery. Keep the CG as far forward as possible (full tanks help) and if you have a passenger who fancies some aeros - and if he doesn't, don't bother to take him up - stick him in the front if he is substantially heavier than you.
And remember, the PA28/Cessna 175 and similar Spam Can ilk will fly as well as they are able to and were designed to eliminate any challenges from flying the beastly things. The Chipmunk however, will always be able to "outfly" you and will present a constant spur to precision flying. Get it right and it will reward you immeasurably. Do less well and it may bite but not very hard. An absolute throroughbred.
Oh, how I envy you.
