Rearwards flying
Not sure if it adds much but some might like to know I frequently demonstrate various Enstrom models in rearward flight at speed ... (28/280/480) In fact with a 15 knot following breeze, I've recorded a 70 knots groundspeed on the GPS. A good example can be seen on my North Weald Enstrom 28F display sequence. (video on the opening page of my web site which includes the loop) ... I've often thought it would be nice to have a rearward reading ASI fitted for display flying. There is an open secret.
To obtain anything over 50 knots the airframe needs to be flown fairly rapidly through the translation lift and associated flap-forward area using aft cyclic to achieve a steep disc angle relative to the surface. The technique is to replace a high percentage of conventional translation air flow with the good old induced airflow. Not sure what it proves though! Perhaps to say the usual ... "Don't try this without a good FI/DAE on board." Happy flying to all pps. Dennis K.