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Old 10th August 2003 | 04:46
  #7 (permalink)  
Dick Whittingham
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 461
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From: Bristol
Nope. Alpha is not directly determined by forward speed. In a level turn there are vectors of diferent magnitudes hitting the wing, but all of the same direction, horizontal. It is only when the relative airflow is determined by a vector sum of a vertical and a horizontal vector that you get different answers for alpha.

I accept that aileron affects the local alpha, but repeat that it is not possible to say in isolation if aileron in or out of the turn or neutral will apply. It depends on compex balances of directional and lateral stability. Modern transport aircraft are required for certification to have positive spiral stability, that is that they will roll out of turn if left to themselves.

Anyway, since no one knows whether an unspecified aircraft will flick one way or the other in a stall I'm going to have a beer and chill out. Best advice is not to stall at all.

Dick W
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