I have flown my Europa without doors.
On the FIRST occasion, I would not recommend it, unless carried out in
relatively safe conditions and when you are fairly confident.
The aircraft felt as though it was operating on reduced power, climbed
much more slowly than before, and the ASI gave an unfamiliar reading.
(lower than normal)
I also felt more prone to the effects of crosswinds on the runway.
It was quite pleasant in a way, but it's not something I've felt a 'burning
desire' to repeat. Given the well known effects of warmish wet day's on,
climb performance in a relatively underpowered aircraft (80hp), I would
recommend a longer runway with clear approaches.
Alan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Rauchfuss - PCD" <brauchfu@pcocd2.intel.com>
Subject: Re: Going top-less
> Unless someone else has tried it, feel free to be the test pilot --
> that'll be an awful big hole creating enormous drag, and huge "vortex
> streets" tossed back at the tail. Might still be controllable. :)
I thought that at one time that flying without doors was a feature of the
Europa. Is this no longer true? Anyways, I clearly remember a flight
report which talked about flying a Europa without the doors. It was
controllable and not even overly drafty.
Brian
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