Jack wrote:
>The flare has to be timed very well, because
>the time between beginning the flare at 55 mph
>and stalling at 35 is approximately 1-2 seconds.
>However, if you carry a bit of power, the flare
>can be extended somewhat, making it a bit easier
>to land.
All very true, but I actually like the fact that
when you start the flare, you're committed to land
the airplane and there isn't much float to speak of.
The time in the landing phase in taildraggers that
has always been the most nervous for me is that
period where the wing is in a relatively high angle
of attack and near the stall, nose is up, wheels
aren't on the ground yet, and airspeed is scrubbing
off. It's when the airplane gets wobbly and the
crosswind has its way. Rudder effectiveness is
dropping off, so is aileron so you're busy stirring
the pot with the stick and your feet are moving to
the tempo that is needed to stay straight. So to me,
the fact that the Piet doesn't mess around once you
start the flare is a good thing. The "wobbly period"
is kept to a very minimum, which saves my nerves.
The airplane is, to me, a delight to fly but you
have to enjoy low, slow, breezy, antique style
flying where the wood and fabric are part of the
experience and the instrument panel is almost not
a factor at all.
Oscar Zuniga
Air Camper NX41CC
San Antonio, TX
mailto: taildrags@hotmail.com
website at http://www.flysquirrel.net
