On this occasion I have to disagree totally with Bob on the subject of
stall strips. I had them fitted to my aircraft when I foolishly let a
PFA inspector and test pilot do my annual flight test. He reported that
the aircraft had a vicious wing drop in the stall (funny I never noticed
it in a whole year of flying!). Anyhow he fitted stall strips and
pronounced the aircraft now "safe". From that moment on it was a
nightmare to land properly and the short field performance was
"interesting" On one occasion I spent TWO HOURS in the circuit trying to
devise a landing technique that worked every time and the only one I
came up with was flapless at slightly higher speed than normal, with
that technique I could probably get 3 out of five good landings,
obviously not ideal. So I removed the stall strips and hey presto all
was well again, every landing was a greaser and guess what the vicious
wing drop had mysteriously disappeared. Funny old thing that! The end of
the story was that I was having a drink with Ivan Shaw at a local
airport one day when in walked the "test pilot" who had fitted the stall
strips to my aircraft. He enquired as to how they were doing and I
politely told him what I thought of his fix. At which point Ivan joined
in the conversation and explained to this guy why stall strips are not
needed on the Europa. I'm not technically competent to pass on Ivan's
theories, but I believe what he said and proved it myself. For those who
are interested, the conversation got rather heated and Ivan ended up
calling the guy an idiot! Incidentally this "test pilot" has since done
some of the test program on the spitfire that was recently built by
Mathew Russell and guess what, yep he fitted stall strips. I believe he
had now been replaced on that project! My very strong advice is DON'T
FIT THEM unless its absolutely necessary, fit an electric stall Warner,
they work fine if you set them up properly and you will have a lot less
frustration believe me. Sorry Bob we will never agree on this one my
friend.
Alan
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
R.C.Harrison
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Lubrication & Stall Strips
--> <ptag.dev@tiscali.co.uk>
Hi! Jim
The stall strips are a life saver I've proved it! AND an invaluable
warning device simply fitted but you need to establish the actual stall
figures at a recoverable altitude first then use the template from the
manual to initially locate them then do some flying high to test whether
they need adjustment. They give an unmistakeable shudder at the stall.
Relocating them needs only a millimetre at a time and on final fixing I
have used some very durable clear adhesive tape. My torque tube bearings
are lubricated by grease nipples and whatever is in the gun that day !
Remember to wipe out excess though otherwise it getsb a free ride for
ever ! I also have installed aerosol tubes to all four bearing points of
the pitch control tibes under the seat and use a clear food machinery
lube. Regards Bob Harrison G-PTAG Europa MKI/Jabiru 3300
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jim Butcher
Subject: Europa-List: Lubrication & Stall Strips
Getting ready for first flight I find references in the Owners Manual to
lubrication, particularly the tailplane torque tubes and drive pins and
the door latches. What lubricants have others used on these items?
Also the Owners Manual states that stall strips are mandatory. Is this
an old reference to the Classic and not required on the XS?
Thanks
Jim Butcher A185 N241BW
almost to airport
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