Mark That is very interesting about the supplemental lift provided by the speed brake unintentionally as it is deployed for landing.
My brake is solid, hinged even with the face of the rear spar, and has a 25 degree, and 45 degree notches in the brake actuator handle. Hopefully the inspection will happen here very soon (application sent to the FSDO waiting for response), and during the test period I will add testing a "short field" take off procedure and measure whether the use of the brake in the 25 degree setting produces enough lift to help with the takeoff, vs. the drag incurred. It stands to reason with me that if it makes it harder to land without holes, then without holes it should also help shorten the takeoff as well. The different Cessna's and some Pipers use their lowest flap settings for this short field takeoff and climb. If the lift from my brake is significant enough it should accomplish the same results. I think I will test it at altitude first, and note the time to climb with and with out the brake vs. distance on the GPS, and also check the liftoff with and without on the same runway. Should be interesting..... I am like a kid waiting for Christmas now! Colin & Bev Rainey KR2(td) N96TA Sanford, FL crain...@cfl.rr.com http://kr-builder.org/Colin/index.html
