Flat Spin comments
Hi All,
I have just been sent a link to this thread. I am not sure I want to become embroiled in the discussion, but need to put some light on the subject:
The Flat Spin was not intentional, it was a botched entry by holding "pro-spin" aileron for too long, linked with a rapid rudder input whilst operating with the CofG close (but not beyond) the rearward limit.
The application of normal erect spin recovery had no effect, and analysis of the effects of the controls during the flat spin led me to the use of the ailerons to break the yaw-spin couple and effect recovery.
The engine stoppage was due to an over-rich mixture, probably due to airflow disturbance over the engine cowlings during the high rate of flat rotation of the a/c.
The a/c is VW powered, and therefore does not have a starter motor, the height of recovery precluded a dive to air-start the engine.
I was not able to see the barbed wire fence that the main gear caught during the flare to land.
One of the mistakes during that flight was my aerobatic practice over unhospitable terrain (I was trying to keep the noise away from populated areas), however, up until that flight I had never suffered any indication of a possible engine stoppage during aerobatics.
The aircraft is fully aerobatic, with inverted fuel and oil systems.
The max G limits when the a/c was on a CofA was +6-4, it is now on a Permit-to-fly, so those limits have been reduced to +4-2.
The flick roll is not listed as a manouver in the operators handbook, but neither is inverted flight.
This a/c has a modified tail group, which is stronger than the original; having a conventional braced fin/rudder rather than the all moving rudder of the original.
The whole purpose of putting the 26 turn spin on youtube was to promulgate flat spin recovery techniques. This I have also tried to do via GA publications. I do not enjoy the "limelight" that it has put me under. The other videos I have published for the interest of the GA or public who wish to view them. Those of you who have suggested it is for my own ego, it is not; if you are not interested then go look at something else, it is not mandatory for you to get bored by watching my or anyone else's videos, but it is your prerogative.
I apologise for the poor video quality. The videos were originaly taken to help me de-brief my flights, not for publication.
The Nipper is a fun and cheap a/c to operate, it has very few vices, and although I have not attempted it, I think a flat spin would take deliberate actions by the use of engine power/up elevator/out-spin aileron to get it to go flat with a CofG further forward. I have now weight trimmed this a/c to have a CofG toward the front of the envelope.
For anyone wondering what is the correct flat spin recovery:
Full opposite rudder.
Full with turn aileron
Forward elevator (amount depending on type)
To accelerate recovery the use of full engine power is suggested.
I thank the supporters of the video, for those of you who have issues with me and my actions/videos: I hope the flat spin video has been of educational use to you. I have "put my hands up" to the GA world, and hope that the exposure of my occurence will go some way to making the sport a safer place.
Happy landings; health; wealth and happiness to you all.