At 07:49 PM 11/4/2016, you wrote: > Do I need my speed brake installed before > my first flight? ? I have a mechanical speed > brake ready to install but I am ready to fly. ? > My thought was fly sooner, keep it simple with > no additional items to effect the first flight. > I live on a 3000 foot grass strip. ? I have > hydraulic brakes. ? Will I need that brake installed? Joe Nunley? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You don't NEED it but you will appreciate having it after your first approach, trying to stabilize speed and sink on approach. I didn't use my speed brake on the first approach on the first flight and wasn't comfortable with what I was experiencing in handling qualities, i.e., speed control, flat approach. I went back to altitude and tested the brake. It worked fine and my second approach was much more "traditional". I never land without it now except occasionally for fun on our 8000 foot runway. Ask those who have flown without one and then added one for their opinion. Larry Flesner
