CFI
Ah yes the old tail wobbling story. It's an old wives tale. Next time you shut an aircraft down, listen to the airframe shudder. That's what happens in a spin, and not just to Tomahawks! As for certification, well read the POH.
Thanks. I admit, I've never flown a tomahawk, and I don't even know off the top of my head where I would go to find one! Round these parts it's hard to find something as underpowered as that on an FBO line, and I don't know anybody who owns one.
I've never heard the airframe shudder when I reduce power when I am spinning, but I use proper aerobatic certified planes. Do you mean buffet? I think that is different. Maybe I missed the shudder, I shall listen harder next time
As for the tail twisting like I heard described, never seen that either, but I will look harder next time too
I am happy to accept it is an old wives tale.
I think the problem with the POH is that the 'production version' of the tomahawk does not have the same airframe as the 'test version' where the original spin certification was granted. I think it was the Swedes who later put the plane through the FAA certification process, and it failed. The NTSB were so concerned that they requested the FAA certify the plane again. Not sure what happened next.
As I said, getting into a plane involves a risk/reward analysis (as does getting into the car to the airport). If the airframe is not certified for spinning, and there is uncertainty, then some would not spin it. If you want to do so, then I think you should. Insert smart ass comments about becoming a test pilot here
cheers