So that's poured cold water all over the blue touch paper!
I agree that in normal circumstances a technique can be developed for
successful departures and arrivals; conversely, the (mono)configuration can
be unforgiving of any unintentional departures from that technique. However,
holding a tail-low attitude allows the a/c to fly off at full throttle on
the backside of the power curve, which is ok if arrested while still in
ground effect.
Bumpy grass strips are also a bit of a problem for the conventional geared
Europa in that the a/c can be thrown prematurely into the air, requiring
fairly wild elevator input to keep things sensible. So far, no dinged prop.
My observations were meant to allow the reader to draw conclusions,
preferring otherwise to let sleeping dogs lie.
Being aware of the hazards, they can then be managed.
Duncan McF
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerry Holland" <gnholland@onetel.com>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: New Tail wheel, old engine mount???????
>
> > <ami@mcfadyean.freeserve.co.uk>
> >
> > Your 11" or 12" of prop clearance will reduce to about 4" in the level
> > attitude. A flat tyre will knock out close to another 4", which doesn't
> > leave much allowance for fully bottoming the landing gear and
maintaining
> > compliance with even the second part of the JAR requirement.
>
> Duncan
>
> Fair point regarding JAR requirement but not sure where your observations
> lead. Does a Monowheel Aircraft need revised operating procedures. i.e.
type
> of Runway surface, suspension 'stops in', revised suspension your opinion?
>
> My observations have been that most Monowheel Pilots land and takeoff with
> tail wheel 'held down' and by the time the aircraft is 'flying' or under
> full authority of controls the Aircraft has lift and is starting to
increase
> this Prop Tip to ground clearance as it enters flight and relieves load on
> undercarriage. A bump, pot hole etc. can and does certainly affect this
> clearance but that condition is common to all configurations.
> The Tri-gear or conventional configuration suffer similarly to some
extent.
> Tri gear especially during taxiing on rough grass, Conventional probably
not
> so badly due to increased margin of clearance and a more rigid 'action'.
>
> I measured my Trigear and with ground clearance and static measures 270
mm.
> The 64" prop certainly looks OK for clearance at first sight but in
> agreement with you certainly has every opportunity to get grounded if not
> handled with some thought based on local conditions and surface type.
>
> Perhaps ensuring Tyre pressure, Bungee tension, AUW conditions and any
other
> mitigating operating conditions can minimise risk.
> >
> > People in glass houses shouldn't light blue touch paper.!
>
> Not sure glass houses or blue touch paper are pertinent to this
discussion!
> Just some dialogue between this group to assess exactly why occasionally
> some poor devil has to purchase new Prop blades. My reaction was that
Nigel
> Graham who initially broached this subject was observing maybe one of the
> aggravating conditions that lead to a less than perfect landing creating
> expensive and frustrating expense. A conventional gear Europa does seem to
> have a Prop clearance advantage and perhaps that observation was all that
is
> intended. 'You makes your choice and suffer any consequences'.
>
> In observation of Monowheel Europa. The low ground line and single wheel
> action with Tundra tyre certainly gives comfort if forced landing only
> available on rough terrain.
>
> Thank God the ground phase is so short for Europa's of whatever type and
> that those awkward moments that are waiting for us all in any aircraft are
> quickly dispelled once airborne!
>
> Kind Regards
>
> Gerry
>
> Gerry Holland
> Europa 384
> G-FIZY
> +44 7808 402404
> gnholland@onetel.com
>
>
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